Ohio State coach Urban Meyer held his first press conference of the week on Monday, previewing the Buckeyes' big game against Penn State on Saturday (3:30 p.m., FOX).
The Nittany Lions come to Columbus with a 7-0 record and ranked No. 2 in the nation, led by the talents of junior running back Saquon Barkley, who is considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
Asked about Barkley on Monday, Meyer made it clear that he has been impressed with what he's seen from Penn State's offensive star.
"He's the best all-purpose guy we've probably faced in maybe my career," Meyer said. "He's as good an all-purpose running back as we've seen the past 30 years."
Meyer is also impressed with what he's seen from Penn State's defense.
"They just come after you," Meyer said.
Here's what else you need to know from Meyer's press conference:
- "The reason why we've been playing so well is we've been practicing the best we have in several years."
- J.T. Barrett "has been very consistent" this season, in Meyer's view, other than the one loss to Oklahoma.
- Demetrius Knox is the starting right guard "as of right now," but competition is still "day-to-day" at that position.
- Ohio State has adjusted where it is placing its kickoffs to account for some of the issues it had earlier in the season.
- Meyer "loved what we did" during the open week, but says it remains to be determined whether the extra week of preparation will be an advantage based on how well the Buckeyes practice this week.
- Meyer watched the Penn State-Michigan game at home on Saturday.
- Mike Weber is wearing a brace on his hand but should be good to go on Saturday.
- Jamarco Jones, Jalyn Holmes and Parris Campbell will all play on Saturday after suffering injuries against Nebraska.
- Demario McCall's status for the rest of the season is "to be determined." Available to play if needed, but still not running at full speed.
- Penn State has "very good personnel."
- Penn State's run-pass options are "a little bit like what we do with J.T.," Meyer said.
Check back with Eleven Warriors for further coverage from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center this afternoon.
