“We’re all chasing Ohio State,” he said after crediting Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer with forcing the rest of the Big Ten to recruit at a higher level to try to keep up with the program that has more than twice as many conference titles as anyone else in the league since 2000.
RELATED: What Meyer said about his team and Indiana on the Big Ten teleconference
That was just one of several topics Allen discussed during the Big Ten coaches teleconference on Tuesday:
- He confirmed depth remains an issue for his team when facing Ohio State. "That's a challenge," Allen said. "I'm not bashful about saying that. I said it a year ago. I said it after that game last year: We just kind of ran out of gas throughout that game and they wore us down."
- Recruiting and player development can close the gap, but that takes time. "It's not going to be fixed overnight," the second-year coach said. "I feel like we're getting closer in that area, but we're a very young football team overall. We do have more depth, but you don't have the same kind of depth I want us to have. It's a process growing that."
Undefeated Ohio State needs to get better in October to set up a memorable November and beyond https://t.co/Xr9oKb3cw9
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) September 30, 2018
- He was happy to get a win at Rutgers last week, although the Hoosiers nearly blew a 24-7 halftime lead before winning 24-17. "Excited to be 4-1 at this stage of the season and have the opportunity to head to Columbus and take on a great football team."
- On Ohio State's K.J. Hill: "We always look at guys and say who is a go-to when they need something? Who comes through in the clutch? That's the guy."
- Regarding quarterback Peyton Ramsey's growth since last year when he broke into the lineup as a freshman: "I think the improvement has come in his poise and confidence of knowing where to take the ball." While the Cincinnati native was quick to run last year, he is showing more patience in the pocket this season. He is also bigger, faster and stronger than last year, as one might expect. "He just keeps growing and keeps leading and I'm glad he plays for the Hoosiers."
Ohio State football: What Urban Meyer said on the Big Ten coaches teleconference https://t.co/V2D9GzVzHs pic.twitter.com/bNkC4hWfXt
— daytonsports (@daytonsports) October 2, 2018
- Allen sees a gap in talent between the Buckeyes and the rest of the league. "That's really the game-changer component. I don't know if I would use the word significant difference but it's a pretty strong difference. That's a credit to them."
- Suspended running back Morgan Ellison is practicing with the team but still ineligible to play in games. "The bottom line is he's been allowed to be with our team recently and we still have no answer yet for his game opportunities, but he's been able to be around us on a consistent basis which has helped."
- On Ohio State's Chase Young: "Boy, he's impressive. He's just so long. I thought as I watched him throughout the season on film he's just getting better and better."
Ohio State Buckeyes piling up awards after signature win https://t.co/OmTEqbwZn8
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) October 2, 2018
- Despite the loss of Nick Bosa, Ohio State's defensive line remains strong, a credit to coach Larry Johnson. "They're gifted. They keep rolling 'em in. Next man up there. That's what you want. Those elite teams have great d-linemen, great d-line coaches, and they have all of the above."
- In terms of Ohio State's penchant for allowing big plays on defense this season, Allen said, "They make it so hard on you, so if you can find a way to create a big play that's a huge positive. Just going and trying to figure out what we can do. That's obviously part of our plan to get the ball in a guy's hands who can make a big play."
The Buckeyes and Hoosiers are set for a 4 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Ohio Stadium.
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