Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer discussed everything surrounding the Buckeyes during his weekly appearance on the Big Ten coaches conference call on Tuesday, specifically about the improvement of J.T. Barrett and more with a bye week this weekend.
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The transcript of quotes from Meyer's Big Ten press conference is below. The general questions are bolded, with Meyer's answers in quotes below.
On the biggest progression of the offense so far this season:
"I think J.T. Barrett and his chemistry and timing with the receivers right now is as good as its been. We're very realistic about what's coming down the street here, but there's been a lot of positives. I think any time you see execution in the passing game like its been, there's a lot of good things going on, specifically the timing between the two groups."
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On what has stood out about kicker Sean Nuernberger :
"Well, he really struggled in the spring and we altered his entire strength program. He's a very serious guy. One of the things I was very disappointed in with him when he came to Ohio State was his lack of professionalism and seriousness. But he's a good person, he comes from good people, a good family. He's worked real hard, so just the power. In the spring, he was wasn't hitting the ball at all. He's very strong right now, very powerful. He's hit a couple of 60-yarders in practice so he's getting much stronger."
On plans for the bye week:
"It will be a mix [of resting and getting ready for Penn State]. We had a good meeting yesterday. I'm actually on the road right now but Coach Schiano and Coach Coombs are back and Coach Day and Wilson are back so we have the practice schedule set. It's a combination of both fundamental preparation, but we're also going to be facing the No. 2 team in America, so we're getting a head start on that as well.
On players who were injured in the win over Nebraska:
"They will all be ready to go next week."
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On how important it is to take a break on bye weeks:
"We had a conversation with our strength coach and I think it did come at a good time. Every year I get asked that question and we certainly have no control over it. We are playing very good at this point. We understand that we're getting ready for a real serious stretch coming up in our season, and we also understand it's October. A lot of these [recruits] are making so many early decisions nowadays. The entire staff was out Monday and some guys are still out. It's a very serious time to get out and maybe see the players, but at least be at the school and show support for them.
On Jordan Fuller's improvement:
"Was actually with Coach Schiano yesterday and we were talking about him. Like most players, his practice habits are top of the line and he also had a nagging hip injury throughout the summer and it seems like it's healing up pretty good. He's playing with a lot of confidence right now."
On Demetrius Knox's play:
"Good. We have not watched the tape as a staff together. But I understand he did great which is excellent for his first real career start at Ohio State, and it comes at the right time. He certainly has the skillset to play if he decides that this is what jumpstarts his career. We're all-in if he can do that."
On why Demetrius Knox got the start against Nebraska:
"Just the consistency of Demetrius Knox in practice. Matt Burrell is certainly still right in the middle of this thing and we're developing him to be a future starter. He has all the tools to do it, but he has to get bigger. To play offensive guard at this level, he just has to get bigger and stronger to hold his own in there. It was a good week last week and he needs to have a consistent two weeks, but we're certainly counting on him to be one of the future players here."
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On the performance of the defense in the 2nd half vs. Nebraska:
"I think the fact that they hit a couple of big ones, that just alarms you when you see a player run away from your secondary like on that one big touchdown. I know Coach Schiano is going to address it. We have to play better on the back end. We've seen a lot of progress, but we're also very realistic about what has happened the last five games. That's an area where we need to continue to improve because we're nowhere near where we need to be."
On the consistency of the offense since the Oklahoma loss:
"Well, you look at the last six years and there's been a steady improvement from Game 1 to Game 5, 6. The key to the championship here in '14 and the couple of good years that we've had is that when we get to the big games, the offense continues to perform. Last year, that did not happen. This time last year, we had similar-type scores and a lot of the same statistics. However, I do feel it's much smoother. I feel that the communication, the playcalling is excellent right now and the development of players. The group of receivers is one of the best groups we've ever had. I just like the development of the offense right now. We'll see if we're having the conversation in a few weeks and if we are, it means we're a legitimate top offense."
On targeting calls:
"I think targeting is very clear. I think it's a very good rule. I know people say it's a gray area but there's no gray area in the rules. It's up to the replay official to be good at his job."
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