After Indiana was seen removing Big Ten logos on his uniforms before the Outback Bowl against Ole Miss, head coach Tom Allen answered. Indiana seemed upset or sending a message at the conference, according to people on social media, at least.
However, despite not receiving an invitation from the Citrus Bowl like Northwestern or possibly being upset about the Big Ten’s decision to put Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game, Allen has a different reason. Allen said the message “LEO” on helmets was his team’s mantra.
He explained in a statement released Friday night.
“To clarify what we wear in our uniform and helmet for tomorrow’s Outback Bowl: since I took over as head coach in Indiana, the mantra of this program has been LEO, Love Yourself”, Allen said in a statement. “This season was the most difficult we have ever experienced and we thought it would be appropriate to showcase LEO, which took us through one of the most historic years in Indiana football history. We did not intend to disrespect anyone. We are a proud member of the Big Ten and we are always representing our conference. LEO is the foundation of our program and we want to bring in 2021 with a focus on our team and mutual love. LEO! “
Indiana faces Ole Miss (4-5) in a usual top-level bowling game, but perhaps it could be a message sent by Indiana, if not just an intriguing coincidence.
“Energy levels are high,” Indiana defender Jamar Johnson said this week. “We know what is at stake. We know that this program won only three bowl games. We are checking this year to do whatever it takes to win. “
Johnson even addressed Indiana’s missed opportunity in the Gator Bowl against Tennessee in 2019.
“That game was very important,” said Johnson. “It gave us an extra edge to finish. We made a big emphasis this year that we will learn how to end. We will work to finish instead of, ‘Oh, Indiana is always close here and there, but they never come out with a win.’ Everyone did what they needed to make sure we finished those games in the end, when it really mattered. With that chip on our shoulder, we are ready to redeem ourselves this year. “
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No. 11 Indiana (6-1) faces Ole Miss (4-5) in the Outback Bowl on Saturday at 12:30 pm ET.