Buckeye Updates: Putting Michigan In Rearview, Focused On National Championship Possibilities

Ohio State offensive players were on tap today as part of the College Football Playoff’s media schedule. Quarterback Will Howard, left tackle Donovan Jackson, and running back TreVeyon Henderson spoke with reporters and talked about the lessons learned from the Michigan loss and the opportunity still ahead of them.

Will Howard

On faith in the offensive line? All the faith in the world. “No matter who it is, I don’t care.” They’re all Buckeyes. “We’ve all been through the fire together.’ Just have to play fast, physical, and go attack. “This is all we have left.” The OL has been dealt a pretty tough hand this year but they have fought through it.
“I have four games max left in my college career.” There’s no other option than to empty everything you have. They have a good group of guys. They want to end it the right way.
They are used to playing in cold conditions. This wasn’t a very cold season until the last game. They’ve been practicing in it the entire game.
Seth McLaughlin is still very involved in all of the meetings. He’s being a player-coach and helping Carson Hinzman out in any way he can.
How have you rallied yourself and this team since the loss? “It was hard, I’m not going to lie.” “My ability to push this team and lead this team is going to be crucial, and I know that.” They need to maintain an edge. “I need to be the one that sparks that. I need to make sure I bring that all game.”
What does playing loose mean for a QB? Not thinking about things and letting it rip. Keeping his feet under him and making smart plays. Complete a high percentage of passes.
How much of that Michigan loss is still in you? “It hurts, man, I’m not gonna lie. I still feel it but I’ve moved on. We’ve moved on.” How do you get over it? You have to talk and work the issues out, “and we did.” They hashed things out. “We discussed some things and we talked about it and how we’re going to be able to finish this thing the right way.” They can still win a national championship and right some wrongs. Did the conversations get intense: No, yes. Yes.
The only way to learn how to overcome failure is to go through it. “It’s about how you come back from that.” You can’t let one loss mess everything else up. He used to let little mistakes compound and affect him down the road. The Michigan game sucked. It was a terrible loss. “We can’t let it beat us twice.” It’s better to use it as motivation. You still feel it but you’ve got to move forward.
What did you learn from the Michigan game? Can’t turn the ball over.
“I feel good.”
How precise do you have to be in a game like this one? Everything happens a little quicker in games like this. You can’t let one thing mess up a play. Little details matter even more. They have some stout guys inside.

Donovan Jackson

What did you learn about yourself after rewatching the Penn State game? There were some panic sets that he had. That was a silent count game too, which created other issues for him at a new spot. Now he is more comfortable. That comes with reps and confidence.
On Luke Montgomery: He’s made a good step in his development. Taking a step in the right direction. He’s taken advantage of his opportunity. The guys on the offensive line are confident in him.
How much ownership do you take on getting the guards ready? He tries to give them as much input as he can. He’s played the position for over three years. So he wants to get on the same page as much as possible with the guy next to him.
“Playing free and playing loose is a lot better than playing tight.”
How much has Seth McLaughlin been helping out? He helps out as much as he can. He’s always here. “Maybe not so much in the outdoor practices…” [Laughter] He’s always giving insight on how to compete against Tennessee. He’s just as involved as he was. “He’s trying to give back as much as he can.”
What would make Luke Montgomery a good guard? He has versatility to play anywhere. He’s shown a great ability to anchor. He’s been playing stronger lately as well.
They need everybody to be ready to go on the offensive line.
What’s this like been for you on the offensive line with the injuries and movement? “It hasn’t been easy. You lose the best center in the country. He’s the brain of the offense.” You lose Josh Simmons who always locks down his position. So then you have to look at where can they attack a defense, “because what we could do before is now what we can do right now.” They didn’t execute as well as they wanted to against Michigan, but the beautiful thing about football is that they’ve still got the playoffs ahead of them.

TreVeyon Henderson

How much responsibility do you feel to make a run and accomplish a goal before your career ends? “I’m thankful for the wins and losses.” But also thankful for this opportunity to win a national championship. Tennessee is a great opponent. This is gonna be an amazing game.
Senior Tackle was a special moment. It wasn’t long ago he was a freshman sitting on the bench listening to those guys do the same thing.
The last game wasn’t their best performance, so the coaches and players have done a good job of trying to get better. They have a good plan. Have to continue to move forward and not looking behind.
On OSU’s offensive line vs Tennessee: “I really love how those guys are leaning on each other.” They are all working hard. “I trust those guys and I know they’re going to get the job done.”
On Tennessee’s defensive line: “They’ve got some really good players.” They play hard and run to the ball. This is going to be a really competitive game.
How much was the brotherhood tested after the Michigan loss? There’s always going to be tests that you go through.
They are looking forward to being back out in the cold. They have been practicing in it and the coaches are getting them accustomed to it.
“We trust the coaches. They’re in this position for a reason. Whatever call they make, we just try to give it everything we’ve got.” “Sometimes we fall short.”

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