Urban Meyer Call-in Show: Kent State

Urban Meyer joined Paul Keels, the voice of the Buckeyes, and former player Jim Lachey for the Urban Meyer Coach's Show on 97.1 The Fan to talk all things Buckeye football.

Urban conceded one of the worst parts about losing is "having to talk about the damn thing," but said, "on his own show" he'd "like to talk about the future."

Urban admitted the offensive line isn't "solidified" and is "still in the evaluation phase." Receivers "have to adjust to man coverage a bit better."

COFFEE WITH THE COACH QUESTION from Chris in Galena: Curtis Grant and Josh Perry posted career highs in tackles against Virginia Tech. How are they evaluated?

• Josh Perry "injured his knee a little bit," but "should be good to go."
• Curtis Grant has "come along way," but freshman Raekwon McMillan will continue "nip at his toes for the spot."
• Urban lamented Dante Booker's run of bad luck. Former Akron star "sliced his foot" on "an escalator or something like that." Came down with a sickness last week.

Urban dryly described Noah Spence as "a guy who is anxious to play."

The defense played great for 3.5 quarters against VaTech. Said they're getting close but admitted, "it's time to stop being close and be great."

Erick Smith will start on special teams this week "to get him in the mix," as he continues his development for snaps at safety behind Powell, Bell, and Burrows.

On J.T. Barrett:

• Quarterback is product of those around him. Had over 400 yards of offense, but lost too many yards on sacks. Admitted some are on J.T. (when VaTech brought an extra guy) but Urban stressed the offensive line has to play better.
• "If we catch that ball in the end-zone on that Z-post..."

Michael Thomas "has a long way to go still," but "he's working much better in practice." He used to be "the mistake guy," which "is not a good name." But he's "really matured" and has "looked good."

A rambling question/statement was put to Urban about his Florida offense seeming "more wide open" than his Ohio State product.

• "I've had those conversations with Tom Herman."
• "The vision I have when I recruit the Dontre Wilsons, Curtis Samuels, Jalin Marshalls ... is to spread them out... That's the direction we're headed ... but the time is now."

Part of the dilemma is keeping J.T. Barrett upright. Spreading people out means thinner protections.

• "Not a great runner but a functional runner. He pulled us out of some issues [against Virginia Tech]," but Ohio State can't lean on him like they did Braxton.
• Only need 40-60 yards from quarterback and JT can do that.

Urban Meyer has not forgotten 9-11. Urban was a 36 year-old head coach at Bowling Green coming off back-to-back wins, and ready to square up on his mentor, Lou Holtz. Remembers people thinking "it was a mistake." Said "the world changed," when the second plane hit the towers. Decided not to fly to South Carolina. Ended up rescheduling with Northwestern, and beat the ranked Wildcats on the road, in the dying seconds of the game.