Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano held his usual game-week press conference today to recap the bye week and preview the Scarlet Knights upcoming game against No.1 Ohio State.
He started off the press conference
by acknowledging the challenge Rutgers has ahead of it and giving the respect he gives every team at the beginning of each game week press conference. As this game is against the highest-ranked team in the country, he kept up the praise throughout the press conference.
The first question that was asked had to do with the health of the team, and if any of the players who have been out for a while, but aren’t listed as out for the season, can come back. Schiano mentioned that maybe one or two of those players can come back if the next week unfolds properly, but as usual, he declined to point out anyone in particular.
Later in the press conference, Schiano had the chance to talk about the specifics of what they did during the bye week. He talked more about how each player had what he called a recovery “prescription” (essentially an individualized plan) and how that individualized approach made them feel more confident in their ability to recover properly. He also talked about how they were able to get in a much-needed developmental period, something that has gone to the wayside in recent weeks because of the injuries throughout the roster.
He also got a chance to talk about running back Antwan Raymond’s nomination for the Doak-Walker Award. He talked about how Raymond had the opportunity to join a locker room and learn from a talented running backs coach like Dymere Shaw and a proven veteran like Kyle Monangai, but it was his willingness to learn and work that allowed him to reach the heights he is reaching.
The last question of the day had to do with whether or not it is an advantage to play Ohio State in the game before the Michigan game. Schiano responded with the fact that there are no numbers to support or deny the fact that it might be an advantage or not. He also talked about the efficiency of execution that Ohio State has, and how they changed their type of play style from a faster-paced style to a more huddle-based style.
To view the entire press conference, click here.
