BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Tom Allen had no time for finesse or pretend.
Football success often requires in-your-face motivation. You set a goal, embrace it, define it, reinforce it.
And so Indiana's coach did, to his team, to the media, to recruits, to anyone who wanted to listen, and even to those who didn't.
Let others dodge bowl talk. Allen pushed it as if his next meal depended on it.
That led to a dramatic victory over Maryland, and a tough-minded loss at powerhouse and No. 4 Michigan.
"We went to Michigan to win and get bowl eligible, and (the players) responded," Allen said.