Shortly after head coach Ryan Day closed his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Ohio State quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Mike Yurcich stepped to the podium to field a few questions from the media.
Here’s a brief recap of what he had to say:
- Yurcich on quarterback Justin Fields: “His growth and his ability to be unselfish is what’s allowed him to have success.” Yurcich said Fields doesn’t try to do too much or make things work that simply aren’t there, but also credits the offensive line, running backs and wide receivers for putting him in that kind of position, too.
- Yurcich said there is a lot of room for improvement, both in his coaching and with the players in the quarterback room.
- Yurcich said Fields has shown his toughness and ability to bounce back on several occasions on the field, as well as in the practice facility throughout the week. “I think you’re finding out as the season progresses just how tough he is.”
- Yurcich said it’s important to get backups Chris Chugunov and Gunnar Hoak live snaps in case something ever happens to Fields.
- Yurcich comes from Oklahoma State, which plays in a conference that is offense-heavy. “What we have hear at Ohio State is a team concept.” Said the biggest difference between Big XII and Big Ten defenses is the former tends to drop eight players into coverage more often than the latter, which rushes four players more often than not.
- Yurcich said Fields is a quick learned. The two went golfing this summer, and despite having never played the game, Fields did well.
- Yurcich said the weather is something the team can’t control, but they practice with wet footballs when rain is in the forecast.
