Presser Bullets: Urban Meyer Looks Ahead to Saturday's Showdown with Penn State

By Dan Hope on September 24, 2018 at 12:07 pm
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With five days to go until one of Ohio State's most anticipated games of the season at Penn State on Saturday (7:44 p.m., ABC), Urban Meyer met with the media to recap the Buckeyes' 49-6 win over Tulane this past weekend and look ahead to this upcoming week's pivotal Big Ten contest.

In addition to talking about what he described as "obviously a huge game," Meyer also provided updates on several players who did not play against Tulane, including defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Robert Landers and running back Brian Snead, as well as running back Mike Weber, who left Saturday's game early due to injury.

Here's what you need to know from Meyer's press conference:

  • Champions from Saturday's over Tulane: Isaiah Prince, Michael Jordan, Thayer Munford, Demetrius Knox, Malcolm Pridgeon, Luke Farrell, J.K. Dobbins, K.J. Hill, Terry McLaurin, Johnnie Dixon, Austin Mack, Binjimen Victor, Dwayne Haskins, Tyler Friday, Kendall Sheffield, Isaiah Pryor and Jordan Fuller
  • On Victor: "His last two games have been really, really good."
  • Nick Bosa will not play this week. "It's going to be a few more weeks, but we expect him back."
  • Robert Landers will play this week after sitting out Saturday's game due to injury.
  • Brian Snead did not play again Saturday because of a "violation of team rules" that Ohio State is monitoring. It has not yet been determined whether he will make the trip to Penn State.
  • Mike Weber is expected to play this week after suffering a foot strain against Tulane.
  • On the report that Ryan Day could become Ohio State's coach-in-waiting: "I haven't given any thought to it. Ryan is an exceptional coach."
  • Meyer said feedback from quarterbacks on the recruiting trail has been "very positive." "A lot of them want to do what we're doing right now."
  • Meyer said he has had conversations with Bosa about how to handle his recovery and eventual return, in regard to his potential to play in the NFL after this season. He said he has been told by Bosa's parents that they trust the program.
  • Meyer described Trace McSorley as a "winner" and "competitor."
  • Meyer said Bosa has told him that he wants to return to play this season.
  • Meyer said he isn't placing any extra emphasis on this game in terms of its importance to winning the game in his motivation this week because "there's so much football to be played."
  • On Penn State's road environment: "It's one of the tops in the country."
  • Dre'Mont Jones and Tuf Borland have been among the Buckeyes' top leaders on defense this season. Wide receivers Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon were also praised again for their leadership.
  • On Penn State running back Miles Sanders: "That running back's really good." Said the Buckeyes "don't see much difference at all" in Penn State's offense from last season, also praising the offensive line and receivers.
  • Meyer said there will be conversation later in the week reminding the team about its loss at Penn State two years ago.

Stay tuned with Eleven Warriors for more coverage from Meyer's press conference this afternoon. 

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