[Ed: Thanks to The Daily's Mike Persak for providing audio, as I am home for Thanksgiving]

Things Discussed

• Washington's dad played for Ohio State
• Washington's feelings on the rivalry
• Preparing for Dwayne Haskins

[After THE JUMP: Two days]

Things Discussed

• Shea Patterson's development
• Ed Warinner's effect on the offense
• Karan Higdon, Donovan Peoples-Jones' impact
• The Game

[After THE JUMP: Two days]

Your dad played at Ohio State, right?

 

“He did.”

 

What does this rivalry mean to you?

 

“It means a lot, man. Growing up in Columbus, that’s a big part of the culture in Columbus, in Ohio.”

 

It’s the whole culture

 

“You know what, it is. In some ways, it is. Soo I’m very familiar. This is huge. Very excited for our team to be in the position it’s in. So, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”

 

Growing up, did you go to these games often?

 

“Actually, not often. I’ve gone to — so I think it was maybe ‘99, I went to the Ohio State-Michigan game. I’ve been in that environment. But not as often as you’d think.”

 

Did you grow up wanting to play for Ohio State

 

“Yeah. You grow up, you learn from an early age that that’s a high standard. ANd so, yeah. You know what, I would say I did. It wasn’t like an obsession, but absolutely. You carry that with you a little bit.”

 

Who is your dad rooting for on Saturday?

 

“I don’t know. You have to ask him. I haven't talked to him since Sunday. Last time I talk to him until the next week. So you have to ask him.”

 

Is that automatic that he be rooting for his son?

 

“Nah, he’s pulling for us. But yeah, know what I mean? That’s his team and he’s pulling for us.”

 

What did he say when you told him you would be coaching here?

 

“Well he was excited. He was fired up. But obviously, that was followed with, ‘Noooo.’ Just kinda one of those deals. But he’s excited. Just the position the team is in, the step we can take, it’s such a rare thing. We’re excited about that.”

 

You bought a Chris Webber jersey when you were a kid, right?

 

“I did, yeah. So, to your point, I’ve always been respectful of Ohio State, but I’ve always appreciated Michigan, also. Maybe going against the grain a little bit.”

 

Pep came in wearing a Don Brown for President (sticker) — why does he deserve that?

 

“Well, he gets results. Guys play hard for him and I think his experience has afforded him an advantage in the sense that he can anticipate things before they happen. Cause he’s been through it all. So I think it’s deserving cause of the results that you see in the way the kids play.”

 

What kind of challenge is it to get ready for (Dwayne Haskins)?

 

“Man, he’s one of — you could argue — he’s one of the top players in college football. He’s accurate. He hasn’t played a lot. This is kinda like his first year. Played some last year. But very mature. I think he’s completely — has a complete understanding of the scheme that they run. And I know he’s being coached well. Ryan Day is a good friend of mine. I’ve known him — worked for him at BC. So, know what his makeup is. I think he’s a very good player and he’s not going to — we gotta beat him. He’s one of those guys you gotta beat. So I think he’s a good player.”

 

He hadn’t really shown much of a propensity to run until last week against Maryland, what kind of challenge does that present for the linebacking corps too essentially prepare for the unknown there?

 

“He’s capable. And honestly, every quarterback — in college especially — you gotta respect the fact that they can run. You have to account for it. Maybe not running in the sense of a designed play, but just escaping the pocket. I don’t know if it’s anything unique this week in that regard. We gotta be responsible and we have to make sure that we’re sound in our responsibilities. Last week he did run more, but I think he is a guy confident in his arm for sure.”

 

With your past and growing up around the rivalry, do you have any expectations of what Saturday is gonna be like emotionally or anything like that for you?

 

“I’m emotionally invested right now, like the players and the coaches. Just from the standpoint — it’s not just another game. We all know that. So in terms of what to expect — I expect just an absolute battle. And I don’t expect the game to be won in the first play. No matter if you’re up or down, I see it going all the way. The team that’s the most disciplined and resilient, who executes  at the highest level — who will come out and, I don’t want to say wants it more, cause everybody wants it, but who’s able to use their emotion to their advantage and stay focused, I think will come away with this one.”

 

Your dad played for Woody, right?

 

“Played for Woody Hayes.”

 

Did he tell you stories about Woody and Bo?

 

“It’s funny, Woody — it’s funny. He’s told me stories about growing up, how much he loved him. How much respect he and Bo had. The players at the time, even though it was competitive, they got that. I grew up around that. I’ve heard quite a few stories about Woody Hayes.”

 

Anything you can share?

 

“I don’t think anything — he was on the team where he punched a guy from Clemson, which I thought was kinda cool. There’s countless stories. I won’t delve too deep, but a lot f respect there, for sure.”