Secondary coach Matt Barnes, alongside Steele Chambers, Zach Harrison, Cameron Brown, Tyreke Smith and Ronnie Hickman, spoke with media members this morning with four days until the 108th Rose Bowl. Here's what we learned during that session.
Stopping the run is of great importance heading into the Rose Bowl
Ohio State has had some glaring issues against the run this season, especially in its losses. Utah boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the country, averaging 216.1 yards per game on the ground. Naturally, the Buckeyes are preparing for Utah to use the run heavily Saturday.
Zach Harrison pointed to Utah's physicality as something that makes its run game so special.
"They're very physical at the point of attack. They have a good O-Line, good running backs."
Harrison said that the Buckeyes will need to meet the Utes' physicality with some of their own.
Tyreke Smith is getting ready to say goodbye to the program
Tyreke Smith will play his last game as a Buckeye Saturday, ending a four-year career in which he racked up seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Smith was a key player on the defensive line throughout the regular season and is sure to continue that impact into the Rose Bowl.
"Just a blessing. Taking it all in."
While Smith will play in his last game as a Buckeye, fellow defensive lineman Zach Harrison is yet to make a decision on his future.
Young guys are stepping up in practice
With Bowl Practices come more opportunity for young guys to get reps.
Matt Barnes said he's been very impressed with Kourt Williams and how he's handled things this month and throughout his Ohio State career.
Ronnie Hickman pointed to Jordan Hancock as someone who has been making a lot of plays on the ball in practice over the past month.
Zach Harrison said Mike Hall has been another guy who has done a good job in practice this month, pointing to more comfort in the program and growth in both mental and physical ways.
Jim Knowles' defense is already taking shape
Ohio State's incoming defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with the Buckeyes last week and is getting ready to take the reins at Ohio State. Ronnie Hickman said that he's excited to work with Knowles after briefly meeting with him and has watched some Oklahoma State film ahead of the coach's arrival.
"I thought he was a cool guy," Hickman said about Knowles.
Matt Barnes said he's tuned into some Oklahoma State film as well, calling Knowles' defense "exciting." Barnes also added that the defensive coaching staff has handled Knowles' hiring as professionals.
With the defensive coaching staff in limbo, Hickman added that the coaches have still done a good job preparing them for the Rose Bowl.
Stopping the run is of great importance heading into the Rose Bowl
Ohio State has had some glaring issues against the run this season, especially in its losses. Utah boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the country, averaging 216.1 yards per game on the ground. Naturally, the Buckeyes are preparing for Utah to use the run heavily Saturday.
Zach Harrison pointed to Utah's physicality as something that makes its run game so special.
"They're very physical at the point of attack. They have a good O-Line, good running backs."
Harrison said that the Buckeyes will need to meet the Utes' physicality with some of their own.
Tyreke Smith is getting ready to say goodbye to the program
Tyreke Smith will play his last game as a Buckeye Saturday, ending a four-year career in which he racked up seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Smith was a key player on the defensive line throughout the regular season and is sure to continue that impact into the Rose Bowl.
"Just a blessing. Taking it all in."
While Smith will play in his last game as a Buckeye, fellow defensive lineman Zach Harrison is yet to make a decision on his future.
Young guys are stepping up in practice
With Bowl Practices come more opportunity for young guys to get reps.
Matt Barnes said he's been very impressed with Kourt Williams and how he's handled things this month and throughout his Ohio State career.
Ronnie Hickman pointed to Jordan Hancock as someone who has been making a lot of plays on the ball in practice over the past month.
Zach Harrison said Mike Hall has been another guy who has done a good job in practice this month, pointing to more comfort in the program and growth in both mental and physical ways.
Jim Knowles' defense is already taking shape
Ohio State's incoming defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with the Buckeyes last week and is getting ready to take the reins at Ohio State. Ronnie Hickman said that he's excited to work with Knowles after briefly meeting with him and has watched some Oklahoma State film ahead of the coach's arrival.
"I thought he was a cool guy," Hickman said about Knowles.
Matt Barnes said he's tuned into some Oklahoma State film as well, calling Knowles' defense "exciting." Barnes also added that the defensive coaching staff has handled Knowles' hiring as professionals.
With the defensive coaching staff in limbo, Hickman added that the coaches have still done a good job preparing them for the Rose Bowl.
