Inside the bowels of Lucas Oil Stadium — the place where Ohio State's championship hopes and dreams fell apart this time last year — Urban Meyer met with the media some 28 hours prior to his team's Big Ten title bout against Wisconsin Saturday night.
“When you decide to play athletics — and football in particular,” Meyer said Friday, “you’re measured by championships.”
After an 11-1 regular season that’s watched the Buckeyes climb back into the national picture after abruptly falling out of it early in the year, Meyer and Co. will try and avenge a loss in the league’s championship game last year and bolster their playoff aspirations for the final time.
Notes:
- Meyer on importance of championships at Ohio State: “I frequently discuss Michael Jordan … I talk about championships quite often … It changes who you are.” Meyer said titles bond teams forever.
- Meyer on backup quarterback Cardale Jones, who will make his first-career start Saturday: “He’s prepared very well .. I saw the improvement I needed to see on Wednesday.” Jones, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound gunslinger with a cannon for an arm, has yet to play meaningful minutes for the Buckeyes.
- The last time the Buckeyes were in Lucas Oil Stadium was a devastating loss to Michigan State. “That was a tough day walking off that field.” Meyer said the memories came to mind upon entering the massive building Friday. “For me to say I didn’t think about that moment, I did, but moved on quickly.”
- Meyer tried to explain what he’s like on the eve of a big game like Saturday’s: "Nut job? I'm trying to think of the appropriate term." Meyer said he toils over ensuring his players get proper rest and relaxation. “Even when they think I'm not watching them, I'm watching them.'
- Meyer on the situation facing Cardale Jones and the one J.T. Barrett walked into three months ago: “Much different scenario .. that was a terrible offense that took the field against Navy.” Of course, this is the second time this year Ohio State has had to replace a Heisman candidate.
- Meyer on comments that he would be disappointed if Barrett, who combined for 45 touchdowns this year, wasn’t invited to partake in the Heisman Trophy ceremony: “I made a case? Statistically, J.T. made a case … when I get asked questions, I don’t want to babble. I want to give statistical facts.” Meyer reiterated Barrett is a Heisman candidate.
- Meyer on where Jones needed to improve: "A lot of quarterback play is so much more intangible ... that's where he was a little behind J.T … the throwing the ball part is 10 percent … most quarterbacks who you struggle, it’s not because they can’t throw the ball.”
- Meyer on Gary Andersen, a former assistant at Utah and friend: “I love Gary.” Meyer said he became of his most-trusted assistants.
- Meyer, who’s lamented Ohio State’s defensive line depth this season, said: “still not where we need to be.” He added he’s moved Chase Farris back over for the purpose of depth.
- Meyer said J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller indeed traveled with the team to Indianapolis: “They’re both injured so you have to keep them away from the fray.” Meyer said he hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll keep Barrett on the sideline or up in the press box with Tom Herman. Meyer added: “Braxton’s doing very well.”
- Meyer on pushing Ohio State’s offense: “I have a job, and that’s to make sure the playmakers are touching the ball.”
