Buckeyes Spoke to the Media Ahead of Purdue Game
11/6/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
On Brandon Inniss vs. Penn State:
“Brandon is somebody who brings energy every day. He caught that pass and the whole sideline was on fire because he comes out, works everyday, and is not selfish. He’s not the kind of guy who says he needs this many touchdowns or to get in the game and get this many plays. Even earlier in the week, he was saying that whatever he could do to help the team was important. The thing about Brandon is I don’t think he got reps of that play and for him to put that on the field was a testament to his preparation.”
On practice this week:
“There has been a lot of encouragement this week. Confidence breeds success and success breeds confidence which you can see building here as we go. I think for our team there’s a confidence in the physicality that we brought to the table. The execution has to be better if we want to get to where we need to be and be undefeated in November. With all that being said we still have to bring the same physicality against Purdue and that has been the conversation throughout practice this week. This is an important week for us to see where we come out of this game and where we are projected.”
On Tight ends' success:
“That’s another position where if you don’t notice, it’s a good thing. We still want better play across the board there, but I think it’s overall been solid. Those guys are fighting to get better and we’re seeing more and more guys get in there. We saw Jelani make a big play for us, that was huge. They’re doing a lot of things right and we have to keep building with that group.”
On how the difference in game comes down to experience:
“Every year you gain more knowledge in the game. Coming out here, using my abilities, everything I’ve learned throughout the year and being able to enhance it and grow it makes me a better player every time I step out on the field."
On getting complacent against Oregon:
"I think it’s the hype. Letting the outside crowd be able to get in there and get in our heads telling us how good we are. We trusted that. We know we’re the best team, but we have to show it day in and day out. We can’t take a second off the gas or else we’ll get hurt.”
On defense success:
“It comes down to chemistry. We have that mindset before we go out on the field we’re all going as 11 strong on the field. We have this motto, ‘give us an inch we’re gonna defend it.' Every time we step on the field it doesn’t matter how much yards we have. It could be from their one to our one, we’re gonna protect it the same way and give the offense a chance to go out there and score like they did last week."
On how much he has enjoyed this year and being on the team:
“This is historic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have all the guys come back, always being happy and having a smile on my face. It is a blessing to be here everyday. We are the number two team in the country, soon to be number one. Overall, it is a blessing just coming to work with the guys.”
On how the offensive line uses criticism as motivation:
“Everybody wants the same thing we do, even the media, we want to be really good. You have a chip on your shoulder to prove people wrong and that always helps. You start to internalize it, and if you internalize it and take it personally, it is not a recipe for success. You have to take it with a grain of salt but know that it is a challenge placed on you and you have to rise up for the occasion.”
On kicks vs Penn State:
“To be honest, I was trying to help the team win. In the moment you’re out there and it kind of transforms back to the practice field in your head. You’re not really thinking it's a clutch kick then because there’s no time left on the clock. You’re just doing what you can to help the team on that drive.”
On bouncing back:
“It’s all about mindset. You can’t have a negative mindset ever, really in any sport. If you do, you'll dig yourself deeper into a hole. Especially as a kicker or even a quarterback like Will. Will came out, had a bad start, came back and bounced right back. That’s what you do if you’re a competitor. You have to have a short-term memory and you have to bounce back.”
On the defense during Penn State matchup:
“It was a great game and felt great to find the momentum for our program. We have to keep improving on these games and work towards Purdue this week.”
On friendship with Davison:
“It was a great play and he does that all day in practice. I’m really proud of him and the steps he has taken to become a great player. That was a big time moment to make that play and he helped us win the game. He brings so much energy to our group and is actually my hotel roommate every weekend so we have gotten really close.”
On Purdue matchup:
“Their record doesn’t really show for what type of team they are. They are a pretty solid team with a good quarterback and solid receivers. Their head coach is a defensive guy and we have to make sure that we are on our Ps and Qs.”
