Ohio State Previews Upcoming Cotton Bowl Game vs. Missouri
12/12/2023 3:19:00 PM | General, Football
On his plans for his future with Ohio State
“I am playing in the bowl game… I think it’s important to end off the season on the right note with a win against a really good team and I’m excited to have another chance to be on the field with my brothers.”
On the team’s attitude about playing in the Cotton Bowl
“We’ve been really focused. We know they’re [Missouri] a good team and we’ve been locked in… I’m looking forward to the game.”
On Devin Brown potentially starting at quarterback in the Cotton Bowl
“We always knew he’s been ready… If Devin had to come in, we knew he was going to get the job done, so it’s no different with the Cotton Bowl.”
On team members' decisions to play their last game in the Cotton Bowl
“We want to send guys out the right way and play together one last time and give it all we got for Columbus and the state of Ohio.”
On the bond among the team
“We have so much love for each other. When you go to work with guys every day in the off-season for the last three years you build those friendships and that brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.”
On potentially starting at the quarterback position
“All year, I’ve always prepared like I was the starter. It’s definitely different knowing you’re getting a lot more reps because it’s not split up or anything like that… There’s nothing to look over my shoulder for or anything, just to go out and have fun and play my game.”
On competing and practicing with Lincoln Kienholz
“Lincoln’s just trying to get himself better everyday. He’s a really good athlete and he’s doing everything he can, just as I am, to be the starter… It’s good to compete still.”
On his focus over the coming weeks
“I think the biggest thing for me is just being a vocal leader and showing these guys that I’m a good option for them and that they can trust me to do the best thing for the team.”
On his goal playing at Ohio State:
"You want leave a legacy at this university."
On his attitude ahead of the Cotton Bowl:
“I'm excited to go up there and compete.”
On Hero Kanu’s development through this year:
“Hero is a freak. He’s a monster. He’s a big, fast, dude. I think he’ll show that next year definitely.”
On Missouri’s offense:
“They’re an explosive offense… Their offensive line is good, they work together. It’s definitely going to be a good game. They’re not a pushover team whatsoever, so we’ve definitely got to lock in and get ready.”
On playing in the Cotton Bowl
“I’m just excited. It’s a great bowl game, it’s a great opportunity to end the year on a right note going against a fantastic opponent. It’s going to be a great game.”
On lessons learned after the final regular season game
“All you can do is learn from it, move on from it, and try to learn from it. That was our message coming in as a unit… We have a great opportunity to go out there one more time and just play Ohio State football.”
On the quarterback position ahead of the Cotton Bowl
“We’re confident with whichever guy Coach Day gives the nod to. We’re going out there to win the game.”
On other players choosing to play in the Cotton Bowl as their last game
“For them to make the decision to play just shows how much they love the game. It shows how they approach the game as grown men and as people who are in love with the game of football and want to get another game under their belt.”
On the team's improvements needed ahead of the Cotton Bowl
“I want everyone to feel like that sense of brotherhood that we can come in and really make a difference next year.”
On his goals for next season
“I need to be able to lead the defense and have a strong year because we need to have a strong defense to be able to do what we want to do at Ohio State.”
On Devin Brown potentially moving into the starting quarterback position
“He’s continued to grow every single day. The sky’s the limit for him and I’m excited to see what he does come the 29th of December. He’s tough, he’s got some grit to him. He’s bringing the leadership and the voice that we need for the team.”
On starting in the Cotton Bowl
“When the opportunity presents itself, you have just take advantage of the moment.”
On Devin Brown's development over the season
“He stepped up, he's shown leadership.”
