COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Following Ohio State’s wild 52-51 comeback win over Maryland, Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer spoke with reporters. He talked about plenty of things, including the issues his defense is still having. Also answering questions were quarterback Dwayne Haskins, running back J.K. Dobbins, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, and more. Here are the highlights of what was said.
Urban Meyer
+ This was a great win. Meyer has great respect for Maryland head coach Matt Canada and his staff. Buckeyes were very fortunate to come away with a win.
+ There was phenomenal effort on offense and defense. The two biggest players allowed were because of missed tackles.
+ On going for two at the end by Maryland, Meyer said he probably would have done the same thing in Canada’s shoes.
+ Mike Weber has a quad bruise and it got worse over the last couple of days.
+ Demario McCall is the kickoff guy now.
+ Asked if the OSU defense lapsing is alarming, Meyer replied, “It is.”
+ Ryan Day called the fourth down pass play to Rashod Berry but Meyer approved it.
+ The problems on defense are both coaches and players, but the coaches need to put the players in a position to succeed.
+ “It’s frustrating when you see mistakes.”
+ Dwayne Haskins took a step forward as a leader today.
+ They’ll have to play better to beat Michigan.
+ “I anticipate we will (play better).”
+ This was the best that Haskins has run the ball. “He has to do that. His leadership was great.”
+ Thayer Munford and Terry McLaurin are probable for next week.
Dwayne Haskins
+ On trailing several times throughout the game: “I never lose faith.”
+ Playing in front of family and friends meant a lot to him today.
+ He ran harder because of the competition and they were talking smack.
+ “I watch Michigan every week.”
+ It was tremendous faith by Ryan Day to call the pass play on fourth down.
+ Ryan Day told Haskins that his read on the pick six was correct.
+ “I knew I was gonna run the ball today. Running’s fun actually.”
Chase Young
+ “Sometimes I guess we just don’t end up in the right gap.”
+ The big plays are discouraging, but those are easy to fix. The defense stepped up in the fourth quarter.
+ There are no concerns about being ready for Michigan.
+ Young said a quick prayer on the two-point conversion.
+ Young was teammates in high school with running back Anthony McFarland. “Ant’s a beast.”
Greg Schiano
+ Maryland did a very good job with their scheme. They put you in a position to make one-on-one tackles.
+ Maryland got a few deep shots in on the Buckeyes, which was an area where the defense had been containing.
+ Are they ready for Michigan? “We’re as ready as we’re going to be. We’re going to put together a good plan.”
+ The coaches didn’t do a good enough job preparing the defense today.
+ “We’ve had some really good defensive play at times, but not consistently.”
J.K. Dobbins
+ Dobbins isn’t sore from the workload, but he is tired.
+ He likes carrying the ball this many times because it allows him to get into a rhythm.
+ Demario McCall is going to be great at Ohio State when he gets his opportunity.