Urban Meyer discusses bounce-back win over Nebraska, previews Michigan State game

While there was still a lot left to be desired in No. 10 Ohio State’s stressful 36-31 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, there were signs of progress, especially along the offensive line and in the running game.

Following the victory, head coach Urban Meyer met with the media on Monday to discuss the adjustments made, and what else will need to be done this week, as the Buckeyes travel to take on an always-dangerous Michigan State squad on Saturday.

You can watch Urban Meyer’s press conference here and check out the notes below:

Champions of the Game

Offense: J.K. Dobbins, Luke Farrell, Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell
Player of the Game: Michael Jordan, Demetrius Knox, Malcolm Pridgeon, Isaiah Prince, Thayer Munford

Defense: Dre’Mont Jones, Jonathon Cooper, Jashon Cornell, Tuf Borland, Damon Arnette
Player of the Game: Brendon White

Special Teams Player of the Game: Keandre Jones

Nebraska Recap

• Meyer said that it was very nice to see Dobbins get into the end zone.
• Of Dwayne Haskins’ less explosive passing game, Meyer said, “You get what you emphasize. We spent a lot of time on other facets of our offense.”
• Meyer said that he felt good for White on Saturday.

Michigan State Preview

• Meyer said that the success that the rushing attack had against Nebraska has to continue for the team to continue to improve this season.

Injury Update

• Meyer said that the impact of losing Nick Bosa early in the season has been big, but, “you have to move on.”

Evaluating his Team

• Meyer said that he has seen improvement from the linebacking. He said that the unit was very young to start the season, but that they have gotten better. However, they continue to have too many missed tackles, especially behind the line of scrimmage.
• The head coach said that Haskins has not been discouraged to run, but the team’s QBs are always encouraged to get as much as possible and then get down.
• “I knew he was obviously not a J.T. Those are the yards you have to get somewhere else if you’re not getting them from the quarterback,” Meyer said.
• Meyer said that when looking to make adjustments, there is a healthy debate amongst the coaching staff, but they also look back at what the coaches have done at other schools, and what other teams are doing to try and come up with the best ideas to maximize the talent on the team.
• The coach said that the receiving corps and Isaiah Prince have stepped up to fill the leadership void left by J.T. Barrett and other players who departed after last season. Meyer also said that Haskins is working to get into that mix as well.
• Meyer said that safety Brendon White is “certainly going to play. He’s earned that right. His practices have been very good the last couple weeks.” He added that the decision on whether he will start against MSU will be made over the next few days.
• As to why White hasn’t been on the field before Saturday, Meyer said, “It’s a matter of practice. You don’t just throw a guy into the game.”
• When asked, Meyer said that he was fine with the running back rotation. He said he doesn’t micromanage that, but he’s comfortable with Mike Weber and Dobbins splitting carries.
• The jumbo set that OSU showed on Saturday was partially constructed because Meyer wanted to get Wyatt Davis in the game based on how well he’s practiced.
• The coach said that he often asks his coaches why young players aren’t playing yet, or why they aren’t ready to play.
• Meyer said that interim wide receiver coach Brian Hartline has done a good job in terms of recruiting. “For this class, we have a handful of receiver commits and he’s doing a good job.”
• The coach said that he feels like the defense is getting closer, but they need to stop giving up big plays. He said it’s “nowhere near the standard [that] we want.”
• Meyer admitted that missing camp put him behind in evaluating new players, as well as returners who had improved from the spring. But, he said that he doesn’t think that this has impacted playing time, as those decisions are mostly made by the position coaches.

The No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to face the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Mich. on Saturday at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX.