Ohio State coach Urban Meyer held his latest press conference on Monday to review the 56-0 win against Rutgers and look ahead to Saturday's game against Maryland.
Meyer opened his press conference by expressing his condolences for those impacted by the mass shooting in Las Vegas overnight.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims," Meyer said. "If there's anything we can do, we will."
After that, Meyer began fielding questions on football. He announced that Ohio State will make a change on kickoffs, with Sean Nuernberger replacing Blake Haubeil on that unit. Meyer also updated the status of players who missed last week's game due to injuries and disciplinary reasons, including defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones, who will not play this week but is anticipated for Ohio State's subsequent game against Nebraska, which will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, as announced Monday.
Meyer also had plenty of praise to go around for his team's performance in Saturday's game as well as respect for the upcoming opponent.
Here's what you need to know from Meyer's latest press conference:
- J.T. Barrett and Johnnie Dixon were named as Ohio State's offensive players of the game against Rutgers, while Terry McLaurin, Mike Weber, J.K. Dobbins, Demario McCall, Jamarco Jones, Billy Price and Marcus Baugh were also named as champions on offense.
- Dante Booker was named as Ohio State's defensive player of the game against Rutgers, while Nick Bosa, Jonathon Cooper, Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis, Chase Young, Denzel Ward, Damon Arnette and Jordan Fuller were also named as champions on defense.
- Pete Werner was named as Ohio State's special teams player of the game. Zach Turnure, Austin Mack, Isaiah Pryor and Jeffrey Okudah were also recognized for making tackles inside the 20-yard line.
- Werner is one of the most improved players on the team. "Buy stock in that guy."
- Meyer is optimistic but also realistic about the progress in the passing game.
- Chris Worley is probable this week.
- Antonio Williams is questionable this week.
- Erick Smith will not play this week. "He's got to handle his business."
- Meyer on Maryland coach D.J. Durkin, a former assistant of Meyer's at Florida: "Of all the guys I've had, he's one of the top two or three that I've ever had on our staff."
- Jordan Fuller is "playing at a very high level right now."
- Holmes, who played defensive tackle on Saturday, and Lewis are both capable of playing inside as well as outside on Ohio State's defensive line. Bosa and Hubbard are better suited to play outside because of their body types.
- Werner, Justin Hilliard, Baron Browning and Zach Turnure are "game-changers" on special teams. Werner is "fast as you-know-what."
- The Buckeyes are working on a two-back set with Weber and Dobbins.
Check back with Eleven Warriors later this afternoon for further coverage from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
