Ohio State narrowly defeated Michigan State, 17-16, yesterday afternoon to move to 10-1 overall.

The Buckeyes, currently at No. 2 according to the College Football Playoff committee has what you would call a big game next week to end its regular season. Enter, No. 3 Michigan.

Here’s what Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer had to say right after the one-point victory in East Lansing.

“We’ll take the win against a team that we know very well on the road in November,” he said. “We’re 10-1 and gotta get ready for our rivalry week.”

Rivalry week, indeed. Even if Penn State defeats Michigan State next week and keeps Ohio State out of the Big Ten Championship game, it’ll be tough for the committee to overlook its No. 2-ranked team if they go on to defeat No. 3 Michigan.

As already mentioned, next week’s showdown between two historic rivals is going to be big – and Ohio State’s players know it.

“It’s the big week we’ve all been waiting for,” said Ohio State redshirt sophomore junior defensive end Sam Hubbard, via elevenwarriors.com.

Each of the quotes below are Buckeye players talking about Michigan, thanks to elevenwarriors.com.

Offensive guard Billy Price: “They know what is at stake. We know what is at stake. We’re, of course, going to enjoy the win today and then get after it again [Sunday] for The Team Up North.”

Defensive end Tyquan Lewis: “We come out next week flat, giving up some runs like that, we obviously won’t win the game.”

Defensive end Jalyn Holmes: “I’m going to enjoy this right now and then Sunday morning, it’s back to the drawing board for what’s next. We’ll see them when we see them.”

Running back Mike Weber: “Right now, we’re looking at it as the national championship and that’s how we’re supposed to look at it. We’re going to go out all week, work hard at it and try to execute that game plan.”

Ohio State knows it’s big. We know it’s big.

And, we can’t wait for noon to roll around this coming Saturday.