Urban Meyer joined the Big Ten coaches' teleconference Tuesday afternoon and once again had to answer a plethora of questions concerning a 55-24 loss to Iowa.
Meyer said his message to his team is to move forward, and prepare for the upcoming game against Michigan State, with a berth in the Big Ten title game still in the balance.
What follows are the main highlights from Meyer's appearance on the call:
Meyer notes:
- Meyer said he doesn't believe recent targeting ejections and penalty issues are related to a lack of player leadership.
- "We have been working hard this week" to get the running backs more involved in the run game.
- Meyer said he has been pleased with Damon Webb's career at Ohio State. "He has done a pretty good job."
- Meyer said Parris Campbell has been cleared to play against Michigan State. Campbell did not travel to Iowa. Meyer called Campbell "one of the best kick returners in America."
- Meyer said the pass defense is a major focus this week against Michigan State.
- "At times they have played very well. This last week, they did not," Meyer said of his linebacker unit.
- "I don't go backwards, I move forward," Meyer said when asked about Ohio State's last seven quarters of football.
- Meyer said Ohio State's Sunday practice was "energized." Meyer said he will learn more about his team after meetings and practice Tuesday evening.
- Meyer said he didn't call timeout before Iowa's "polecat" trick play because the defense "thought they had it covered."
Highlights from around the Big Ten:
Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)
- Dantonio said he has faith in both quarterback Brian Lewerke and the MSU receivers. Adds recent pass numbers are due to situational football.
- Dantonio said he and his staff critiqued everything they did from 2016 in the offseason. "We went back to basics and fundamental things."
- "There is an added enthusiasm," to go to Ohio State and play, Dantonio said because of number of Ohio natives on his roster.
- Dantonio said he is pleased with the distribution of receptions in his receiver unit this season. Three MSU receivers have 25 or more receptions this year.
- "It's difficult, but that is the beauty of this conference," Dantonio said of playing in the Big Ten East. Adds he pitches preparation for the NFL on the recruiting trail and how the division gets players ready for the next level.
Chris Ash (Rutgers)
- Ash said he feels good about where his team is heading after winning its fourth game of the year against Maryland.
- Ash was asked about possible realignment of the Big Ten. He said the distribution of "heavyweights" is cyclical. "We just have to go play the games that are on our schedule. I don't think a lot about it to be honest with you."
Jim Harbaugh (Michigan)
- Harbaugh praised offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz for his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. "He is beyond his years and very bright."
- When asked about possible realigning the Big Ten teams, Harbaugh said, "I don't have an opinion on that."
- Harbaugh said quarterback Wilton Speight's availability for the rest of the season is "To be determined."
- He said defensive lineman Chase Winovich has been "consistent and a high performer all season."
Paul Chryst (Wisconsin)
- Chryst said Iowa's win over Ohio State is "Not a surprise. You know they are a good football team and well coached."
- Chryst said the strength and conditioning coach is around his players "a ton." Talked up the importance of the strength and conditioning coach in any program.
- On Iowa: "They are a good football team. They executed and made plays. They didn't become someone they're not."
Mike Riley (Nebraska)
- Riley said "I am learning more about it all the time," when asked about the importance of the strength and conditioning coach.
- Riley said former Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman showed him film of his nephew J.D. Spielman years ago before he was a premier prospect.
- Riley said be believes P.J. Fleck is a "good fit" at Minnesota. "I have watched his teams at Western Michigan from afar. His teams play hard and execute well."
Kirk Ferentz (Iowa)
- Ferentz called Wisconsin an "equal challenge" to Ohio State. Hawkeyes travel to Madison on Saturday.
- Ferentz on Ohio State: "They have been impressive for as long as I can remember."
- "Nobody would predict that," Ferentz said on J.T. Barrett's poor performance against Iowa. "Every great player goes through that. My guess he will be right back up on his feet." Referenced Chuck Long's poor performance against Ohio State in 1985.
P.J. Fleck (Minnesota)
- Fleck said he has been pleased with the way his team has responded to the loss to Michigan. "We are really looking forward to Saturday." Gophers host Nebraska on Saturday.
Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern)
- Fitzgerald praised his defensive line for Northwestern's success stopping the run. "We are going to have our hands full," against Purdue he added.
Lovie Smith (Illinois)
- Smith said he needs his team to play more consistent coming out of the halftime locker room. Illinois has not won a game since week 2.
D.J. Durkin (Maryland)
- Durkin was not asked any questions on the teleconference. Durkin's Terrapins are set to take on Michigan on Saturday.
Jeff Brohm (Purdue)
- Brohm said Purdue's 2-back set against Illinois was in the best interest of the offense. Said play-action passes are becoming more of an emphasis in the Boilermaker offense.
- Brohm said playing time played into the decision for wide receiver Corey Holmes to "pursue other opportunities." Holmes caught just one pass for Purdue in 2017.
James Franklin (Penn State)
- Franklin praised Saeed Blacknall and Mike Gesicki for their ability to stretch defenses in the passing game.
- Franklin said Michigan State's defenses sells out to stop the run. "They try to make you one-dimensional. You have to be creative running the ball."
- "He's got a very strong arm and good mobility," Franklin said of Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke. "I was very impressed with him. He is playing with a lot of confidence."
Tom Allen (Indiana)
- Allen said Wisconsin was able to wear down his team with their size and strength in the fourth quarter. Indiana was within seven points in the fourth quarter before falling 45-17.
