With Ohio State's bye weeks over, and Rutgers coming to town, Urban Meyer joined former All-American Jim Lachey and the voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels, on the airwaves of 97.1 The Fan for Urban Meyer Coach's Call-In Show.
Urban said Ohio State's average starting position has been their own 37-yard line, which is a huge storyline in Ohio State's recent offensive explosion. Urban also lauded his kick-off team, as pinning back teams has helped their defense's performance.
Penn State's starters are as good as anyone in the country, according to Urban, although he "can't speak for the backups." "They're No. 1 in rush defense."
Mike Hull, No. 43, is Penn State's dynamic linebacker and their "guy on defense." "He's twitched up." Urban said Hull reminds him of Wisconsin's former linebacker, Chris Borland.
Beaver Stadium is "a whole different demon we'll have to face." Ohio State hasn't faced a challenge like it this year.
Urban Meyer said he enjoys rewarding players who work hard in games where Ohio State is up "a little bit." Mike Thomas has never been isolated, but "he just makes plays." Evan Spencer was last week's benefactor.
Nick Vannett "goes into 'one of the most improved players' category on our team, and we get him for another year too."
On Eli Apple: "We don't see a ceiling to him," but "he's not an All-Big Ten cornerback yet."
Urban considers Penn State "a very good team," that "for whatever reason, hasn't hit their offensive stride yet."
"Thing we're worried about most is their tight ends," and the mismatches they create with Ohio State's defense. Whether it's Vonn Bell or somebody like Josh Perry drawing coverage will depend on the called defense.
Urban Meyer doesn't believe he's ever faced James Franklin or either of his coordinators.
The caller who labeled Ohio State's pass defense "atrocious" a few weeks ago called in and apologized. "You've proven me wrong," he said.
"We're leading the nation in fan support... and there's not one person around the Woody Hayes center." Ohio State fans are "out of their mind, and I mean that in the best way." Called Ohio Stadium "majestic."
Urban said "years ago," it was common to have one or two commitments in September, but now it's not the case. Urban said Ohio State's recruiting lull this summer was his fault because he doesn't like offering sophomores without meeting their family, etc. But "a couple schools are forcing our hand," as they'll come into Ohio and offer 60 prospects at a time.
On Devan Bogard: "I don't think the news is going to be good." If it's his ACL, it will be his third ACL surgery of his career, but Ohio State will "take care of him" and "make sure he gets his degree."
Penn State's running back, Bill Belton, is "the real deal." For whatever reason, Penn State hasn't gotten him to the second level very often, but Ohio State is taking his threat very seriously.
Side-stepping a question about signing a long-term contract, Urban was more than excited to talk about his son. Nate, a high school freshman, is "killing it," at Bishop Watterson. Jokingly adds, "We've already offered him, and he's committed to Ohio State."
Urban talked to Dan Mullen, who coached with Urban for 10 years and is coach of the No. 1 team in the country, for advice. "We rotate players on defense," Mullen told him. Which is why Raekwon McMillan and Chris Worley have seen more time lately. "We're trying to create depth."
Nine of Ohio State's punts (out of a meager 13 this year) have landed inside the 11-yard line. "Think about that," Urban said.
Full replay available at 97TheFan.com.
