VIDEO: Coach Fickell Thursday Update – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 3, 2011
VIDEO: Coach Fickell Thursday Update
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Head coach Luke Fickell gave reporters one final update on his team Thursday as the Buckeyes (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten Leaders) prepare to face Indiana (1-8, 0-5 Big Ten Leaders) Saturday at the Horseshoe (Noon ET, Big Ten Network).
Fickell also gave an update on Jordan Hall, indicating the junior running back/kick returner hasn’t fully recovered from an ankle injury and is probably doubtful.
“He hasn’t quite turned the corner with his ankle,” Fickell said.
As far as candidates to fill in on kick and punt returns: “(Corey) Philly Brown could fill in there, Chris Fields has returned a number of kicks for us and Devin Smith as well.”
Hall’s injury also opens the door for sophomore Carlos Hyde to backup Dan “Boom” Herron.
“You’ve always got to be ready for your opportunity and I think that’s one thing that Carlos has done a good job of,” Fickell said. “He’s kept his mind right. The situation hasn’t been the easiest for him with how he played at Nebraska, but you never know when you’re opportunity is going to arise and this could be a very good opportunity for him.”
As far as the Hoosiers go, Fickell knows his team will be prepared and won’t be looking past anyone the rest of the way.
“We’ve been through enough, and not that many people believe it, but this is a scary (Indiana) crew. I really believe that. With the way their offense is going, I believe this will be a different Indiana team than the one who came in last year and that’s a tribute to what Coach (Kevin) Wilson has done. You can see fire and passion from those guys no matter what the situation is.”
