Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took questions during Tuesday afternoon’s Big Ten coaches teleconference. He answered questions about his Buckeye team as well as questions about Saturday’s upcoming matchup against Nebraska. The Huskers have won two in a row while Ohio State has had to stew for a week following a loss to Purdue. Here are the highlights of what Meyer had to say.
+ Asked if they were able to determine the root of the defense’s problems. He said number one is missed tackles and number two was penalties that kept drives alive. They are also looking at scheme adjustments as well to make sure they have the right players in the right places.
+ They have also made adjustments for the running game that they feel good about. Now it’s executing and putting the right schemes on against Nebraska’s defense.
+ Dre’Mont Jones is elite. “He’s our guy.” He was unblockable at times in the spring. There is a lot of football left and he is one of the best players on the team. He has an incredible mom and dad and is serious about his education. He has never been a problem once.
+ Robert Landers hasn’t been the same this year due to injuries, but he is full speed now and he is bringing a lot of energy. Thayer Munford has been managed well too last week because of injuries, but he’s ready to go.
+ Meyer thought they’d be better in the pass rush this year. There’s a variety of reasons why, but they need to get it working.
+ Wyatt Davis is very close to playing. They have talked about that. “He has to be one of our most-improved players from the summer until now.”
+ Offensively, they’d like to be 250-250, but it depends on what kind of quarterback you have and what kind of defense you are seeing. Regardless, you have to have balance. “That has to happen.”
+ Isaiah Prince has performed “pretty good.” There have been times where he had some issues. Overall, the body of work has been very good.
+ Damon Arnette, Jeff Okudah, and C.J. Saunders are all cleared and will play this week.
+ Asked why he still wants to coach, Meyer said he loves the game, loves the players, and loves the university and wants to do this as long as possible.
+ This is a completely different Nebraska team than they saw a year ago. And it’s a different team than what they were earlier in the season.
+ There is still a sting and a bad taste and they want to fix it.
+ Since Meyer arrived in the Big Ten, the coaching has improved at every school. Walkovers don’t exist anymore in the Big Ten and that’s a credit to the schools.
+ J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber are both frustrated, “as we all are.” The offensive line is frustrated as well. The RBs also have to make their own holes. “They’re prideful guys and they want to rip through and get some big yards.”