Big Ten Teleconference Recap: Urban Meyer Previews Maryland, Talks Two-Running Back Set and More

Coming off an easy 56-0 win at Rutgers on Saturday night, Ohio State has now shifted its focus to a Homecoming matchup with Maryland. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. on FOX.

First, however, head coach Urban Meyer joined the Big Ten coaches teleconference to discuss the victory and preview the Terrapins.

Notes:

• Meyer said skill set of offense and activity in the defensive front sticks out about Maryland. "One more year under [head coach D.J.] Durkin."
• Working on playing running backs Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins at the same time. "They're that quality of players." Want to put best 11 on the field.
• Meyer talks about former Utah quarterback Alex Smith's success in the NFL. Kansas City sits at 4-0. "I couldn't be happier for him."
• Called Terrapins starting quarterback Max Bortenschlager "very efficient." Added the defensive staff has a lot of respect for him.
• Meyer said it took backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins a little bit of time to get used to the speed, aggressiveness of college football. "Game experience is priceless for a guy like that, and he's really handled it really well."
• Meyer said linebacker Dante Booker struggled getting back into the swing of things following injury. "You overanalyze everything instead of playing 4 to 6, A to B."

Other coaching highlights:

Chris Ash (Rutgers)

• Scarlet Knights are off this week. "Disappointed by our record so far." Added they're in an reevaluation phase for every starting position.
• Said defensive secondary was banged up heading into game against Ohio State. Lost starting cornerback Blessuan Austin torn ACL earlier in the week.

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)

• On new quarterback John O'Korn. "I like the way John sees the field. I like the way he has control of the offense." Starter Wilton Speight out indefinitely with head/neck injury.
• Called this weekend's game against Michigan State "one of the biggest games of all of our careers." 
• Said he's in favor of current targeting rule and protection of the players.

Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)

• "Looking forward to players and coaches having a good week of preparation" ahead of game at Nebraska.
• Slow start against Northwestern last week a credit to the Wildcats. "It was as much the opponent as the bye week."
• Said it's a challenge every time you go on the road in the conference. "We've gotta put our focus [and] our energy on being prepared as possible."

Mike Riley (Nebraska)

• "No doubt" emotions from a big win or tough loss can linger. "Don't let the last game lose the next one."
• Added coaches, players who have been in program for a while have to take on leadership role and "turn the page to the next game."
• Matchup with Wisconsin is "shaping itself into what is and will soon be even more a really good rivalry." Winner of the game receives the Freedom Trophy.

Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)

• First road start for quarterback Brian Lewerke "will be challenging, but he will confident, calm under pressure."
• Game against Wolverines always a big game, but happens a little early in the season than normal. "Usually springs you into November."
• "You can't have great football teams without great defense." Said Spartans are still in phase of learning who they are, especially on that side of the ball. "Still things we need to prove."

Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)

• "Disappointing loss" to Michigan State this weekend. "[Spartans] played a really good game." Look to rebound Saturday against Illinois.
• Team has to put loss behind them "when they go to bed Sunday night." Have a day to celebrate win or be upset with loss, but have to move past it.
• New tradition of fans waving to children in hospital next to stadium "has been heartwarming... Who wouldn't support that?" Will honor tradition as long as Ferentz is coach.

P.J. Fleck (Minnesota)

• Plans to honor former Purdue head coach Joe Tiller, who passed away on Saturday, during game against Boilermakers. "He did so much for the game of football."
• Called emotions a big part of game, even from play to play. "You have to respond the right way to have success."
• "It's been a long time since [the staff has] lost a regular-season game." Suffered first loss at Minnesota after going 13-0 with Western Michigan in regular season last year.

Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)

• Though focused on Saturday's game against Penn State, Fitzgerald shared his thoughts and prayers with those affected by the "tragedy" in Las Vegas.
• Recalled days of linebackers wearing neck rolls. "The game has changed a ton." 
• "You don't point fingers, you point thumbs." Takes blame for loss to Wisconsin, and said they made mistakes down the stretch that cost them the game.

Lovie Smith (Illinois)

• "Very excited about opportunity to play football this week." Didn't play well against Nebraska. "Really looking forward to bringing out team up [to Iowa]"
• Asked what he saw from his quarterbacks in practice yesterday. "We don't practice on Monday."
• Named Jeff George Jr. the starting quarterback on Monday. "[He] as a lot of confidence in his arm, confident in himself as a player." Similar to his father.

D.J. Durkin (Maryland)

• Win over Minnesota "good for our guys." Called Ohio State a very talented, very well coached team.
• Said Terrapins are improved across the board this year. Players’ understanding of schemes, development and recruiting is better.
• Team has put third-string to starting quarterback Max Bortenschlager in situations to succeed. "He needs to continue to grow and develop, and I think he will."
• Said Buckeyes' defensive end Jalyn Holmes is terrific football player. "What impresses me is how many different guys come in there and do well up front."
• "Comparing last year to this year, there's so many differences." Hard to use last year's loss to Ohio State as a measuring stick.
• "[Meyer has] always been a guy I've kept in touch with." Leans on him for advice. "He's one of the best to ever coach the game."

Jeff Brohm (Purdue)

• "Excited to get back on the field" against Minnesota. "I know they're going to come in here ready to play."
• Called Fleck "a player's coach." Said turnovers contributed to loss to Maryland. "He'll have his guys ready to go and we're going to have a stiff challenge."
• Would like to see freshman quarterback Jared Sparks get more opportunities at receiver this week.

James Franklin (Penn State)

• Said Northwestern "plays hard and plays smart." A credit to Fitzgerald.
• "I've never been around anyone like him." Franklin on running back Saquon Barkley. "The guy is just special. I'm blessed to be able to get to work with him every single day."
• Expects starting tight end Mike Gesicki to play on Saturday. Left Indiana game with undisclosed injury.

Tom Allen (Indiana)

• No questions