Ohio State coach Urban Meyer doesn't want to talk about the College Football Playoff.
He made that much clear during his Monday press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, when he deflected multiple questions about the Buckeyes' playoff chances, two days after his team's 48-3 win over Michigan State. He says his focus is not on what could happen in the future – or what happened in the past, specifically in regards to what happened in the Buckeyes' loss two games ago at Iowa – but on what the Buckeyes need to do to take care of business against Illinois this week.
"I'm going to be out of my damn mind about that this week," Meyer said. "There is going to be zero conversation about that."
Here's what else you need to know from Meyer's latest meeting with the media:
- Billy Price, who broke Ohio State's school record with his 51st consecutive start on Saturday, was named offensive player of the game. Damon Arnette and Tuf Borland were defensive players of the game. Erick Smith was special teams player of the game.
- Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell, K.J. Hill, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack, J.K. Dobbins, Mike Weber, Jamarco Jones, Michael Jordan, Isaiah Prince, Demetrius Knox, Marcus Baugh and Rashod Berry were also named champions on offense.
- Nick Bosa, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis, Jalyn Holmes, Chase Young, Chris Worley, Malik Harrison, Denzel Ward, Kendall Sheffield and Damon Webb were also named champions on defense.
- Arnette is probable to play this week after suffering a thigh bruise on Saturday.
- Kickoff coverage was "outstanding" in Saturday's game.
- Meyer was "disappointed" in Dre'Mont Jones for his late hit that drew a targeting penalty in Saturday's game. Meyer does not, however, believe the targeting rule should be changed.
- Meyer said the staff is having conversations about Worley continuing to play outside linebacker and Borland playing middle linebacker. Harrison had a "very good game" on Saturday and is also "a guy that has earned more and more time," though Meyer still wants to see improvement.
- Ohio State's offensive line is "much improved" and "moving in the right direction."
- On recruiting quarterbacks: "You have to have one every year." It's "possible" Ohio State could have two quarterbacks in this year's class.
- "We have a very good team," but Meyer doesn't want to compare this team to his past teams right now.
- On Saturday being J.T. Barrett's final home game: "It's well-documented I love J.T. ... J.T. is a member of the Meyer family and the Buckeye family for the rest of his life."
- Zach Turnure, a former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship in August, has impressed Meyer with his performance on special teams. "He's on scholarship now, it's not because it's a gift, it's because he earned it. He's a stud. I love that kid."
- The Illinois defensive line has caught Meyer's attention.
- Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa took a more active role in Ohio State's offensive game planning for Michigan State than he had in previous weeks.
Check back with Eleven Warriors later this afternoon for further coverage from Meyer's press conference.
