Urban Meyer joined Paul Keels, the voice of the Buckeyes, and former player Jim Lachey for the first 2015 broadcast of the Urban Meyer Coach's Show on 97.1 The Fan. Ohio State's fourth-year coach talked Northern Illinois and all things Ohio State football.
"The only difference in the MAC is not the quality, but the quantity." When he was at Bowling Green, the Falcons beat Missouri and Northwestern among others. "I'm proud to say I coached in the MAC."
A lot of times lesser-developed players — like the ones coaches usually target in the MAC — end up becoming the better players because of "untapped" potential.
Urban Meyer tried to hire Toledo's Matt Campbell when Meyer arrived at Ohio State. He texted Campbell after knocking off Bert Bielema's Arkansas.
It was "outstanding" to see how Ohio State practiced during two "hot" days this week.
"Our two safeties and our two corners are outstanding football players."
"Our linebacking crew... wish we could keep them here forever."
"Our inside (defensive tackles) guys need to get better. That's the one level where we need to get better." Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt are playing well, however.
Vonn Bell was "20-feet away" from the play when Hawai'i's Max Wittek was hit but ended up scoring because of his hustle and determination.
The lack of big plays is credited to Hawai'i's play, but the 2015 team isn't as good at the 2014 team at blocking on the outside.
"I'm not going to say J.T. Barrett will get the second series because I don't know. We have a [quarterback] plan, and we're going to execute that plan."
Braxton Miller saying "he can run fast" didn't mean he would make it at the next level. He's dedicated himself to becoming an "All-Purpose" player.
They're looking at having two punt and kick returners this week.
Jack Willoughby is ahead of Sean Neurnberger in the kicking competition, but "today will decide" who kicks against Northern Illinois.
ON NORTHERN ILLINOIS:
"Very talented; Big Ten-level talented."
"Anytime a quarterback can run and throw... that's a problem."
In 2002, Urban's Bowling Green was 9-0 and ranked in the Top 20 "for the first time ever" and was beaten by Northern Illinois on the road... after "a seven hour bus ride on the turnpike." That meant it was 14-hours total on the road, and their postgame meal was KFC.
"This is a big, solid team," Urban said after noting the size along NIU's lions.
"The read option is not a big part of our offense anymore."
The push-pass on jetsweeps is something they took from Clemson. "Over the past two years, it's one of our best plays." It's charted as a pass, but Meyer considers it part of the run game. "It takes practice, but once you get it down, it's easy. You don't hand it off, you just flip it."
Urban admitted that predisposition to handling a benching factors into their QB decision, but it's not the No. 1 reason by any stretch.
A caller asks if Urban Meyer ever worries about having too many playmakers: "No," Meyer deadpanned. Carlos Hyde used to not practice hard and then want the ball on game days, but that's not how it's done at Ohio State. Dontre Wilson is another guy who has struggled with that, but he's practicing better now.
"Parris [Campbell] — I love that kid. He was raised the right way... Watch out, because I'm buying stock in that guy."
Replacing Devin Smith is still "to be determined." Mike Thomas is a "great receiver" but he's not that kind of receiver. Braxton Miller is "still getting comfortable."
Torrance Gibson is "back in his groove, and getting better and improving." A sprained ankle set him back a week or two, but he's "one they're watching."
It's getting "real close" to when Braxton Miller will be allowed to throw out of the wildcat. Teams will eventually load up on the run, but Urban Meyer noted he's "that good." Diversity will still be needed, however. "You might see him throw a pass this week."
Braxton Miller won't get to know people if he doesn't already know them. "Our relationship when we first got here was subpar," but it's no longer that way. "You never hear about any High Street issues with him. ... Buckeye fans love him, and they should."
"Some players take playing at home for granted, but not our guys." It drives him nuts to hear about players wearing headsets during the Buckeye walk. "Go out, shake their hands... we're all in this together."
On the 2014 championship banner unveiling: "I think we had to punt during that time. I was pissed."
"HeinyGate... is that still going?" (Keels explained the hotel was bought and turned into student housing, thus killing the raucous tailgate.) "So we can't go over there on a Sunday then?"
Joey Galloway is a behind-the-scenes "monster" for Ohio State now.
"Gene [Smith] is outstanding. He gets it. As a former player, he's not one of these marketing guys that's out here trying to squeeze [programs]."
Full replay available at 971theFan.com.
