Presser Bullets: Urban Meyer, J.T. Barrett Preview Ohio State's "Tough" Road Game at Iowa

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer met with the media again Wednesday for his final press conference before the Buckeyes travel to Iowa to play the Hawkeyes on Saturday.

Meyer reiterated that Iowa's defense is "very good" and said he is expecting Kinnick Stadium, where the Hawkeyes have a reputation for being tough to beat, to be a challenging environment. 

"We're expecting a really tough Big Ten crowd," Meyer said. 

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett also came into the press conference room to meet with the media, and said the Buckeyes need to prepared for a good test from the Hawkeyes defense. 

"They keep things in front of them. They're very smart," Barrett said. "That's a tough place to play, so with that, got to make sure that we're on top of everything." 

Here's what else you need to know from Meyer's meeting with the media: 

• Denzel Ward is a "very good corner" but Meyer expects "these last four or five games to be even better."
• Meyer said he doesn't micromanage the running back position but said he did not have any concerns about J.K. Dobbins being on the field in pass protection.
• Sean Nuernberger and Blake Haubeil are still battling to be Ohio State's kickoff specialist.
• The offensive line room is the "strongest it's been in a couple years."
• Could Demetrius Knox could be an All-Big Ten caliber player some day? "He's starting his third game right now. Whoa, whoa, whoa." But while Meyer wanted to pump the breaks on his hype, he was pleased with how well the new starting right guard has played so far.
• Meyer is proud of how Johnnie Dixon has overcome injuries off the field. "No one ever gave up on him, and he never gave up on himself."
• On J.T. Barrett's development: "(Quarterbacks coach) Ryan Day has done such a good with him."
• Parris Campbell remains questionable for Saturday's game.
• Meyer grades K.J. Hill's ball skills as "10 out of 10." A "very good player" who has matured.
• Who do you have in the World Series tonight? "We're playing Iowa."

A sampling of what Barrett had to say:

• Barrett said he takes a mental picture of the defense in his head before each play. That picture can change if the defense makes pre-snap adjustments.
• Barrett credits improved communication with his receivers for making the big plays late in Saturday's game possible.
• Barrett didn't know he had completed 16 straight passes on Saturday until someone told him after the game.
• On K.J. Hill: "I've always felt comfortable throwing to K.J."
• On not letting the Heisman Trophy hype get to his head: "Not too long ago, I was at a spot where people were saying I shouldn't start ... Ryan Day said 'Don't bite the apple,' because once you think you have it, you don't."

Check back with Eleven Warriors later tonight for further coverage from Ohio State, as offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and several additional players, including center Billy Price and defensive end Nick Bosa, are set to meet with the media after Meyer's press conference.