After a successful upset of Penn State, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took to 97.1 The Fan's airwaves with Paul Keels and Jim Lachey on Thursday to discuss all things Buckeye football and preview Saturday's trip to Kinnick Stadium.
Meyer cited this team "being one of the most mature [he's] been around" as a key factor in the comeback against Penn State. Told his captains it was time to earn their stripes. "You don't earn them in the fourth quarter against UNLV."
Of all the things to go wrong last Saturday, the two fumbles are still "eating" at Meyer. Noted they had three total fumbles, though Ben Victor's fumble didn't cost them due to a defensive holding call.
"We handed that team 21 poi—you guys are getting me worked up. Can we talk about Iowa?" Meyer joked.
Meyer wants to create a new tradition of having a game every year where fans "darken up the stadium," like against Penn State in 2015 and 2017.
COFFEE WITH THE COACH QUESTION from JANICE in MARION: Are you able to absorb statistical greatness when seeing things like J.T. Barrett's fourth quarter live?
- Meyer lauded Barrett but said once again he's a product of those around him.
- Austin Mack, K.J. Hill, and the offensive line earned praise for their performance.
- "We had the best offensive line in the country, and the last two years we had some things happen." Had some recruiting misses, guys not wanting accountability, etc. "We made some changes... and the culture is being built back up."
On Marcus Baugh:
- Noted it's been a long road back for Marcus Baugh, who battled early suspensions.
- While some guys like Raekwon McMillan and J.K. Dobbins handle their business from their first step on campus, it's more common for guys to mature like Baugh, who graduates this semester.
- Battled nagging injuries the last two years, too. Said he called Baugh's high school coach this week to praise Baugh's attitude of light. "He was never a bad guy."
On what he tells players about leaping after Mike Weber's scary incident: "We don't teach that. We don't believe in leaving your feet. ... But Mike goes really hard."
On the game-winning play to Baugh, 817 Y-Seam Lookback: "We were hoping they'd bring pressure and they did. ... It was well thought out, and the execution was on point."
On Iowa:
- "I say this with much respect... they're very stereotypical Iowa."
- "They're tough guys. They're very well coached. They play as fundamental football as you'll see."
- "There will be no surprises. This is going to be a very rugged game."
- Cited the maturity of the team for knowing "what they're going up against."
ANDRE in INDIANAPOLIS: Did the maturity of the team make conversations about moving starters back to kickoff coverage easier?
- Absolutely.
- Cited the leadership in the team, said they've "had a couple of teams around here over the years" that lacked that.
- "It's very easy to have grown men conversations when you're talking to grown men... and this team has a lot of grown men on it."
J.T. in COLUMBUS: What wins did we get out of the recruiting extravaganza of the Penn State game and what happened to DaVon Hamilton?
- After a weekend like that, Meyer tells recruits, "Do you want to come here or not?"
- Hamilton is dealing "with a little bit of a back issue and has to play a little better." Cited deep competition among defensive line.
Larry Johnson came to Meyer during the fourth quarter and to "let the Rushmen go" and do what he'd taught them. They did just that. Meyer wants a picture of the Penn State's final play framed to hang in his office (via BTBuckeye):
CHRIS IN COUMBUS: What does the team do to move past self-inflicted wounds to improve against Iowa?
- Ball security and kickoff coverage are the two points of emphasis.
- Kickoff coverage personnel changes made. Dante Booker and Austin Mack among players back on the grind.
- Again said he'd worry about it more if his team lacked maturity.
Meyer stressed they don't have time to complain about referees during the game. He trains players to respond that way, too.
Meyer won't truly appreciate the Penn State game until he's retired on a beach with a beard. "Right now, it's about beating Iowa." Did admit singing Hang on Sloopy with the fans after the game was sweet, though.
[Full replay available at 971thefan.com]
