Urban Meyer on Big Ten Teleconference: “The Great Ones Play Their Best In Games Like This”

Ohio State is coming off of its bye week, and ranked No. 6 in the country following a number of upsets in the last two weeks.

Since the loss to Oklahoma, Urban Meyer said he has been impressed with the improvement from both his pass offense and defense.

"The timing and the execution from the quarterback and receivers and offensive line play, all three have improved," he said.

What follows are the main takeaways from Meyer's appearance on the teleconference.

Meyer notes:

Meyer said Ohio State's game against Penn State isn't a "career-defining game" for J.T. Barrett, but added, "it's a very important one."
Meyer said he devotes 20-30 minutes per week on his vote in the coaches poll.
Meyer said Barrett's consistency, work ethic and leadership skills have impressed him since he shook Barrett's hand.
"We didn't execute well and we didn't coach well," Meyer said of the loss to Oklahoma. "We are realistic about who we have faced, but there has been improvement from players who hadn't played much."
"His competitive spirit is off the charts," Meyer said of Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley.
Meyer said No. 40 for Penn State (Jason Cabinda) stands out on the Nittany Lion defense.
Meyer said Penn State will create an opportunity for Isaiah Prince, who didn't play well against the Nittany Lions last season.
Meyer said the Penn State game is a critical game for linebacker Jerome Baker. "The great ones play their best in games like this."

Headlines from the rest of the Big Ten coaches:

James Franklin (Penn State)

Franklin said he didn't pay much attention to the Ohio State and Penn State battles in the 1990's when top rankings were up for grabs.
Franklin said there are things he has picked up from a number of coaches over time about how he wants to mold his program.
"There is no doubt he is explosive. We recruited him," Franklin said of J.K. Dobbins. "It helps he is playing with one of the more experienced, playmaking quarterbacks in the country."
Franklin said the history of team can greatly help rebuilding a program.
Franklin said Ohio State's speed and athleticism presents the biggest challenges for his defense, in addition to an experienced quarterback. "It's a difficult challenge for anybody."

Chris Ash (Rutgers)

Ash complimented Michigan quarterback John O'Korn, specifically citing his elusiveness in the pocket.
Ash praised his two running backs Gus Edwards and Raheem Blackshear for their ability to be multidimensional in their running styles.

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)

Harbaugh said he doesn't have a feel for whether or not a team is better when coming off of a bye week.
"They are playing at a high level in all phases," Harbaugh said about Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have won two straight conference games against Illinois and Purdue.

Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)

Chryst said Wisconsin is preparing for "everything that we have seen" at the quarterback position against Illinois. The Illini have played two quarterbacks this season in Jeff George, Jr. and Chayce Crouch.
Chryst said his team is not focussed on College Football Playoff projections or rankings at this time. Wisconsin is ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press.

Mike Riley (Nebraska)

Riley said Nebraska's bye week was good for them coming off of back-to-back losses.
He said that Nebraska's ability to block screen plays can help open up its offense. Added that his team needs to improve in that area.
Riley said quarterback Tanner Lee has done a better job of protecting the football, thanks in part to better protection up front.
"I think there has been good growth within our team," Riley said about Nebraska coming off its bye week.

Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)

"I am just concerned about scoring one more point than Northwestern," Dantonio said about his upcoming game against the Wildcats. Last seasons game featured 94 combined points.
Dantonio praised quarterback Brian Lewerke for his improved knowledge of Michigan State's playbook. "What you see now is a guy who is more seasoned and confident."

Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)

Ferentz said linebacker Josey Jewell should be able to return to action this weekend against Minnesota. The star linebacker missed Iowa's loss to Northwestern on Oct. 21.
Ferentz said he doesn't even vote in the coaches poll. "I know Alabama has a good team, but I could name maybe two players."
"I think he is doing an awful lot of good things," Ferentz said of first year starting quarterback Nathan Stanley. Stanley has thrown 16 touchdowns to just three interceptions this season.

P.J. Fleck (Minnesota)

Fleck said Minnesota's rivalry with Iowa is special and that he has researched the rivalry since coming to Minnesota. "There is more emphasis when there's a rivalry."
Fleck said he has been measuring his success this season by culture change rather than the number of wins and losses. "Hopefully the cultural sustainability here will last a long time."

Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)

Fitzgerald said he and the Northwestern football program is working hard to develop a brand, especially in Chicago to push the popularity in the area since the Wildcats have a small alumni base.
"Last year was an anomaly (for Michigan State)," Fitzgerald said of his upcoming opponent.
Fitzgerald, much like Ferentz said he is not involved in the coaches poll. "I don't feel I have enough time to watch all these games."

Lovie Smith (Illinois)

Smith was asked about he has not had to tweak many things schematically on defense coming from the NFL to college.
Despite its record, Smith said his players are not losing focus in practice with Wisconsin coming to town.

D.J. Durkin (Maryland)

Durkin, who does vote in the coaches poll, said doesn't prioritize his vote over much else that he has on his plate on a Sunday. "There's not an opportunity to see many other games."
Durkin was asked about Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker, who he recruited to Florida. Said he remembers "every bit of" Baker's recruitment and added he is not surprised by the success Baker is having at Ohio State.

Jeff Brohm (Purdue)

Brohm said there are four elite teams in the Big Ten. Did not specify which teams he put in that category.
There is a good chance Purdue offensive lineman Grant Hermanns is out for the season after suffering an injury in a 14-12 loss to Rutgers over the weekend.
Brohm said Purdue will continue to play both David Blough and Elijah Sindelar at quarterback this season.

Tom Allen (Indiana)

Allen, when asked about Penn State, said the Nittany Lion defensive line stood out when they played in State College. "They play so hard, and they are not out of position."