With Ohio State in playoff contention, and a trip to Minnesota on tap 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 is "a little under the weather," right now but he's working through it.
Doran Grant had "one of his better games," according to Urban.
Ohio State's defense — near the end of the third and fourth quarter — started playing a little soft, which he "can't stand." But he understands why they play that way.
Jalin Marshall will retain punt return duties, where he's done "a very good job." Curtis Samuel will return kick offs; "We're excited to see what he can do."
Marshall is "fun to coach right now." He said Marshall went through "typical freshman stuff" last year, but he's playing and practicing great right now. "He's got a lot of momentum in his life right now."
"Receivers played their best game [against Michigan State] since we've been here."
"We learned our lesson at Penn State... We knew Michigan State was going to score, so we had a much more aggressive approach." The way J.T. Barrett was being protected allowed OSU to take its deep shots down the field.
"Zeke's got it all. ... This whole country is going to hear about 'Zeke Elliott before the year is done." Urban admitted, however, he's "a little banged up."
"That was a tough, physical game... and we've got another one coming up."
"Bosa's creating a problem for offenses right now. we just need the other three guys to pick up their play."
– Urban Meyer
Defenses are starting to "slide" their protection against Joey Bosa. And when they do go man, according to Meyer, "they leave a back back there." Urban notes, however, if teams are in max protection that means less receivers to cover.
After commercial break, Urban Meyer did not return due to his illness.
In his stead, offensive coach/co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner on the show.
Minnesota is "a very good football team... undefeated at home. It's going to be a tough challenge."
"I don't think any one of our players have played against Minnesota." Ohio State had to "educate" its players about the type of program they'll be facing on Saturday.
Minnesota's defense is "sound up front and very committed to stopping the run."
Jacoby Boren is "the epitome" of the program.
"[The offensive line] probably played their best game in East Lansing. ... Just happy we are where we are."
Ed Warinner says he was too locked into the game to hear O-H-I-O roll around Spartan Stadium. "I will say we have the best fans." The locker room was "special" after beating the Spartans in East Lansing.
"Going against Joey Bosa every day in practice helps the offensive line. ... Joey sets the bar for effort and play-making."
On J.T. Barrett: "His passer rating and pass efficiency is off the charts. ... As he goes, the offense goes."
The receivers "are as improved as anybody on the team... especially on offense." "Every week we have different guys showing up and that's kind of exciting."
Evan Spencer is "the most valuable player on offense," according to Urban Meyer and Ed Warinner.
OSU practiced outside this weekend, but it won't match this weekend's condition, which some players have never played in. After three straight 8 o'clock games, the noon game (in Central Time) will be another type of adjustment.
The full replay will be available here.
