After hearing Ohio State’s coaches and players talk about Iowa this week, one would think the Hawkeyes are the best 4-2 team in the country. Head coach Urban Meyer pointed out all the positives about the Iowa defense – no rushing touchdowns, they have yet to line up in a goal line set, etc.
Talk of a trap game should only be left to the media, says Meyer. It’s non-existent in the Buckeye locker room. Meyer said the team is well aware of how stout the Hawkeye D is.
Braxton Miller and Corey Linsley said it gives them added motivation. They want to be the first offense that crossed the goal line for a rushing touchdown.
Said Linsley: “It’s an added incentive.”
Miller admitted it makes him want to play harder. To get there Ohio State will need continued proficient line play. Asked what the offensive line does well, Meyer kept it simple.
“Block,” he said.
Notes:
- On the subject of redshirting, Meyer said he’s surprised how many guys Ohio State will have this season. He said that wasn’t by design, it just happened to fall that way. Asked if it was with an eye toward the future, Meyer said the only future he’s worried about is Iowa.
- Meyer said running isn’t the only thing Iowa does. The Hawkeyes can also throw the ball. He used the Michigan State game as an example, even though the Spartans kept Iowa in check most of the game.
- Hyde said he feels like he’s all the way back now. All his troubles are behind him and he’s happy to be back. Hyde wore a gleeful expression throughout his interview.
- Meyer said he saw leadership qualities in Hyde last season. Since he returned from his suspension, it’s become even more noticeable. Meyer said Hyde is very active in leadership meetings each Wednesday.
- Meyer was asked about Iowa safety John Lowdermilk’s comments, calling Carlos Hyde a beast. Meyer said, “I guess it’s cool.” Hyde smiled and simply said, “Thank you.”
- Saturday will be a big day for the O-line, according to Meyer, because of the effectiveness of Iowa’s defensive line and the Hawkeyes’ ability to blitz.
- Miller said the Iowa defense will be the best Ohio State’s faced all season. He said they have good fundamentals and don’t make many mistakes.
- Miller admitted he wasn’t his full self during the Northwestern game. He was still tentative on his knee. The wet grass contributed to it as well. He said he’s fine now.
- The fumbles at Northwestern were due to simply holding the ball incorrectly and not tight enough, Miller said.
- Miller said he doesn’t bring up Ohio State’s winning streak. In fact, he didn’t know a win Saturday would mark the second-longest win streak in school history. He said it’d be an amazing accomplishment and that the team needs to keep up the good work.
- Tom Herman said last week he wants to QBs to get the ball to receivers on the run more. Miller said they’ve worked on crossing patterns the last two weeks and that it’ll be part of the game plan going forward.
- Miller went home to Huber Heights over the weekend. While there, he watched the Alabama game on TV. Asked about a possible matchup, Miller said it would be a good game.
- The downhill running style from Hyde comes from him having a chip on his shoulder, Hyde said.
- Hyde admitted he’s going for 1,000 rushing yards, but added winning is the most important thing. He said he’s taking it all one game at a time.
- Just because Iowa’s defense is so good against the run doesn’t mean Ohio State will change its game plan, Hyde said. The offense will not play scared, according to Hyde.
- Linsley said the Buckeyes would like to score quickly and then manage the game. Playing from ahead when you can dictate the tempo of the game is ideal, obviously.
- Pittsburgh Brown said the play-action pass will be an important part of Saturday’s game. Iowa likes using it to set up the offense, so Ohio State will need to be on its toes.
- Since the Wisconsin game, Brown said the secondary has been communicating better on the field in practice. Should lead to better play in games.
