With Illinois whacked and Michigan State on tap, Urban Meyer took to 97.1 The Fan's airwaves to discuss all things Buckeye football with Paul Keels and former All-American Jim Lachey.
On Mike Thomas' leadership development: "You have no idea. I call him 'The Pro.'"
Does the season feel like it's flying by? "No," Urban deadpanned.
On depth behind Ohio State's talented upperclassmen: "There's talent... but we've certainly got a way to go." Noted that's a question for spring football though, not November.
"There's a standing commitment here... if there's another Boren walking around on the streets we'll find a way to get him in here."
J.T. Barrett vs. Illinois: "He played good." Ohio State isn't quite where they were last year in terms of distributing it to perimeter playmakers, but that's not all on J.T.
Ohio State is within the Top 3 of combined starting defensive and offensive position, a key stat to Meyer. (Ohio State was No. 1 last season.)
Sean Nuernberger drilled a 57-yard field goal in practice on Wednesday.
Michigan State has several fake field goals and punts from tough situations. "They've had 25 in the last few years." Said special teams is working extensively this week on various scenarios.
On Cameron Johnston having the green light to run on rolling punts: "If he can make it... but if he doesn't then he better stay on the other sideline," Urban joked.
With the defense playing so well, Urban "finds himself being okay," with shortening the games in effort to win.
Offensive line coach is "the hardest job on the staff." Ed Warinner is "doing a good job," with his dual roles; Urban noted they lead the Big Ten in rushing and scoring, but also said there's "continuous evaluation."
Pass protection issues have also stemmed from QBs holding the ball too long and tight end blocking.
On keeping OSU focused despite the national hype: "If we were an immature team, I'd be worried." Noted he and Mickey Marotti talk a lot about it, but they'll only talk to players that don't have big game experience (like Sam Hubbard and Gareon Conley).
"For me to tap Zeke on the shoulder and say, 'Hey, it's a big game,' there are better things to do."
"When I first got here, [Michigan State] had one or two receivers. Now they've got a group."
Michigan State: "One of the best defensive lines in college football. All those guys are NFL guys... It starts with defense. It'll be strength on strength because we're an offensive line-driven program."
Urban told an anecdote about his daughter going on a volleyball recruiting visit to Georgia Tech. She was hosted by Clark Kellogg's daughter. Urban called Clark to get the scoop on GT. For Ohio State, Joshua Perry's family plays that role for prospective recruits. "We're always giving their number out."
Armani Reeves: He's done with football but still contributing to the program. "We love Armani... he's given back in a great way; he's helping these young players; he's coaching." Urban said to Chris Ash Armani may have a future in coaching.
"You know how many times I've had to see if [Braxton Miller] went to class? Zero. You know how many times I've had to see if he's doing the right thing? Zero."
On Ohio State's 16 seniors: "Some are really good, some are not good... It's a great Senior Day because of what these guys have done."
On Ezekiel Elliott's second-half surges: Because of Ohio State's inefficiency in passing, teams are stacking the box. Because of that, a lot of tackles on him come from extra guys in the box. Over the course of the game, Ezekiel Elliott just wears down "230-pound" safeties.
Urban noted football changed in that it used to be putting pressure on a quarterback meant putting pressure on your cornerbacks. Now, you put pressure on the QB to help take pressure off your cornerbacks. There are many good CBs in CFB, but Ohio State "has the two we want" in Eli Apple and Gareon Conley.
Mike Hill, Tommy Schutt and Joel Hale drew praise for their interior line play
Meyer: The defense has been performing "really, really well the last three, four weeks."
