Michael Penix, Jr. seemed to defy the laws of physics in 2020 as he floated along the sideline long enough to extend the ball to the goal line and give Indiana an improbable 36-35 overtime win over Penn State.
Penn State fans will go to their graves insisting Penix was down, or the ball touched out of bounds before it broke the plane.
But former Indiana coach Tom Allen never had a doubt, and he has since confidently displayed a framed photo of the memorable moment in his office at Memorial Stadium.
Suddenly, Allen now finds himself on the other side of the debate.
Introduced as the Penn State defensive coordinator on Wednesday, Allen was asked about the play.
“I knew this was coming,” said a smiling Allen.
While the picture likely won’t hang in his new office, he hasn’t changed his view of the call on the field.
“Oh, it was touchdown,” Allen said of the play that would catapult him to the national coach of the year. “But I get it. It depends on what glasses you’re wearing and who you were cheering for.”
“Obviously it was very contested on both sides and reviewed and talked about ad nauseam,” Allen said. “I’ve got a big ole picture in my office that shows he scored. It was a touchdown back then, probably still considered a touchdown today and will be considered a touchdown 20 years from now. Bottom line is, it was a great game, and that was a great win for the Indiana Hoosiers.”
Allen signed a three-year deal with the Nittany Lions, according to the Centre Daily Times. He will make $1.5 million in 2024, $1.6 million in 2025 and $1.7 million in 2026.
In connection with the restructuring of Allen’s agreement with Indiana upon termination, his Penn State salary will not reduce the amount he is owed by IU.
You can watch his full introductory press conference below.
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