Though Saturday afternoon's game against Illinois (a 41-point underdog) shouldn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, it marks a day 19 Ohio State seniors will never forget — their final game in iconic Ohio Stadium.
“We're very close to this group of seniors,” Urban Meyer said during his weekly press conference on Monday afternoon. “It's very well documented the respect and love we have for these guys because it's the first time we've had a couple of fifth-year seniors who have decided to stay throughout their journey, and we're going to treat them right. And the best way to treat them right is go win this game.”
Throughout the week, some seniors were asked by the media to share their favorite memories of playing in The Horseshoe. Some talked about their journey from a wide-eyed freshman to a seasoned veteran on the precipice of a career in the National Football League. Others, like Jalyn Holmes, took time to thank his mother for giving him the strength to keep going when times got tough.
“She was like, ‘If you come back home, you ain’t living here,'” Holmes said on Wednesday, noting he was ready to transfer to a small school near his home in Virginia. “I didn’t have nowhere else to go. It was be at Ohio State or be homeless.”
His mom, Tasha, responded in kind. As did the families of nearly every other senior, as the official Ohio State Football Twitter account released several videos over the last few days with a message from the player's mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters.
Cornerback Trevon Forte
The Last Lace Up: HARD WORK FORTE!! Salute to this special young man @TgiForte in his final game in #TheShoe! This program loves you because of your hard work and dedication! Enjoy this moment Tre! You deserve it!! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/B0NBzMWnVx
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 17, 2017
Wide receiver Elijaah Goins
The Last Lace Up: Salute to @WorkHardSleepEz in his final game in #TheShoe! Great all-around person and Buckeye! Enjoy this moment Elijah!! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/2CK7sO53l3
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 16, 2017
Defensive end Nick Seme
The Last Lace Up: Salute to @nseme_ in his final game in #TheShoe! You’ve done all you can to help this program. Enjoy this moment! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/39HzP8SxJP
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2017
Linebacker Zach Turnure
The Last Lace Up: MEAT!!!! Salute to this dude @ZachTurnure25 in his final game in #TheShoe! Relentless effort and dedication to being about of this Buckeye fraternity! Thank you for all you have done for this program! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/XeGUx008K3
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 15, 2017
Safety Erick Smith
The Last Lace Up: OK E!!! Salute to this senior @esmith_1 in his final game in #TheShoe! Through the good times and hard times, you fought like a warrior! It’s been a pleasure having you as a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/eyqMQrCHsH
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 16, 2017
Defensive tackle Michael Hill
The Last Lace Up: BIG MIKE!!! Salute to this guy @MichaelReal77 in his final game in #TheShoe! It’s been a long journey but we are proud to be there with you every step of the way! Thank you for your help in making this program better! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/oW81Ce6JQ5
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 16, 2017
Tight end Marcus Baugh
The Last Lace Up: AIR MARCUS BAUGH!! Salute to this stud @MarcusBaugh85 in his final game in #TheShoe! You have literally jumped over every obstacle in your path and we are proud to have you as a Buckeye! Thank you! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/u9Y4Z9kXZQ
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 17, 2017
Safety Damon Webb
The Last Lace Up: Salute to @DameWebb in his final game in #TheShoe! Thank you for all you have done for this program and a great honor to have you as a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/yflwJv1LGT
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 14, 2017
Defensive tackle Tracy Sprinkle
The Last Lace Up: BOSS MAN 93!! Salute to @TSprinkle93 in his final game in #TheShoe! You’ve fought and led this team! We have enjoyed watching you grow as a great young man on and off the field! Can’t wait to see your next endeavors. #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/1so5Zhoodd
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2017
Offensive tackle Jamarco Jones
The Last Lace Up: JAMARCOOOOOOO JONESSSSS!!!! Salute to this guy @jjones_74 in his final game in #TheShoe! It’s been a absolute pleasure watching you grow as a man and a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/EWZVNOBlJN
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 15, 2017
Defensive end Jalyn Holmes
The Last Lace Up: #HowSheGoneEat Salute to this young man @JayHolmes_ in his final game in #TheShoe! Thank you for all you have done for this program! It’s been a blessing to have you as a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/jRsPNNy1Ob
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 17, 2017
Linebacker Chris Worley
The Last Lace Up: Salute to @TheRealJizzle35 in his final game in #TheShoe! You’ve dreamt of being a Buckeye and achieved that. Your leadership, heart and desire has impacted this program in many ways! Thank you! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/QsUiuj91Bo
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 17, 2017
Defensive end Tyquan Lewis
The Last Lace Up: BIG BROTHER QUAN!!! Salute to @PrimeTime_Lewis in his final game in #TheShoe! Brotherhood is a quality you promote each day within this program! You’ve remained humble and led this team! We are thankful for your time! Salute Champ! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/LWo0SKmjgd
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2017
Center Billy Price
The Last Lace Up: CHAMP!!!! Salute to @b_price54 in his final game in #TheShoe! Every day our program became better because of your toughness, leadership and smile. Your legacy will be told and live through Buckeye greatness! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/9kg5RWmLVs
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2017
Quarterback J.T. Barrett
The Last Lace Up: JOE! THOMAS! BARRETT! Salute to @JT_theQB4th in his final game in #TheShoe! History will speak your name but the impact you had on this program will inspire Buckeyes for generations. Thank you and a great honor to have you as a Buckeye! #GoBucks #BeatIllinois pic.twitter.com/cWwATBG0wz
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2017
Former quarterback Stephen Collier, cornerback Cin'quan Haney, linebacker Jackson Hayes and safety Clay Raterman will all be honored as part of the Senior Day festivities on Saturday.
