With That Team Up North exterminated and another crack at a Big Ten title on deck, Urban Meyer joined former All-American Jim Lachey and the voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels, on the airwaves of 97.1 The Fan.
Cardale Jones "had a very good week" in practice. He was "really good" yesterday, which was nice because Ohio State "needed to see that."
Urban noted Jones is jogging into a much more experienced huddle than J.T. Barrett was against Virginia Tech. The offensive line and receivers have stepped up, and ultimately, if Jones handles his business, he will "be a product of those around him."
Urban joked he would not be appearing today if their fourth-and-one, fourth-quarter call against Michigan had failed.
Urban notes out of the thousands of players with championship dreams this fall, only 85 will know the feeling on late Saturday night.
Urban called the offensive line's growth "unbelievable."
If you "attack the behavior instead of culture," you're doing it wrong according to Urban. It took him years to learn the importance of building a proper culture within his team.
"The last three centers I've had are first rounders and starting in the NFL." (Pouncey, Pouncey, Linsley.) Urban noted while Jacoby Boren is undersized, his drive is unquestioned.
Urban said playing inside on turf makes "no difference whatsoever" to Ohio State.
Urban said Wisconsin is No. 1 in the country in total defense. "Much better in the secondary than they were a year ago." ... "They're not five star guys but they play like it." Urban lauded Gary Andersen, Bret Bielema and Barry Alvarez in creating the present day Wisconsin.
On Melvin Gordon: "Obviously he's got sprinter speed," but he also has good pad-level. "You can contain him, contain him, and then bam — 90 yards."
Wisconsin is "well-rounded," but they're "a run team." ... "We're going to commit a lot of guys to the run... it's no secret."
"Pass defense we've been much better than last year," but not up to the standard of yore. "This style of defense we made a commitment to being aggressive... as a result we lead the Big Ten in interceptions."
"I love Darron Lee; I'm glad he's a Buckeye."
"Adolphus [Washington] didn't play as great on Saturday. Mike Bennett is playing some of his best football, as is Joey Bosa. Steve Miller is going as hard as he can."
Mike Bennett was "just okay" in the first half of the season with his leadership. In the second half of the season he's been "tremendous."
Urban will be "really disappointed" if J.T. Barrett isn't invited to New York. He's earned that right.
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Urban says they've played championship-caliber football last two seasons, but "it's time to go get one" this time around.
"You wish every skill position player played quarterback," Urban said in reference to Jalin Marshall's high school escapades helping him being able to handle spells at h-back, quarterback, and punt return.
Urban Meyer, in lieu of the magnitude of his work during championship week, was then jettisoned from the show.
Full replays of the call-in show available via 97.1 The Fan.
