These kids are competitive; I thought the hitting and enthusiasm (on defense) was good. But real confidence happens over time. Perhaps we made a small step in that regard. These kids want to be good and uphold the tradition of excellent Ohio State defense.

He's a competitor, he was excited out there and he wanted to make up for time missed. We felt that based on preparation and what we're doing, both (quarterbacks) could contribute to a win. As it turns out, when we put the film on, that very well could have happened. But it didn't.

The beauty of it is any time someone does something within their (defensive) package, then that's going to open up other things. Maybe if they change what they do on Teddy's side, then (receiver) Anthony Gonzalez has a chance, (receiver) Santonio Holmes or whoever.

We've told the kids that our best way to win a championship is through defense. I thought coming into the season defense would a strong point but I think we've gotten into an offensive frame of mind at times. We're trying to get back to basics with defense.

I thought the kids played with confidence. They played together and they played like they knew we could win.

The kids were going insane, 50. I thought someone was going to get injured.