As he usually does, Urban Meyer began his Monday press conference by naming champions on offense and defense while also naming players of the game.
On offense, J.K. Dobbins, Luke Farrell, Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell were champions with the entire offensive line being named the offensive players of the game. On defense, Dre’Mont Jones, Jonathon Cooper, Jashon Cornell, Tuf Borland, Damon Arnette and Brendon White, who was named the defensive player of the game. On special teams, Keandre Jones was named player of the game for his blocked punt in the first quarter of Ohio State’s 36-31 win over Nebraska.
What follows are the rest of the main takeaways from Meyer’s Monday presser.
Meyer Notes:
- Said he sees improvement at the linebacker position. “We still have far too many missed tackles,” he added.
- “Get as much as you can, and get down,” Meyer said of Dwayne Haskins’ scrambling ability.
- On losing Nick Bosa: “Whenever you lose a top-five player in America…you’ve got to move on.”
- Said he and his coaching staff spent around 40 hours of time during the bye week and Nebraska week on fixing the run game and the red zone offense.
- On leadership: “I think it is growing, as a team. Dwayne is trying to get there, but still has a ways to go.” Added that defensive leadership has been hard because of injuries.
- “Those decisions are being made in the next couple of days,” Meyer said on the possibility of Brendon White starting at safety against Michigan State. “He has earned the right to be on the field.”
- Mentioned Teradja Mitchell and Josh Proctor as players who are showing signs of improvement, especially on special teams.
- Acknowledged that Ohio State limited the amount of RPOs against Nebraska. Added that the Buckeyes will continue to go with direct run calls more often.
- Said the offensive line is becoming more healthy, which helped bolster the run game against Nebraska.
- Jokingly used the word “refreshing” to describe the play of Brendon White at safety against Nebraska. Said White has earned the trust of his coaches over recent weeks.
- Said Brian Hartline is “doing a very good job” on the recruiting trail.
- “We have to quit shuffling lineups,” Meyer said of the defensive struggles. Added missed tackles was the most alarming thing on defense.
- “He has earned the right to be in the rotation,” Meyer said of freshman wide receiver Chris Olave.
