With the sun setting and temperatures on the decline, Ohio State completed its midweek practice in preparation for a trip to Champaign and the Illinois Fighting Illini Wednesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Urban Meyer met with the Columbus media in the team room after practice to field questions on his team.
Notes:
- Meyer opened talking about Veteran's Day, noted how walk-on Patrick Wise is a veteran from Warren, Ohio: "Just great news that we have young men who are like that playing for us."
- Sean Nuernberger is Ohio State's starting placekicker Saturday at Illinois. Jack Willoughby will still handle kickoffs.
- How's J.T. Barrett looked in practice this week? "Sharp. Really good."
- He's never really thought about putting Vonn Bell on offense, because of the "plethora" of talent Ohio State has on offense: "Just would create a little more nightmares for me right now. No.
- "He's probably a little bit more than we thought he was going to be, which is great. I'm glad he's a Buckeye." — Meyer on Bell
- Parris Campbell is probable for Saturday at Illinois. Johnnie Dixon remains out and Dontre Wilson is "still not sure."
- Defensive tackle Tommy Schutt is "good to go" for Saturday at Illinois.
- On film, Meyer hasn't noticed teams getting after it more against Ohio State this season as defending champions, though it is different in night games: "That's kind of how kids are these days."
- "This time of the year, you're 10 weeks into it, I think it's good water cooler talk on 'they're trying to defend this, defend that.' No. We're just trying to win a game." — Urban Meyer
- Today was a "good catch up" day for the team with regards to sleep and health because Ohio State was closed for Veteran's Day and there were no classes.
- On Barrett, he's been par for the course in practice this week with his effort: "He's a pro and he's preparing to play quarterback for Ohio State."
- Illinois' big players up front on its defense as what jumps out to him on film.
- "I don't think there's any chance of a letdown, I'm just focusing on executing and playing. That's it."
- The weather forecast plays into the game plan every week: "Obviously the wind is a big thing and can affect the passing game ... I check that every day. It definitely can impact a game plan."
- On Denzel Ward: "Every great player" began the we he has at Ohio State, making noise on special teams. He said Ward's speed has helped him get on the field this year and it goes hard.
- Meyer wasn't surprised how Damon Webb played last week after a six-game hiatus. He noted Webb is still battling through a high ankle sprain, but he's getting close to being 100 percent.
- Webb is the third corner right now, Ward is fourth on the depth chart. Marshon Lattimore is "questionable" for this week with a tender hamstring.
- On Kickergeddon: The decision was to go with Willoughby initially but he's struggled. They had a tryout Sunday and Wednesday and Nuernberger's been better: "It's about numbers and just making the kicks. The No. 1 thing is to get it through the uprights."
- Meyer's pleased with how Nuernberger's remained engaged this season even though he hasn't been playing.
