Urban Meyer

SI: So what's it like trying to run a football program at a basketball school?

UM: I had that problem at Florida too. [Laughs.] I'm all in with Thad Matta, man. Ohio State is a basketball school, but we play a little football here too.

SI: Speaking of other sports, you played a couple years of minor league baseball with some Atlanta Braves heroes of the '90s like Ron Gant and Mark Lemke. What was the scouting report on "Urban Meyer, shortstop"?

UM: He had trouble fielding. He couldn't hit the ball and he wasn't very fast, so that's why he's coaching college football. He tried real hard, though. Fred McGriff and I were in the minor leagues together too. We're still good friends.

SI: HAVE A FAVORITE MICHIGAN JOKE?

UM: I KNOW A COUPLE, BUT ... I'M GONNA PASS ON THAT ONE. I DON'T NEED ANY MORE HEADLINES.

SI: You're now entrusted with one of college football's best traditions: the buckeye helmet stickers. What will your system be for passing those out?

UM: I'll have the final say. I'm going to have a leadership committee, a group I'll have a conversation with because I want to have the players' point of view as well.

SI: A lot of fans used to get on Jim Tressel for running a conservative offense. Are you going to open things up a little?

UM: I'd love to open it up a lot, but if our best players are all fullbacks and tight ends, it might not be as open as it was in Florida. The last six or seven receivers I had at Florida are all starting in the NFL.