Ohio State Buckeyes

Meyer pledges to enjoy OSU win despite despite questions

Published Sep. 13, 2015 11:22 a.m. ET

Marcus Hartman

Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer likely knew what kinds of questions were coming after his Buckeyes beat Hawaii 38-0 on Saturday in their home opener.

The final score was a bit deceiving as the Buckeyes misfired for much of the afternoon offensively before tacking on a defensive score and another touchdown late when second-teamers had taken some spots in the lineup.

A 21-0 fourth quarter made the game look more like the blowout it was expected to be, but it was still not the win of over 40-plus points most expected.

What did the Rainbow Warriors defense do to make things hard for the Buckeyes, who had their lowest rushing output since week two of last year?

Why did he change quarterbacks in the second quarter (then go back to starter Cardale Jones in the second half)? How does he think he has handled the quarterback situation so far?

How many position groups are where he wants them to be?

There was also one about how his defense shut down a Hawaii offense that was thought to be dangerous entering the game, but for the most part the themes centered on the defending champions falling short of expectations this time out.

That's when Meyer made it clear he will not dwell on the negative this season, at least not before enjoying the positives.

"I will say this, that I've been in this situation before," he said, referring to when his 2009 Florida teams was the defending national champ with a goal of going undefeated and repeating.

The Gators accomplished neither of those things, and Meyer has since talked many times about what a tough year it was for him personally and for the team.

"I let it be a weight on the team and me, when you're winning games, it's like why didn't you score this, why didn't you do this, why didn't you do this?" Meyer said.

"I'm going to go see my family, have a hell of a time tonight, and make sure our players come in bright eyed, ready to rock and roll tomorrow and get a little better. I love coaching these guys because they want to get better, too.

"But I can promise you this: We shall enjoy it."

Then it will be on to Northern Illinois.