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 loss to Iowa, J.T. Barrett's play, and their upcoming game against Michigan State.
Ohio State Fans - Download Chat Sports on iPhone today for breaking Ohio State news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports iPhone App!
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 if Ohio State's penalties, ejections, and losses this season point to a lack of leadership:
"I don't think so. Those are interesting stats that you mentioned, but this is one of the better groups I've had. It's perplexing at times because I know they care so much. The two ejections, one was a mistake by the official and one was in the heat of the moment, there was no intent to it. So no, I don't believe so."
On finding a featured back and giving him more touches:
"When you run the read game, a couple of defenses have really tried to take the tailback out of the game. We've been working on that hard this week."
On advice to J.T. Barrett following the Iowa loss:
"Move forward, same with advice to a coach or self-advice. We have great trust, great confidence in him. I had a conversation with our staff yesterday where we gave up an incredible amount of rushing yards [against Iowa] and the week before we shut down Saquon Barkley, arguably the best back in the country. It's athletics and you have to rebound and put that one behind you, which is hard, but you have to move forward."
On not calling a timeout before Iowa's trick play:
"I thought about it and listened, but felt like we had it covered."
On the career of Damon Webb:
"A very good career. Obviously, it remains to be seen how he plays these last few games out, but he's a very good player for us. A good person."
On Webb being a leader in the secondary:
"He's done a pretty good job. Obviously, the taste if your mouth from last weekend was not good, but before that, he was playing pretty good."
Check out our College Football by Chat Sports podcast!
On Parris Campbell's availability this weekend:
"I believe he's been cleared."
On the impact of not having Campbell on the field:
"It's big. Obviously, he's one of the best kick returners in America. He's such a tough guy and good kid that anytime he's not out there it hurts, like any player."
On coverage breakdowns against Iowa's tight ends:
"There were some mistakes. Obviously, you know the answer to how to fix it. You address it, you cover it in meetings, and you go practice it. That will be a big issue this week to make sure it is fixed."
On Ohio State's linebacker play:
"This past week was not good at all. Up to this point, they had been playing very solid, at times very good, especially when you have some new guys in there. Jerome Baker was really the only returning starter. At times they had played very well, and the week before they played very well. This week, they did not."
On playing poorly in seven of the past eight quarters:
"This last game was not very good. Obviously, we had a couple of kicking issues and a couple of turnovers [against Penn State]. Other than that, the offensive line and defensive line beyond dominated that game. It was almost 600 yards to 300 if I remember right. You're playing some pretty good teams. I don't go backward, I try to move forward and make sure we're ready for Michigan State."
On Ohio State rebounding and preparing to play Michigan State:
"Yesterday was a day off but Sunday was a good, energized practice, and they understand. We're a very smart team. We understand what's at stake, come back home and play against a team that's tied with us and in first place [in the Big Ten]. I'll know more today."
On facing Michigan State:
"Their quarterback is really starting to play well. He's thrown for 800 yards over the past two games. On defense, they're #1 in the league in rush defense and are playing typical Michigan State defense. They've just got some momentum right now."
Follow our Ohio State Buckeyes team page for all the latest Ohio State football news!
Back to the Ohio State Buckeyes Newsfeed