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 plans to use both Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins at the same time, Dante Booker's big game against Rutgers and more ahead of their game against Maryland on Saturday.
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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 stands out about Maryland:
"The skillset of their offensive players sticks out and their returner, because I'm obviously very involved in the kicking game. The skill positions, their receiver [D.J. Moore], and the running back [Ty Johnson] is very patient with great acceleration. On defense, just another year into the system of coach Durkin and the understanding of that 34-style that they play. That's what catches my eye."
On having two starting-caliber running backs in Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins:
"We're working on playing them both at one time. They're both quality players. When you put your best 11 up on the board, those two names surface, and our obligation is to play the best players. Last week we really didn't get the repetition we wanted with either one of them, so just getting them into a rhythm and making sure they get their carries. That's something I monitor throughout the game."
On the success of Alex Smith, who played for Meyer at Utah:
"I just happened to watch the highlight of him win that game, when he scrambled and made that great play. I really don't know their system. I know the coach very well and, obviously, Alex is one of my all-time favorite players. I just know he's a competitor, and I was just bragging to Nick Bosa about how smart he was and how competitive he was, and I see the same thing happening now."
On past criticism of Alex Smith:
"I used to get so angry when I'd hear people just rip him apart. It's somehow the quarterback's fault when, as a young player, he was stuck on a very poor team. A lot of coaching transition and everyone started blaming the quarterback that I have great respect for. When I saw where he was headed and the coach, Andy Reid, he was going to go with, I was ecstatic. I had a great discussion with him about Alex. I think it's a perfect team, those two guys working together."
On that conversation with Andy Reid:
"Coach Reid and I are friends and have been friends for a long, long time. We talk often. When he went to Kansas City and we had the conversation about Alex Smith, I told him my thoughts and he agreed. He has always felt strongly about Alex Smith and I couldn't be happier for him."
On Maryland's quarterback Max Bortenschlager :
"I think he was extremely efficient in the quick passing game, getting the ball out. And then, obviously, had some big runs. Going into that game, Minnesota was one of the best defenses in America. I thought he did excellent. He's now established himself as the starter, and you see the development soar. Our defensive staff has a lot of respect for him."
On the development of Dwayne Haskins:
"He went to a very good high school, but a smaller high school, and the competition isn't like it was. It took him a little bit of time to get used to the speed, the aggressiveness, etc. This year, he's been outstanding. He's really grown up and he's still growing as a player and a quarterback. Game experience is priceless for a guy like that. He's really handled it very well."
On knowing when a running back has the hot hand:
"There's a multitude of things. Ball security is No. 1. If he's up-and-down in the huddle, you can tell the energy level. The running back has to provide energy to the offensive line, and both Mike and J.K. do that. You can tell. It's not much different than a fan when you're watching the game and you can just feel every time he touches the ball. That's one position where it's very easy to tell if a guy's in a rhythm. It's just the demeanor, the way he handles himself, and obviously production."
On leaning on the hot hand at running back more:
"I sure will. It's really the first time I've had this quality of back complementing each other. These are really two very good backs."
On Dante Booker's turnaround following his injury:
"I do believe he struggled a little bit, not so much from the injury but getting back into the flow of things. The injury was fine, but it's when you miss that much time. Book is one of those guys we've never had to worry about going hard. He's a pleaser, and sometimes you paralyze yourself because you overanalyze everything instead of just playing. I think we're seeing more of that now."
On team's reaction to Booker winning Defensive Player of the Week:
"Everyone loves him, including myself. The players respect him because they know how hard he works and how much Ohio State football means to him. It was a big cheer for him."
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