Meyer: Buckeyes 'Not Ready Yet' to Take on Virginia Tech

It's only Tuesday, but Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said during the Big Ten's weekly coaches teleconference his team is "not ready yet" to take on Virginia Tech on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in the Buckeyes' home opener.

Meyer said he anticipates he'll have a better idea on Thursday of if his team will be ready to play but still wants to go through practice Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ohio State's home opener is a night game in Ohio Stadium and Meyer said in terms of recruiting, this weekend is "probably the biggest of the year."

Meyer went on to add that night games are important in recruiting for two reasons: No. 1 is the atmosphere and No. 2 is the logistics and being able to get the recruits here and not be rushed.

Meyer said the Buckeyes did not do any film study of their defense against Navy, but offensively he said he was impressed with both running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Curtis Samuel.

“The two tailbacks I thought did very good," Meyer said. "Ezekiel Elliot played with relentless effort and great downfield blocking. Curtis Samuel, I thought played outstanding for his first game.”

Meyer also said redshirt freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett's debut was what he expected. He also said he learned about some of his leadership later from his teammates.

"He's a very cool, collect guy," Meyer said. "I thought he handled himself very well."

Notes:

The Big Ten went 12-2 in Week 1 of the regular season as Wisconsin and Northwestern were the only teams to lose. In Week 2, 13 of the league's 14 teams will be in action as Indiana is the only team with a bye.

On Tuesday, the Big Ten coaches held their second weekly teleconference of the season. Below is a summary of what each coach had to say.

Brady Hoke (Michigan):

“We’re a work in progress as a football team overall. We did some good things a week ago but those are in the past.”
On the Notre Dame game: "It's a big game. Big game to play in and coach in."
Hoke was asked twice about injuries on his team, but said, "We're not going to talk about any injuries."

Gary Andersen (Wisconsin):

Backup quarterback Joel Stave is out with a "day-to-day" injury and was not available during Saturday's loss to LSU. "I Didn’t think it was right to tell everyone he couldn’t play a couple days before the game.”
On wide receivers having to make more plays: “We played against some very talented DBs, but we have gotta be able to create some separation.”
Andersen said he will be pulling for Michigan State this weekend against Oregon. “I’ll be pulling for the Big Ten, without question.”

Bo Pelini (Nebraska):

On Ameer Abdullah, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: “Ameer is obviously a tremendous player, tremendous kid. He’s worked very hard. He did everything well and didn’t disappoint.”
Nebraska plays McNeese State on Saturday, an FCS school. Pelini on the talent of FCS programs: “There are some FCS schools that could beat a lot of lower-tier Division I schools. That’s been proven time and time again.”

Mark Dantonio (Michigan State):

In the marquee matchup of the weekend, the Spartans travel to Oregon to face the Ducks. Dantonio on facing the Oregon offense: “Oregon is certainly cutting-edge in terms of their offensive philosophy. They have very good players who are doing what they’re asked to do.”
Dantonio on having to carry to Big Ten banner this weekend: “This is about Michigan State and Oregon and how they matchup, but there’s no question we go there representing the Big Ten.”
Dantonio was asked if a win against Oregon this weekend would change the perception: "We won the Rose Bowl last year," he said.

Kirk Ferentz (Iowa):

Ferentz was asked about Iowa's strength of schedule this year: “For us, it’s about playing whoever is on our schedule, playing to the best of our ability and trying to improve each week."
On this weekend's opponent, Ball State: “They’re very, very balanced offensively and run the ball extremely well. They really make you defend in all regards and they’re a very aggressive defensive team, as well.”

Jerry Kill (Minnesota):

On playing Middle Tennessee State this weekend: "I think our kids are well aware that you’ve gotta take it one week at a time and just go out and play.”

Kyle Flood (Rutgers):

Flood said there was no party on the plane back from Seattle after defeating Washington State: "The plane ride was very quiet. Everyone fell right asleep. We got back to campus around 9:30 a.m."
On the victory itself: “We were fortunate to be able to make one more play than they did. I think Washington State is an excellent football team.”

Tim Beckman (Illinois):

On the Illini picking up a 28-17 win over FCS Youngstown State: “The game last week, it’s a ‘W.’ We were playing a good football team in Youngstown State and we felt that they were very capable.”

Randy Edsall (Maryland):

On Maryland starting quarterback C.J. Brown: “He’s a really good runner, he’s a good passer. I think he’s a winner and you just see what he does for you on the field and he does so many things for us.”

Darrell Hazell (Purdue):

Hazell was asked on the mood of the team after picking up a win: “Our guys are walking differently right now. They’re seeing themselves differently.”

James Franklin (Penn State):

Franklin was asked about the coaches poll and said he doesn't want to get rid of it, but also said, "The only poll that matters is the one at the end of the year."
Franklin was asked about the potential Rutgers-Penn State games in the Big Ten: “I’m really excited about playing Akron this week.”

Kevin Wilson (Indiana):

The Hoosiers have a bye in Week 2 and Wilson said he has mixed emotions about having an open date this early in the season. Doesn’t like it if he only has one, but because IU has two it’s different.

Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern):

Fitzgerald admitted the Wildcats let the score dictate their effort in last week's lost to California. "We've got to get our minds right in the moment," he said.