COLUMBUS — Following Ohio State’s emphatic 62-39 win over Michigan on Saturday, Buckeye head coach Urban Meyer and several players spoke with reporters. Meyer talked about the win and how it came to be. The players spoke of wanting to win for each other and a desire to send the seniors out with a victory over Michigan. Here are the highlights.
Urban Meyer
– Can’t beat the Ohio State fans. The stadium was rocking and rolling. He is more appreciative of the fans than ever.
– Meyer has great respect for Michigan and the rivalry.
– Asked where this kind of performance from Ohio State was all year, Meyer said, “688 against Maryland.” A win is never frustrating because they are hard to get and it’s disrespectful to the players who are fighting for each win to call a game a bad win.
– “That’s a focused team that loves each other.”
– Credit to Ryan Day and Kevin Wilson on the offensive outburst.
– The quarterback is a product of those around him, and while looking at the box score, Meyer said, “under sacks it says zero.”
– It won’t be difficult to get up for the Big Ten Championship Game.
– The Buckeyes had to keep scoring because Michigan kept scoring.
– Why do you play, for the love of those behind you.
– The team they beat today was very, very good.
– To share this win with his family and his players, that’s what is important.
– On Chris Olave’s blocked punt, Meyer didn’t like the play call and didn’t like the play in practice. “I didn’t think we could do it.”
– Chris Olave is a “monster.”
Dwayne Haskins
– This was a crazy win.
– Haskins knew they would be able to throw on Michigan when they came out in man coverage with one high safety.
– He wasn’t sure they’d put 62 points on the board, but he knew they’d “put on a show.”
– You could always see Chris Olave’s talent and skill. He is smooth and silky.
– It was hard to get off the field because of so much love from Buckeye fans.
– Watching tape of Michigan’s defense this past week, he was licking his chops.
– “We know what this game means to this school.”
– Haskins had a clean pocket all game. “I have to take them out to dinner.”
Parris Campbell
– The players got tired of hearing about how confident Michigan players were this week.
– Chris Olave has a special place in Campbell’s heart. The receivers will be in good hands with him next season.
– This offense can throw the ball on anybody.
Malik Harrison
– This was the best game of his career.
– He wanted to play well for the seniors and send them out with a bang.
– For a guy who grew up 15 minutes away, it was special to make plays in this game.
Chris Olave
– “It’s unreal to be honest.” His family was out from San Diego for the first time this season.
– He just did what he did today for his teammates and the love he has for them.
– They practice that punt block all week.
– He knew he would have to dive for the block.
– Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon, and Parris Campbell are role models in Olave’s life, and when he saw them out there on Senior Day, he wanted to do something to get them a win.
Dre’Mont Jones
– Hopefully the Playoff Committee takes notice of what the Buckeyes did.
– Very excited to have the chance at back-to-back Big Ten Championships.
– Jonathon Cooper has been working hard all season to have games like this. He deserves it.