Buckeyes Speak to the Media Ahead of Penn State Match Up
10/19/2023 8:40:00 AM | Football
On trusting Freshman WR Carnell Tate
"Carnell has continued to prove that he deserves to play. You saw him make a couple of nice catches in the game last week and weeks before, he continues to impress. We have confidence to put him in the game."
On playing a top ten matchup game at home against Penn State
“Against any team we play, you prepare just like you have for the weeks prior, but you also know that it’s a very good team and there are challenges across the board. You prepare for every scenario that could come up. It’s like a test and you find out how you do on Saturday.”
On guys stepping in potentially without WR Emeka Egbuka
“That’s one of the things that we talked about in the preseason. Whether it’s the tight end, running back, or receiver, we’re going to need all these guys to step up. They’re all going to have opportunities. But that’s where depth comes in and why we have weapons across the field.”
On his mindset as a kick returner
“I think I can have a touchdown every time I touch the ball. As a kicker turner, that's the same mentality. Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to just help the team in whatever capacity I can. So I'm out there really just thinking, first of all, catch the ball, get the ball back to the offense, and put us in the best position I can and then, me as a football player, I just want to glorify the Lord in every way I can.”
On Saturday's matchup against Penn State
“When we're on the field, you feel that tension, you feel I guess the urgency from both sides and so I would definitely consider it a game that is circled on our calendar and theirs.”
On Penn State QB Drew Allar
“I would say that he does a good job of keeping the ball in his hands and not turning the ball over. Just making good choices with the football.”
On how beneficial it is to play as a true freshman
“I feel like playing as a true freshman just gives you so much confidence… most freshmen don't get a chance to play.”
On his standards as a wide receiver
“The standard has been placed as my dad. That’s a Hall of Famer. I’m always going to compare myself to him. When you’re chasing after your dad who’s the best receiver to ever play the game, the standard has always been high.”
On Penn State’s secondary
“They're going to play man coverage and they're going to rely a lot on trying to be physical with you at the line of scrimmage, getting their hands on you. They're very talented, very skilled. So it definitely will be a challenge for me and the rest of the receivers. It just comes down to who has better technique at the end of the day.”
On what he will do to help the offensive line
“I can get us in the right protection calls, get the ball out when routes present themselves, be on time and be loud.”
On playing his home state team
“Regardless of if it's my home school or not, I think the magnitude of the game, two undefeated teams, top 10 matchup, you can't draw it up any better and that's what I think regardless of who the opponent was.”
On Coach Day's mentality
“It's just the type of guys we have. They’re the type of guys that can be coached hard. Coach Day tries to emphasize his point and if we don't get it right, we're gonna hear it. That’s how a good coach coaches.”
On going back to the basics
“ I really appreciate it. Sometimes you overlook that and then you try to do too much and you forget what got you there.”
On Coach Ryan Day
"I think he's done a really good job. Coach Day gives us a good model of what to follow and he’s somebody we look up to knowing that he's going to have our back."
On Coach Day's mentality
“We feel as players and I think for [Coach Day] especially because that guy comes in every day ready to work. You couldn’t ask for somebody better to have at the helm of this operation.”
On getting mid-season All-America recognition
“It’s a great reward, but I’m not really worried about it right now. I’m just trying to get to Saturday and get ready for a big game.”
On the Penn State running back duo
“You just have to know where they’re at at all times and never let them be free because they will expose you.”
On Jim Knowles’ comments on different teams needing to be coached differently
“They’re more hyped up now. That’s what we need as players. We need a fiery coach, we don’t need a calm coach. I think that gets us going.”
On Steele Chambers and Cody Simon complimenting each other
“I learned so much from Steele. He shows me a lot of the ways. Playing behind him is not an easy job. From the TV copies and the bird's eye view, it may look easy, but there are so many little things that go into it.“
On encouraging fans to arrive early
“I know when people are in the stands early, that opening kickoff is the best there ever is. I remember one game last year they had all the fans come early, so that's what I'm looking forward to. People in the stands early, getting ready and going crazy for that first kickoff.”
On what stands out about Penn State's offense
“They love running the ball, they love being physical. So it really just comes down to playing physical and stopping to the point of attack.”
