Opening statement
"Too many times I've talked about us improving. We are improving, but we haven't been able to get the job done in a long period time, as you know. When you're in a situation like this, you have to look for some small steps that you're taking. We want to take big steps, but you do have to look at some of the small steps. This past week was a winnable game, and there are a lot of winnable games that we've had.  Some areas of our team improved, but not enough. Talking offensively, it's just tough duty when a team makes you a one-dimensional team right away. So, not being able to establish the rush, not turning the ball over as many times as we did and not being able to protect the quarterback as well, it's going to be tough to move the football. That being said, we got ourselves back in the game after the half. Louis Dorsey, Ricky Smalling, we had a couple young players that stepped up, but not enough. Defensively, our defensive line did some good things, our front seven for the most part. Some big passing plays really got us out of whack a little bit. When you get into a 14-17 game in the fourth quarter, and that's been a constant we've talked about not being able to get over the hump. We'll keep fighting with another great opportunity for our football players this week going to Ohio State in a place I've spent some time in. Of course we know the history behind them. They're a good football team, on both sides of the football, so it will be a big challenge. We're a little banged up, but should get some players back this week, maybe lose a few more. Our routine is no practice today, so we'll evaluate the group. Tomorrow we'll be able to let you know more about who will be available for the game."

On facing Ohio State on Saturday
"Urban Meyer has been a good football coach, whether it's been Utah, Florida or Ohio State now. He's had a lot of good players. Not just good players, he's a good football coach, excellent football coach really. Offensively, what they do causes you a lot of problems and a mobile quarterback in [J.T.] Barrett that can do an awful lot; a mobile quarterback that can throw I might add, good runners, an excellent offensive line. But, defensively, starting up front, an excellent front and a lot of good athletes there. Greg Schiano does a really good job there. So, a big challenge for us this week."

On playing in the Horseshoe
"I think the guys are looking for a great opportunity. Where we are in our season, two games left to go, and, of course, you play your rival the last game of the season. But, you're last road game is playing against a team like this? Our freshmen have been in a lot of first half situations this year that were exciting for them and I know it'll be the same for them on Saturday. It's more about looking forward to the opportunity more than anything."

On Cam Thomas
"Last game he didn't play, so, until I'm told otherwise, he's out. We'll see how it goes this week."

On the state of the program
"First off, the record says where you are as a program. In the end that's what everyone is looking at. If you look at that, that's where we are. Our record is it this year also. But, if you look a little deeper, our program is in a lot better shape than what it was. I think you have to look at which way you're trending. I think it's safe to say we're trending up. We've played a lot of young players that have gotten valuable time, but have improved as football players. I can't wait for us to finish up the season the right way. We've taken steps and eventually we're going to get over the hump. Our program is a program that's on the rise. The future is looking bright on the field, off the field, the new facilities. There are a lot of things to get excited about. Our recruiting is going well, like it did last year, so people are still seeing the direction we're headed."

On players stepping in for Mike Dudek and Malik Turner
"They've responded. It's neat to see players taking advantage of opportunities. Caleb Reams have gotten a chance to play an awful lot. Whether its tight end, we kind of made the switch to get him more wide receive reps and he's embraced it. He's done everything we've asked him to do. You want guys to make a play like that and feel good about what you're doing. That's been a constant for us. With injuries we've had to shuffle guys, and we'll shuffle some more this week. Your role changes weekly and you have to know that coming in.