Urban Meyer Coach's Show: Maturity and Experience the Difference Between Virginia Tech Game and Now

By D.J. Byrnes on October 2, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Urban Meyer at 2012's OSU media day.
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With Cincinnati vanquished and Maryland on deck, Urban Meyer joined Jim Lachey and the voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels, on the airwaves of 97.1 The Fan for Urban Meyer Coach's Call-In Show.


Biggest difference between Virginia Tech performance and now: "Maturity and experience." 

Urban said it was "bizarre" looking up and seeing Ohio State netted 45 first downs against Cincinnati. He said J.T. Barrett's success is "a product of the offensive line."

The Cincinnati game was the truest performance to the offensive identity for which Ohio State is striving.

Ezekiel Elliott "turned four, five-yard gains into nine, twelve-yard gains." Again, it's a testament to the work of the improving offensive line.

On the misconception certain offensive players or positions are targeted: "The ball goes where the coverage tells it." Ohio State doesn't go into the game with a plan to get anyone the ball. The beauty of Ohio State's offense is multiple people can exploit multiple defenses. Barrett "does a good job of getting the right people the ball," Urban again compared him to backup legend Kenny Guiton.

Joey Bosa has been getting a lot of press lately, but Urban said Bosa's work ethic hasn't changed a bit. That hasn't always been the case for players, but Urban said he keeps Bosa under a watchful eye. "I don't see work ethic issues [within the team]." Urban cited past recruiting efforts as a reason for this.

Last year there were only three wide receivers Urban felt comfortable putting in a game. "That shouldn't happen." Now, Ohio State is six deep.

Urban Meyer said Maryland's receiving corp is "one of the best" in the country. A key to the game will be Ohio State's ability to maintain Maryland's electric punt and kick returners.

Urban Meyer expects C.J. Brown, Maryland's dual-threat quarterback, to get some reps.

Urban won't ask his slot receivers to block Maryland's linebackers — citing a 50 lbs. difference — but said Ohio State may compensate that by deploying two tight-end sets. "This is the first time [this year] we've had two tight ends ready to go."

"Rod Smith, in spring practice... he was outta here." Stan Drayton has created a culture that to play, running backs must go to class, practice well and perform on special teams. Rod Smith earned all 11 carries against Cincinnati, and could get more this weekend.

Curtis Samuel is hampered by a sprained his ankle, and that played a role in his light usage rate against Cincinnati. (No mention of the fumble.)

Urban said OSU is "doing things a little different" in the punt game to corral the likes of Stefon Diggs. Saturday's match-up will feature the Big Ten's best kick coverage team against the Big Ten's best kick return team.

"There's not a guy on [Ohio State's team] that didn't watch what [Maryland] did to Indiana last week."

A caller labeled the pass defense against Cincinnati as "atrocious." (Urban previously labelled it, outside of three plays, as excellent.) Urban — despite audibly sighing during the query — admitted he should've "stepped-in" and backed the coverage off during Cincinnati's drive before halftime. Ohio State will continue to try to challenge every pass.

On 16-22 year-olds: "My wife says their frontal lobes aren't fully developed. Maybe that's a nice way of saying they're idiots?" Immediately added, "I should not have said that."

On social media:"There's certain things about this job you love, and there's other things you can't stand." Social media is "No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3" on the list of things he can't stand; called Twitter accounts "little propaganda machines."

A lot of teams try to kick the ball through the end zone on kickoffs, but Ohio State doesn't do that. Craig Fada and Ezekiel Elliott are the two guys responsible for "going down there and disrupting things." Craig Fada is one of Urban Meyer's "favorite players on the team... he might help us some day on defense. He's the epitome of team play."

Urban, in what is quickly becoming a weekly tradition, again lauded the fans' performance. "During the Buckeye walk, I saw they were wearing headsets like they were tough guys. First of all, you're not that tough. Secondly, shake the hands of the fans, because they don't have to be here."

Urban personally performs bed-checks, a tradition he's done for 13 years. "Maybe it's the psychology degree, but I like to look into their eyes to see if they''re ready."

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