Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took part in Tuesday’s weekly Big Ten coaches teleconference. He provided updates on his football program and also looked ahead to Saturday’s game at Maryland. The Terps are looking to become bowl eligible on Senior Day. Meyer also had plenty to say about Brett McMurphy’s latest piece on the Ohio State football program.
+ There won’t be nervousness for Dwayne Haskins coming back to Maryland, but there will be pride because he loves his home state and will want to perform well in front of friends and family.
+ Being a quarterback is a difficult thing. You have to get everybody lined up correctly and understand protections and routes, and then you have pass rushers, and all of this is happening in two seconds. Haskins has been able to handle all of that and still takes hits, which is the sign of a tough quarterback.
+ Asked about the Trevon Grimes story posted by Brett McMurphy, Meyer said they were made aware of it last week. OSU acted aggressively in investigating it and interviewed up to 10 people. Meyer was kept abreast of the investigation. Meyer and the players were irate at the story and the accusation and called the story preposterous. Attacking a player’s mother in the way McMurphy did was terrible as well. “I’ve never heard of anything like this before in my life. Certainly looking into legal action.”
+ The Buckeyes worked hard on tackling last week and it showed against Michigan State. They are maintaining that focus this week. The defense is getting healthier, which is helping.
+ Asked if he is concerned about a lack of focus, Meyer said he is concerned about everything. Maryland is as talented as any team OSU has faced this year.
+ Isaiah Prince probably got forced into action before he was ready in 2016, but he has been a leader for the Buckeyes this year.
+ It’s been great to have Branden Bowen back. He’s a safety valve. The offensive line has gotten healthier and deeper and it makes practice better. Wyatt Davis would still be the first inside guy in. Josh Alabi or Bowen would be the first outside guy to play.