Todd Boeckman, junior quarterback

On the gameplan against Youngstown State last Saturday
“It was part of our plan to come out strong and really try to establish the passing game. They stacked the box with eight or nine guys, which definitely played a part in our strategy. We have some great receivers, so I knew we could come out and be aggressive and really make a statement.”

On his satisfaction with his effort
“Being a quarterback, it’s always nice to be able to throw the ball around and be productive through the air. There will be games this season where we’ll run it more, and we just have to do whatever the team needs.”

On approaching opponents
“You definitely have to go out there and play hard and respect what the other team can do or else you’ll get beat. It doesn’t matter if it’s Youngstown or Michigan. We have to have the same approach for each game.”

Vernon Gholston, junior defensive end

On the performances of Robert Rose, Cameron Heyward and Alex Barrow
“With Lawrence (Wilson) being out, they just have to play their role and do their part to pick up the defense, and thus far they’ve done a great job for us.”

On the versatility of the defensive end position
“I think that the end position has to be able to do a lot of things. Sometimes we have to drop into coverage, sometimes we have to stop the run and other times we have to pass rush. It’s tough trying to switch roles mid-game, but I think that’s one thing I’ve done a better job with this season.”

On the team’s work ethic
“One thing we have on this team is hard workers. The field was really hot today, but we had guys working harder than usual, watching more tape and getting in some more reps in the weight room. It’s really a good, competitive environment.”

Brian Hartline, sophomore wide receiver

On the Akron Zips
"They have a good coach and have great team speed. I know J.D. Brookhart (Akron head coach) and he'll have his team well prepared. He's a hard working good guy."

On Quarterback Todd Boeckman
"He had a lot of poise. The one thing I was really impressed about was how he stayed in the pocket and was getting hit, but he still got the throws off. That gives me a lot of confidence in him and I'm sure he's confident, too."

On the condition of Ray Small, wide receiver
"He did more in practice today. He was still limited some, but he doesn't wear a colored jersey anymore. He wore a brace on his ankle."

Anderson Russell, sophomore safety

On his dropped interception against Youngstown State
"Rory was just teasing me about it at practice. It doesn't really bother me (that I dropped the pass). You can't let it get to you. I know I can still catch. Mentally, I'll be fine."

On the Ohio State secondary
"We aren't new (together). We all came in here in the same class, so we've worked with each other a lot. We trust each other and are confident."

On returning kicks
"I don't get to handle the ball that often, so it's exciting. You have everyone running around trying to make plays."