Urban Meyer press conference notes

Coming off of a much needed open week, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes are currently preparing for their toughest test of the season as the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions visit The Horseshoe this Saturday.

More than a week removed from their 56-14 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Buckeye head coach has his sights set on PSU, who delivered Ohio State’s only regular season loss of the 2016 season.

Penn State Preview

• The head coach also said that he takes comfort in the fact that quarterback J.T. Barrett is practicing as well as he has been.
• He added that the reason that the team is playing so well recently, is that the team, and the coaches are practicing as well as they have in several years.
• He also added that PSU running back Saquon Barkley is possibly the best all-purpose back that he has ever faced as a collegiate head coach.
• Meyer says that Barrett has been extremely consistent other than in the loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, and the protection and wide receivers have been better, but he also notes that Penn State might have the best pass defense in the country.
• The head coach said that any time you start considering the week off an advantage, “you don’t play well.”
• Meyer said that he hasn’t decided how much the revenge factor will play into his coaching this week. He said that he will wait and listen to the team to determine what factors need to be focused on.
• He also added that PSU’s defensive lineman/linebacker Jason Cabinda stands out when watching the Nittany Lions on film.
• Meyer said that PSU’s offense is a very good scheme with very good players, making them one of the best units in the country.

Injury Report

• Meyer said that while Demario McCall is available to play, but he likely won’t be 100%.
• He also added that Mike Weber is good-to-go after injuring his wrist against Nebraska. He will wear a brace, but it shouldn’t impact him.
• Also suffering injuries against the Huskers, but should be fine for Saturday are Jamarco Jones, Jalyn Holmes, and Parris Campbell.

Depth Chart

• Demetrius Knox is still considered the starting right guard, but everything is day-to-day, and this week will be “a hell of a challenge.”

No. 6 Ohio State will play host to ESPN’s “College Gameday” for the second time this season, ahead of their 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff against the second-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. The game will be broadcast on FOX.