Urban Meyer and Ohio State are in the midst of doing something they are not used to—prepare for a game after losing the one before it.
The Buckeyes closed the book on their second practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday afternoon. Meyer met with reporters briefly to answer questions after.
Ohio State hosts Northwestern on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
NOTES:
- Meyer feels like he has an angry football team after a few days of practice this week: "Thursday and Friday are more of the motivational days. So we'll see."
- "I'm just trying to beat Northwestern. We'll reflect some other time ... A good young team that's getting better. We've got to push through adversity."
- Meyer noted the attention put to the College Football Playoff and how the loss affected Ohio State's standing in that but "We're just trying to laser in on this game. Have a young team getting ready to face a very good Northwestern team."
- Meyer credited some line drive and low punts to the lack of production from his punt return team. On Dontre Wilson's muffed punt, Meyer said, "you just keep coaching him through it."
- Meyer plans to keep Wilson as Ohio State's punt returner.
- Northwestern's defense stands out because of its size on the inside. He also credited their middle linebacker: "He's very good."
- On the struggles on first down, Meyer looked at everything from play calling to execution: "We don't play the blame game, we just have to execute better, and do better. All of the above."
- Ohio State has 12 scripted plays when it starts a game on offense. The Buckeyes only have three points on first drives this season: "That stat is concerning."
- "That's not where you want to be. But what do you do? You keep grinding and push them."
- Ohio State is not giving up on Isaiah Prince at right tackle: "He didn’t have a good day, but we’re not going to give up on anybody. He’s going to get better."
- Is Ohio State looking forward to playing back at Ohio Stadium? "We sure are. It's going to be good to be back on routine. The players love routine. I love routine."
- No one has caught Meyer's eye as a young guy potentially getting more playing time this weekend as compared to the first seven games.
- Asked about playing teams on the road after each one had a bye, Meyer said, "Just work on third downs when I say third downs and get on a plane when I'm told get on a plane."
