With Northern Illinois in the rearview mirror and Western Michigan on tap Urban Meyer joined Paul Keels, the voice of the Buckeyes, and former player Jim Lachey for the The Coach's Show on 97.1 The Fan.
Urban: "We had a lot of respect for NIU's offense... but we overwhelmed them upfront." Ohio State's corners are playing well, and "there's no space" which is what Urban envisioned.
"The quarterback is a product of those around him." Urban said he mentioned it last year when J.T. Barrett was performing well.
Controlling the line of scrimmage, perimeter blocking, and the play-action game that compliments the run game are the keys to the game. "If you do those things... you're tough to stop."
"John in Defiance" wants to know if Ohio State would ever go on the road to a MAC school: "I don't think so," Urban said but notes it's Gene Smith's call. Urban is all about playing MAC schools at home, however. "Some of those schools need that [payday]."
Urban said he knew Monday what direction they wanted to go with QB. Both QBs handled it well, and they've practiced well. "We've focused on those around the quarterback," Urban said. If they perform well, the team will play better.
The offensive line "has not played well," and Urban is disappointed. "The first game they played really well," but did not replicate that in the second or the third game.
Urban said Ezekiel Elliott is playing "pretty well," just hasn't had the home run hits. He wants 20-26, 27 touches for him a game.
Urban stressed the downfield blocking on the perimeter again. Says long runs are always a product of 10 other guys doing their jobs. "We're going to make some changes out there this week."
Parris Campbell will be back next week. Terry McLaurin is a name that we could see, but K.J. Hill "will be played this week."Western Michigan "played Michigan State tough." "Great high school football in Kalamazoo." They run a spread offense where they'll "try to get the ball out fast" where they'll attack Ohio State horizontally and then vertically. P.J. Fleck is a high-energy guy that recruits well.
Urban Meyer hired Chris Ash to do something about the quick throw "gimmes" Ohio State used to give up. "They'd throw it out in the flats... and then it's 2nd and 2 all of a sudden." They're more aggressive now.
"Think about the defense one year ago today. It was average at best. ... It's gone to as good as defense as I've witnessed. ... I can't say enough about what's gone on over there."
Western Michigan "played Michigan State tough." "Great high school football in Kalamazoo." They run a spread offense where they'll "try to get the ball out fast" where they'll attack Ohio State horizontally and then vertically. P.J. Fleck is a high-energy guy that recruits well.
If teams struggle early it's from stuff they haven't seen. "It's not unique to us." They will have to "prepare for everything," but teams eventually will have to play what they know as the season progresses.
"Our offensive line has to adapt much quicker."
Cam Williams "doesn't get enough credit. He's the quarterback of the punt team." He's done a "really good job" as has the punter, Cameron Johnston.
Ohio State is "disappointed" if kicks get returned past the 20. Like that the unit is "intimidating," considering they're usually the first unit to take the field.
Curtis Samuel has earned the right for backup RB carries, as as has Bri'onte Dunn.
Marcus Baugh has been pushing Nick Vannett in practice. "You might see him a little more this week."
Jerome Baker is "close." Matt Burrell is "coming up the ranks quick." Torrance Gibson was playing well but the ankle injury set him back. Mike Weber's MCL knee injury was described as "major" but the RB will be back next week.
Urban says lack of freshmen playing time is due to depth. "I would like to play more freshmen, but we're not going to play them just to play them." It's a good problem to have.
Vonn Bell "is as good as I've had. One of our top tacklers if not our best. A tremendous competitor in practice. Works hard on his trade." He was "one of our worst practice players," but he's become a top-5 on a team.
Andrew in Columbus asks about the lack of counters against 3-4 "odd fronts" before giving us the day's first "Love ya, Brother" sign-off. It's an issue Urban raised that issue with the offensive staff. "Normally, you run 3-4 against us and we'll have a good day." But teams have gotten riskier in their schemes, and the Bucks have yet to make them pay. NIU's 3-4 was not the same as Oregon's.
Urban is tired of people asking if he's disappointed, and lauded a caller asking about young players surpassing expectations. "Heck yes," Urban said.
"Are we a big audible offense? Not really... Have we been great at it? No."
Jalin Marshall "is getting close" to supplying a vertical threat. Parris Campbell "was getting close" but now he's injured.
Jamarco Jones and Demetrius Knox are making charges. "Matt Burrell... fans should remember that name. He's getting close."
"We're in a day and age of information." Sometimes it helps coaching, but it can also hamper it. "You have to remember it's about toughness." Sometimes he gets too carried away with "the perfect play," and Ohio State is going to be more aggressive going forward.
Urban told a Florida story about playing Oklahoma in the title. Steve Adazzio, his then-line coach, asked if they should practice 3-4 stuff. Urban disagreed, saying Stoops was almost "arrogant" in his belief in 4-3. Then on the first offensive play Urban became "violently ill" when Stoops came out in a 3-4. It was a tied game at half and Florida made adjustments to win the game.
Full replay available at 971theFan.com.
