Defensive player of the week: Dakota Allen adds to his All-American candidacy

I am a sucker for defensive touchdowns and wanted to give this award to Douglas Coleman after he ripped the ball (and soul) from Baylor Receiver Tony Nicholson and ran it back for a touchdown. That play virtually sealed the door on the Bears and secured the Red Raider victory. However this award is for the Defensive Player of the entire game, with that being said, I could no longer deny Dakota Allen’s greatness.

Allen has been the defense’s best player all season long and a candidate to make the All-American team as he has been a big part of the defense’s resurgence this year. Allen was everywhere once again this past Saturday as he helped stop the run with nine tackles, he rushed the passer as he recorded a QB hurry, and also sat back into coverage almost grabbing an interception as he tipped the pass. Allen would come away with a turnover of his own in the first half as Baylor was trying to tie the game early. After Charlie Brewer mishandled the ball, Allen burst through the hole and beat Brewer to the ball to recover the football.

Dakota has come a long way from where he was just a year ago and I am proud to see what he’s accomplishing.