Notebook: Kevin Wilson's Monday Press Conference

Written By Alex Compton

Following the program’s first win over a ranked Big Ten team since 2006, Kevin Wilson and his players met with the media on Monday. They briefly discussed their 24-21 win over Michigan State, then shifted their focus to one of the nation’s elite teams in Ohio State. 

Coach Wilson

After being considered a weakness heading into the season, the defensive line has managed to play pretty well and turn some heads. They had their best game of the year on Saturday, and Coach Wilson was sure to praise those guys. 

“Last game about performances that were good, up front defensively, a lot of activity, but not a lot of stats. Nate Hoff, Patrick Dougherty, and Greg Gooch very active, [as was] Ralph Green. Ralph had some strong leadership throughout the week and in the game, so the front four guys were recognized just for the strong effort; we needed it. We played a lot of other guys that kept those main guys fresh.”

Continuing with his praise for the defense, Wilson shifted his attention to the linebackers and young secondary. Scales and Oliver are really performing well in Tom Allen’s scheme, and Coach Wilson loved what he saw from those two on Saturday night. He also touched on Jonathan Crawford and A’Shon Riggins, two guys who have been impressive so far this year (Saturday included).

“Tegray Scales had 14 tackles, two TFLs, Marcus Oliver, 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, quarterback hurry, forced fumble. Jon Crawford not a lot of action; ball didn't get his way, but very, very good, playing with a lot of confidence. And A'shon Riggins, who's a freshman, seven tackles, one great pass breakup on a third down and really good big-time play for a young freshman in that situation. Really proud of him.”

After some praise for Richard Lagow and his receivers, Wilson moved on from Sparty and previewed the matchup in Columbus on Saturday. The winner will remain unbeaten in B1G East play. 

“They're very, very talented at every position. It's very, very youthful where there seems to be a lot of competitive spirit where guys are fighting to get on the field, fighting to get open. Throw me the ball, fighting to run hard so don't throw it, give me the ball against the runner, and it just looks like they have a lot of competition over there where they got a young team that's buying in, and Coach Meyer has a great staff. He does a great job, and he's got a great team atmosphere going right now. It's a young team that's very, very talented but playing very, very well as a team. Very, very well.”

My personal favorite quote from Wilson about the talent at OSU right now:

“We were looking for a statistical advantage and we noticed their punter wasn't very good, and then we noticed he only had 11 punts. He's not registered. He would be first in the NCAA. So I don't know if you're a great punter why you would want to go to Ohio State, to tell you the truth, because they don't use you. But their punter is awesome.”

Quick-Hitters

Players of the Week

Offense- Richard Lagow (QB), Ricky Jones Jr. (WR)
Defense- Tegray Scales (LB)
Special Teams- Chris Covington (LB)

Scout Offense- Peyton Ramsey (QB), Jack Trainor (OG)
Scout Defense- Allen Stallings (DE), Jake Attar (DB), Johnny Albomonte (DB)

Injuries

Jacob Robinson- Concussion held him out of the Michigan State game. No timetable given. 

Cole Gest- Ankle injury suffered in the Wake Forest game held him out against MSU. No timetable given.

Dimitric Camiel- Had surgery to “trim” a bulging disk in his back. Wilson followed that up with, “you know, we'll just kind of see how it goes for him”, in regards to him missing the season. 

Kicking Unit

Punter Gedeon has taken the holding duties back from WR Mitchell Paige. 

“And I think where Griff's like -- because when they're in practice, those guys are doing it the whole time. He goes, I've just had more time with Joseph. So we're going to stay with Joseph for now. Mitchell will be in the mix if there's an issue, injury or whatnot. Danny Cameron also does it.”