By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Columbus, OH

Despite a 7-0 start, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has admitted that the Buckeyes' defense needs improvement to be successful in the long run.

The Buckeyes' defense, or lack of it, was again highlighted in their 52-49 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.

"I could give you a million different excuses, for example, injuries, lack of experience at certain positions. We're not into that, and I won't accept that here with our staff and players. We don't deal with that, we deal with improving," Meyer said.

"When you get to where the air is rare, the real elite teams, at some point you got to play some real good defense," Meyer added.

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell also made no excuses for their struggles to stop opponents from scoring.

"Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses," Fickell said. "We know it's about big plays, and if we can limit big plays, we'll be in a lot better situation."

Meanwhile, Meyer justified his move to convert fullback Zach Boren to linebacker against Indiana, saying injuries to his defensive line forced him to make the shift. Boren led the Buckeyes with eight tackles during that game.

Meyer also said Boren's move was also fueled by the progress of tight ends Jeff Heuerman and redshirt freshman Nick Vannett.

"That move could not have been made if we didn't have Heuerman and Vannett," Meyer said. "Heuerman has been coming on and Nick Vannett is really coming on. The good thing is those guys are around here for a few years."

Meyer is also planning to move other players to linebacker, including redshirt senior defensive end Nathan Williams.

Also, Meyer announced that senior running back Jordan Hall is doubtful for Saturday's game against Purdue, saying his injured knee is not healing well.

 

 

Ohio State Coach Meyer Admits Buckeyes Defense Needs Work