A few days after Ohio State beat Michigan State by 20 points, Urban Meyer joined the weekly Big Ten coaches teleconference to discuss his team and the upcoming game against Maryland.
Here are some notes from what Meyer discussed on Tuesday's teleconference.
Urban Meyer, Ohio State
- Urban Meyer's full comment on today's story: "Last week, we were made aware, I believe Jerry (Emig) was made aware and Gene Smith made aware that there was a story by this reporter that was going to be printed. Gene and the administration acted. We were getting ready for the Michigan State game, I believe it was. They acted aggressively and got very involved immediately with it. They interviewed, I want to say, up to 10 people. i was just kept abreast of it was going because my first reaction as like everyone's around here was irate. Our players were over-the top irate. When they came to see me, they were extremely upset that that kind of accusation would be made about something that is absolutely not tolerated and quite honestly the most preposterous thing I've ever heard being involved in college athletics. To see a reporter go after a player and his mother like that – once again, I guess I don't read enough articles. But to call out his mother and list some of the things that have happened in her past, once again, I just don't quite understand what that's all about. The personal attacks is something that – because I didn't read it. I wasn't going to read it, but I did read it because I know I'd get asked that question. We made a trip to Florida, like we did any player, we have in the past, to go visit a mom that was very recently diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Her and her son were in distress. We went to go spend about five hours with them. Gene was very aware, Everybody was aware and it was the right thing to do. We'd done that kind of thing in the past, and we would do that again to any player that's in distress and show our support because we love that family so much and how that became a story, I think they're trying to say that we made up a story about cancer or something. Once again, I've never hear of anything like this before in my life. We've got a big game this week and then move on, but certainly looking into legal action. I just don't know how that's allowed to – I don't know. I just don't understand the rules and the laws of the land that say that you can just accuse people of something that did not happen."
- Says Ohio State is getting "fairly healthy" after the back-end of the defense had dealt with injuries for much of the season.
- Asked about whether he's worried about the Brett McMurphy report affecting the team, Meyer says he's concerned "about everything" since that's his job as head coach.
- He says Dwayne Haskins doesn't have "nervousness" coming back to Maryland this weekend. "It's just pride." And he says he respects the players and talent on the Terrapins.
- He called Maryland as talented a team as he has seen, and says the film backs that up.
- He says Isaiah Prince was probably forced into playing a little bit early, and he has improved a lot throughout his career.
- Meyer says the message of Prince's post-Purdue speech was to stick together.
- He calls Branden Bowen a "safety valve." At one point Petit-Frere was the third tackle due to injuries, but practice is better due to depth at the position.
A recap of what Matt Canada had to say ahead of the Terrapins' game against the Buckeyes:
- He says he's proud of how his team played last week despite the loss.
- On Tre Watson: "I think he's come in and really earned the respect of the team. Any time a guy transfers, as we all know there's a process of kind of becoming a part of the team. I think he's handled it extremely well. He's earned the respect. He's a leader by nature, so he does a good job leading our defense and leading our football team being here such a short time. Obviously what he's doing on the field, he's active, as you mentioned. He's around the football."
- On Ohio State: "I think they all stand out. I think that's the thing that's hard about when you play a football team like this is they have such good players and obviously do a great job with scheme. Look at last week, they didn't let those guys move the ball. I think they're all very good players. I think as a football team, a tremendous challenge of trying to find a way to move the football a little bit. Obviously you have to score points because then you look at the other side, they're explosive on offense and have shown they can score a lot of points. It's a tremendous challenge for us."
Here are some highlights from the other Big Ten coaches during Tuesday's teleconference.
Chris Ash, Rutgers
- On the senior class: "They've been through a lot here and a lot of ups and downs and coaching changes. They've battled through it all. They've stuck together. They stayed here with us. A lot of guys have left. They stayed the course. I think where our football team has really improved here down the stretch because of their commitment to this team, this program and maintaining a positive attitude and just continuing to work every single day. And that's what I'll remember them for. A lot of programs that struggle through someone's senior year, the easy thing to do is shut it down and quit and focus on the future. These guys have not done that once and I'm really proud of them for that."
- Ash calls Michigan a "complete football team." He says the Wolverines have good play at quarterback and on the line, which leads to wins.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
- He says Shea Patterson stood out as a person when he first met the quarterback in December.
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
- On Aaron Donald: "I was so grateful that our paths crossed. Ultra-competitive, talented, great team person. He went through a lot of transition and I'm personally grateful for how he just jumped in. Can't say enough good things about A.D. Unbelievable person and teammate. Obviously his talent speaks for himself." Says Donald has an unbelievable work ethic and competitiveness. Says he has a great balance of confidence and competitiveness.
Scott Frost, Nebraska
- On the Big Ten: "There's good teams top to bottom in this league. We're good enough that we could beat just about anybody in this league, but we're not so good that we couldn't lose any week if we don't play well. That's certainly played itself out this year."
- He says the parity in the Big Ten helps coaches convince players that they have to play hard and prepare consistently for every single game.
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
- Says Adrian Martinez looks "every bit as good as advertised." He says Martinez isn't just going to "his two favorite receivers" and is a threat to both run and pass. He compares Martinez to Braxton Miller during Miller's sophomore year.
- He says the conference is "consistently tough." Says it's a "very competitive league this year and there's a lot of parity."
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
- He says it was a tough weekend and a "hard-fought game" that led to a disappointing loss. He congratulates Northwestern for the win.
- Says he doesn't have any regret about Noah Fant's lack of touches, though he notes Iowa is a better team when he gets the ball. However, opponents plan for Fant, which makes it more difficult to get him the ball.
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota
- Fleck compliments to hospitality of the Cotton Bowl, having coached a team at the bowl game before, and says the people make it a good time.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
- On Minnesota wideout Tyler Johnson, who was hurt and didn't play against Northwestern last year: "As we prepared for him a year ago, he jumped off the page and now you watch through all 2018, he's backed it up with just another outstanding, outstanding season." Calls him a "home run-type hitter."
Lovie Smith, Illinois
- "With two games left in the season, we realize what's at stake."
- He says Iowa has dominated Illinois in the series, so he's looking forward to this weekend's game.
- Smith does not get any questions.
Jeff Brohm, Purdue
- Says the team is ready to get back on the field this weekend for senior day against Wisconsin. "We're going to have to be playing very, very well to stay in the game."
James Franklin, Penn State
- He says Trace McSorley and all the other players who followed James Franklin from Vanderbilt to Penn State hold a special place in the coach's heart.
