Here are some notes and quotes from the Tuesday afternoon press conference. Lynch, as usual, took questions for about 30 minutes.
For the first time I can remember this season, Lynch did not talk about the previous game in his opening comments as he focused solely on Ohio State, although he took several questions about the Michigan game.
Michigan interception
Lynch took several questions on the controversial interception in the Michigan game at the end of the press conference, although he didn't really talk much about it.
Asked if he hit anyone on the sideline with his gum: "I haven't been called by any lawyer or anything at this point," Lynch said jokingly.
After seeing it on film, did Lynch have any different thoughts? "No. Buckeyes Saturday night."
He went on to say it was part of the game and it's time to move on from that play as a coaching staff and for players. Lynch said they weren't seeking to get any clarification from the Big Ten on the play, and changed the subject to the OSU game.
Follow the jump for Lynch's thoughts on Ohio State, IU's red zone offense, and the running back situation. Plus, there's an injury update and this week's game captains have been announced.
Ohio State
"We've got to fill this house, and we've got to fill it with Hoosiers," Lynch said at the beginning of the press conference. "We're going to urge students to completely sell out their portion, as well as the rest of the stadium."
As with every opponent, Lynch had high praise for the Buckeyes. He mentioned that not only did they shutout their last two opponents (Toledo and Illinois), the Buckeye defense played very well against USC. Except for USC's final drive, the defense limited the Trojans to one touchdown on a very-short field (following a long interception return) and a 21-yard field goal. Lynch said they were "sound" at every position.
On the one-game suspension of Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman: "They'll just bring another one in. They've got great players everywhere and have for a long time. I'm sure the next guy is going to be a great player as well."
How will it be simulating Ohio State QB Terrell Pryor in practice? "Difficult."
Red zone
Lynch said the execution needs to be better in the red zone, but he was not concerned about the play calling or type of offense in the red zone against Michigan. "We were close on a lot of them," he said.
"Do we second guess? No...I think there were 195 plays in that game, so to second guess is crazy. You just have to execute when you get the chance."
He did say it was an issue: "In Big Ten play you don't want to trade seven's for three's."
The mood of the team
A few people asked Lynch about the mood of the team on the bus ride home. "They were upset. They didn't go up there with any moral victories and they didn't leave with any moral victories. You have to guard against people telling them what a great effort they put out when that's not a win."
"They aren't buying into it was a one-hit wonder."
Running backs
Following Darius Willis' breakout game against Michigan, does Lynch plan to focus on just one RB or stick with the multiple running back approach that the team had to begin the season?
"We think (Darius) has a great future as a tailback...with that being said, (Demetrius) McCray is a good running back and he's shown that. Trea Burgess is a big powerful guy."
"There's a place for all of them."
On McCray's one rushing attempt Saturday: "It was just one of those games that Darius was going. It wasn't by design."
Ray Fisher: fair catch judgment
Punt returner Ray Fisher allowed a couple punts by him, letting Michigan down the ball deep. Lynch said the number one goal is to have possession and not make a bonehead play to give the other team a short field. "When in doubt, get away from it."
However, he did say Fisher should have caught a couple more punts Saturday and said they'll be more aggressive in the punt return this week.
Injury update
Backup defensive end and special team player Darius Johnson will be out indefinitely following an injury in last Wednesday's practice.
CB Donnell Jones is "day-to-day" according to Lynch as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
OL Cody Faulkner is listed on the depth chart, and Lynch said he will be used in the lineup soon.
Game Captains
The game captains for the Ohio State game will be Jammie Kirlew, Ben Chappell, Will Patterson and Rodger Saffold.
