COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer spoke with the media on Monday to look back on the Buckeyes’ win over Michigan and look ahead to Saturday’s matchup against No. 3 Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. Here are the highlights. You can watch the entire video below.
+ Champions on offense were Barrett, Haskins, K.J. Hill, Parris Campbell, and Johnnie Dixon. Michael Jordan, Jamarco Jones, and Billy Price. Co-Players of the game were Isaiah Prince and Marcus Baugh. “How about that one?” Baugh blocked very well.
+ Defensive champions were Bosa, Holmes, Jones, Lewis, Baker, Worley, Borland, Sheffield, Webb, and Fuller. The Co-Players of the Game were Sam Hubbard and Denzel Ward. Ward graded out 95%. 17 out of 20 on plays made to opportunies. Jeff Okudah and Justin Hilliard received mention for special teams, as did Zach Turnure. Erick Smith was the Special Teams Player of the Game.
+ Honored to represent arguably the best conference in America in the Big Ten Championship Game.
+ Meyer isn’t angry about the Greg Schiano situation. He’s said it many times that Schiano is an elite person. “I stand by my coach.” Not fair to the players to keep speaking on the situation.
+ J.T. Barrett is probable right now and is progressing well in rehab. It’s a cartilage/meniscus situation. It has been an issue all season long, but they have never had to deal with it or manage it during a game. He’s always ready to go.
+ Every team is different as to how they will respond after an emotional game. This is a veteran team and they will harp on laser focus all week.
+ Dwayne Haskins gives the coaches comfort after performing in that environment against that elite defense. And more than just for the coaches, the players and teammates have confidence in him as well. The teammates were happy to see him rewarded as a champion. If Barrett isn’t 100% during the game, Haskins gives them an option, but that’s not something they look at right now.
+ Sam Hubbard is an energizer. It’s a credit to his family. He knows one speed. He’s an all-time favorite.
+ It’s too early to tell if Barrett’s mobility will factor in their decision about whether to play him or not.
+ Wisconsin runs a 3-4 defense and one of the linebackers is primarily a rusher. They are always consistent. “It is what it is.” You can turn the game on from 2012 or 2013 and it’s the same defense.
+ Meyer is energized by where the team is at right now. This was a tough stretch. It’s tough on the players. The guys are energized for this game as well.
+ Does the Big Ten East toughen you up or wear you out? “To be determined.” It definitely toughens you up.
+ The QB reps will be split more this week.
+ On Wisconsin’s defense: “I think they’re No. 1 in everything.” They are giant up front. They always have elite linebackers.
+ It is exhausting managing the coaching carousel in the midst of a championship game preparation.
+ As a friend, it’s tough to see Greg Schiano go through what he’s gone through the last two days. Positions have to be a perfect fit and if it’s not, you move on.
+ Wisconsin has giant offensive linemen.
+ It’s time for Maurice Hurst to move on to the NFL.
+ J.T. Barrett has not practiced this week.
+ Meyer trusts that the right people are looking into the situation with J.T. Barrett’s injury and how it happened.
+ Meyer allowed Sam Hubbard to take part in Senior Tackle because Hubbard wanted to, but the door is “wide open” for him to return. Meyer doesn’t want to speculate on whether he’s leaving.
