With Minnesota in the rearview and Illinois 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.
J.T. Barrett is "better equipped" to handle up-tempo offense. "We try to be very base, and when you go very base, you need to make sure you have a quarterback read in there or they'll load up the pressure."
"A couple years ago we didn't have great ledership within the ranks." Noted the team needs leaders within the units because the team is too big otherwise.
On the toughest part of his job: "This is the most complicated machine or organization that it is."
On what walk-ons do for the program: There's a special place in Meyer's heart for them. "The NCAA passed a great rule; we're allowed to take care of them now." Says a lot of walk-ons work harder than some scholarship players, and now Ohio State can feed them after practice. Joey Burger, Craig Fada, and Aaron Parry drew praise.
How does Meyer handle the 24/7 pressure? "Sometimes better than other times, but I've learned.... when it's time to shut her down, I shut her down now. It's all family time." Meyer called watching his son play football "the two of the greatest hours I get," as well as his marriage to Shelley.
Last year's leadership was "legendary." This year's is "really good" but is still "too be determined." Noted the 11 a.m. start will be a good indication of the current leadership.
Illinois features a "very big defensive line." They're "playing really great football right now." Illinois "put it to Purdue." Wes Lunt "threw it great last week." The Illinois feature 4-3 defense which is "similar" to Ohio State's.
[Second commercial break! Archie Griffin is hawking insurance!]
"I like K.J. Hill... but he's inconsistent." He "has the skill-set, certainly."
"Dontre [Wilson], your heart breaks for him." He's built his body up over 190 pounds but his foot "isn't healing right." He's questionable for Illinois.
Parris Campbell "will be back this week." We'll "see him."
"I'm not a field goal guy," Urban said to laughs before noting they're aware a game could come down to a kick to win it and they need to get the kicking game right.
On Illinois wind: It affected Ohio State during its 2013 trip. Specialists will have plans entering the game depending on the wind type and direction. "It's a little breezy [in Columbus] so we're going to go outside throw it around and see how we do."
"Until we get more accurate throwing the ball... they're going to load up on Zeke." Urban gets frustrated when they don't bust long runs, but noted "it's usually five guys vs. five guys up front" before saying it's usually an extra guy in the box bringing Zeke down.
Does Urban Meyer like where the team is at? "I like that we're 9-0." Talked about the "survival" part of the season almost being over.
"Our defense has been dominant."
"We're still leading the Big Ten in scoring, in rushing... but we haven't put up as many 40+ point performances as last year."
