Greg Schiano Discusses Defensive Struggles Against Oregon State, Previews Rutgers Matchup

Ohio State’s 77-31 victory against Oregon State on Saturday saw the Buckeye offense explode, while the defense struggled when it came to allowing the big plays.

Greg Schiano, meeting with the media on Monday, said that he was encouraged in some areas of the win, but was also concerned with the big plays Ohio State allowed to the Beavers. The Buckeyes surrendered three plays of 49-yards or more against Oregon State.

“Eighty-two percent of their production came on seven plays. That is unacceptable,” Schiano said. “Good lessons to be learned. Not an acceptable performance, but there were some good things (too).”

What follows are the remaining notes from Schiano’s time with the media.

Schiano Notes

On defending Rutgers starting quarterback Artur Sitkowski, who is making his first career road start against Ohio State on Saturday: “He is not a stiff back there. You have to find ways to get him down when he looks to move.”
“We hope to have Jordan (Fuller) back,” Schiano said of Fuller, who missed the entirety of the game against Oregon State with a hamstring injury.
Said the coaches are excited to have Urban Meyer back in the building and that they hit the ground running following an early morning meeting.
Said Tuf Borland had a “pitch count” when it came to reps against Oregon State. He was limited to just 10 plays against the Beavers, and did not start. How much he plays moving forward will depend on his recovery, but so far, there have been no setbacks.
On Baron Browning, Schiano said he could see he and Borland rotating when Borland is back to 100 percent. “It’s a good situation to have. We just have to figure an optimal way to get the best performance from everyone.”
Schiano said his relationship with Rutgers doesn’t play into game week preparation. Added, “I am proud Rutgers is in the Big Ten,” in reference to his staff helping build the program up in the 2000’s.
On Day’s performance as head coach: “I thought he did an excellent job. I am sure his plate was full, but he did a great job.”
Schiano said he expects teams to continue to attack his defense with screens and misdirection plays. Added he wasn’t always pleased with the way Ohio State defended those schemes against Oregon State.
Said Ohio State missed Jordan Fuller’s tackling ability in the back end of the defense against Oregon State. “Certainly you miss a guy of that caliber when he is not playing.”
Described Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones’ performance against Oregon State as “off the charts.”
On Pete Werner’s performance: “I thought he played at a high level of speed and a great deal of passion.”
Mentioned Shaun Wade and Marcus Williamson as players who could fill in behind Ohio State’s three-man rotation at cornerback, or perhaps add to it.