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Ohio State-Michigan State could be the game of the week in the Big Ten.
The Buckeyes enter as the No. 10 team in the country, while the Spartans are No. 18. Michigan State hosts Ohio State for a noon kickoff on Saturday with the game being televised on FOX.
Ohio State still has a chance at reaching the College Football Playoff, while Michigan State is going to look to crush the Buckeyes’ dreams. Ohio State suffered its first and only defeat to this point against Purdue two games ago and came back with a close victory over Nebraska last week.
On Thursday, during Urban Meyer’s weekly radio show, he talked about his Buckeyes as well as the opponent ahead.
Meyer on Dobbins/Weber being fresh because of their rotation: "Boy, we're going to need them this week."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer said Weber "was loose with the ball" on his two fumbles and that OSU has worked really hard on ball security this week.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
On radio @OSUCoachMeyer said last week "The offensive line set the tone" leading to revival of rushing game.
— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) November 8, 2018
Meyer on Nebraska's TD drive late to make it close: "That was alarming. For most of the game, we did a good job eliminating (big plays). It's been a rotating door on the back end of our defense." Said he wants stability in the secondary.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer on injuries in secondary: "It seems like we've been banged up as long as you can remember. Sevyn Banks is another name to keep an eye on. He's really come on in practice. A very talented guy."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer on Brendon White's breakthrough vs. Nebraska: "It's been great to watch him grow as a player. In practice, he's played much better."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer again praises WR Chris Olave. Said he's a name to remember.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer on TEs used in goal-line situations: "In that situation, they are fullbacks. That's exactly what they are."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer heaps praise on MSU's defense, which is ranked No. 1 nationally in run defense.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer said he doesn't see much difference btw MSU quarterbacks Brian Lewerke and Rocky Lombardi. Lewerke has been hurt.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer said OSU did a study that showed the best teams average just over 25 yards on kickoff return. (He could have saved time and looked up the statistics online.)
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer asked about Joshua Perry, who visited practice this week: "Hopefully, president Josh Perry one day. I'll vote for him."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Meyer on backup QB Tate Martell: "I love Tate. He's a competitor. He wants to play. Said he's frustrated in that he wants to play, not frustrated in being defiant. There might be some Tate showing up soon. He's been practicing very hard."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 8, 2018
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.