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 Saturday's win over Michigan State, this Ohio State team's identity, and their upcoming game against Illinois.
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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 what he was happiest with in the win over Michigan State:
"The offensive line play, without question. We went against a very good rush defense, a defense we've gone against six times, and it's not easy to do what they did. They worked extremely hard. Without question the offensive line play."
On looking at the bigger picture:
"No, not all. Talked about Tuesday's practice and talked about continuing to grow. This time of year, you're dealing with injuries and young players growing up, so no. Zero conversation about anything other than that."
On Dre'Mont Jones and targeting:
"First of all, Dre'Mont is very consistent and an excellent player for us. His attitude is a guy who handles his business the right way on and off the field, comes from a wonderful family. Love him, love who he is and what he stands for. That was the third [targeting call] we've had. One was a misfire by an official. I don't think I've ever seen one like [Bosa's] where it's in a pile. But Dre'Mont was wrong, so we met with Coach Schiano and Coach Johnson. There's zero resistance on our end. We are proponents of the rule. I think it's a good rule. It's in the best interest of the game and our players and all players. So just consistently educating and teaching and making sure we know that's unacceptable.
On reaction to kicking kickoffs out of bounds:
"I think one did go out of bounds - we thought it hit his foot - and then the other. Usually, you catch it, but Michigan State chose to let one go, and it bounced straight up, so we got them on the six-yard line. Ever since we've had the struggles early, our kicker has been really, really good. He's kicking it right where it's supposed to be. We've made some personnel changes and those personnel changes have been very productive."
On redshirt juniors participating in Senior Day:
"I don't know yet. That's something, if it happens, I'll discuss with him."
On keeping Tuf Borland as a middle linebacker:
"The next two days will determine that. But I like the fact that we're building up a little bit of depth."
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On Dante Booker and Jerome Baker:
"Jerome Baker has been cleared and Dante is questionable."
On what he likes about Tuf Borland:
"Just his consistency every day. It's amazing that his name is Tuf because he's a very tough player, a very consistent player, and does things right. A very valuable guy for our program."
On general approach to complacency against lesser opponent:
"I think it's a very unique experience, Senior Day in The Horseshoe. I hear our players talk about it. It's an incredible tradition to salute those players in front of our great fans. And, I think the coaching staff has to take the lead and the way we practice. There will be zero conversation about the past or the future. It will be about today, and then Wednesday, and then Thursday. That's our job."
On biggest challenges against Illinois:
"The fact that their two inside guys on defense stand out. As you can tell, they're building for the future. There are some players on the offensive side of the ball that have really good futures. We just have to make sure that future isn't on Saturday. We have a lot of respect for them and they're trying to do and their coaching staff and their players. The two inside guys can play. We're in the Big Ten conference and that's the best thing about them when you flip on the videotape and see that."
On this team's identity:
"Those are great questions about the season. I have my own opinions but there's so much football to be played. Those are great conversations to have after the season. I've been a head coach 16 seasons and every team has their identity. They're writing the final few chapters of theirs right now."
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