11/23/2017 football Edit

Michigan Football: OSU's Urban Meyer Talks U-M

Austin Fox • Maize&BlueReview

Staff Writer

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Michigan holds a 58-49-6 all-time advantage in The Game. (Scott Stuart)

There were no small jabs or trash talking in Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer’s meetings with the media this week.

In fact, Meyer said as little as possible about the Michigan game.

He was asked constantly about the Wolverines, but answered nearly everything with short, quick responses.

“I’m just extremely focused,” he said. “I can’t imagine having any more respect for this rivalry — we are all laser focused for this game. This one is very personal — it’s one I didn’t have to get educated for.”

Meyer said that some of the younger players may not fully understand the magnitude of the game quite yet though.

“This rivalry isn’t a one week deal — I learned that from Woody Hayes, Earl Bruce and Jim Tressel,” he recalled. “It’s in your blood and your DNA — I wouldn’t say that all of our guys necessarily understand that right now; out of state young guys like [freshman offensive lineman] Wyatt Davis or [freshman receiver] Elijah Gardiner probably don’t yet, but they will.

“The guys who have played in it have a pretty good indication though. Every day you’re here, you’re reminded of it in some way. We have periods devoted to this game during practice.”

Although Michigan’s offense has struggled mightily this season, Meyer said he expects to see a different unit on Saturday.

“Absolutely,” he confirmed. “Teams play their best football in the history of this game. They’re going to be a downhill rushing team — that’s been their M.O.”

Meyer expanded on Michigan’s offensive attack during his Tuesday teleconference.

“Their tailback is an outstanding player and their interior offensive line is really good,” he explained. “They do a good job of moving and shifting and creating gap issues for you.”

Meyer was asked specifically about freshman wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones during his Monday presser, a player he was very familiar with on the recruiting trail.

“We recruited him and have a lot of respect for him,” he recalled. “He has great size and great speed. He’s really starting to play well.”

The OSU head man also spoke about two other Michigan players who stand out on film.

“We’ve been doing our preparation on them for a long time. Both of those guys [fifth-year senior defensive tackle Mo Hurst and sophomore defensive end Rashan Gary] are very high NFL draft players.

“Hurst is one of their best players, if not the best player,” Meyer continued on his Tuesday teleconference. “He’s been outstanding the past couple of years, and we have a lot of respect for him.”

Hurst will need to be outstanding — along with the rest of the Michigan defense — on Saturday if the Wolverines hope to slow down a Buckeye offense that ranks fourth nationally (546.2 yards per game).

Check out more of The Wolverine's coverage of the Michigan/Ohio State game below:

Michigan Football: Peters in Concussion Protocol, but Could Play vs. OSU

Michigan Football News and Views: Jim Harbaugh on Ohio State

Michigan Football Video: Six Wolverines Speak to the Media About Ohio State

Michigan Football: Ohio Native Mike McCray Expects Saturday to be 'Surreal'

Michigan Football: Mason Cole, Seniors Have Final Chance to Beat Ohio State

Michigan Football: Last Year's Loss to OSU has Motivated Karan Higdon

Chase Winovich Grew up a Buckeye fan, Says he was Flipped the Bird at OSU

By the Numbers: A Closer Look at the Storied Histories of Michigan and OSU

Michigan Football Video: Five Wolverines Talk Ohio State

Michigan Football: Khaleke Hudson Understands Ohio State Rivalry Better now

Scouting Report: Previewing Michigan vs. Ohio State With Team Insider