Written by David Regimbal

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“Telling Quotes” is a weekly recap of the Big Ten’s top stories using quotes from around the conference (with a moderate Ohio State lean).

College football’s opening week is in the books and the Big Ten went 10-2 in non-conference games this weekend. Michigan State got things started on Friday night by outlasting Boise State for an impressive victory, and Michigan closed things out by becoming the first murder victim to meet their fate on national television.

Ohio State kicked off the Urban Meyer era with an impressive 56-10 victory over Miami (OH). After getting shut out in the first quarter, the Buckeyes put together eight touchdown drives to close the game.

Meanwhile, in Happy Valley, the Penn State Nittany Lions couldn’t hold onto a 14-3 lead over Ohio University and eventually lost to the Bobcats 24-14 in Bill O’Brien’s debut.

Check out the weekend’s top quotes after the jump.

"I told the guys, man, first quarter, it's the time for us to look at the second quarter, and that's what we did.” Braxton Miller, Ohio State quarterback
Via Kyle Rowland

The Buckeyes struggled immensely on offense in the first quarter against Miami, gaining just 48 total yards and no points through 15 minutes. Miller and the offense took the opening drive of the second quarter and drove right down the field -- something that sparked the Buckeyes the rest of the game.

In the second quarter alone, Braxton Miller piled up 239 total yards of offense and two touchdowns. The team would have scored touchdowns on four straight possessions if not for a Miami goal line stand to end the half.

The challenge for Miller and the offense coming into this week will be starting the game against UCF the way they did the second quarter against Miami.

"[UCF] is going to run the power directly at you and get their first downs.” Urban Meyer, Ohio State head coach
Via Brandon Castel

The Buckeyes get a much stiffer test this Saturday against UCF. The knights are coming off a 56-14 demolition of Akron, but UCF might be coming to Columbus without their top running back. Latavius Murray injured his shoulder in the first half against Akron after rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. Needless to say, it’ll be a big loss for the Knights if he can’t play.

Still, UCF will be a solid opponent for the Buckeyes. Phil Steele ranked the Knights the No. 15 team in the country this year, and if Murray can’t go on Saturday, there’s still plenty of options on offense to challenge Ohio State’s defense.

"[Devin Smith] keeps walking by me waiting for me to say great catch. I won't say it. I can't do it." - Urban Meyer, Ohio State head coach
Via LandGrantHolyLand.com

Devin Smith’s insane one-handed touchdown catch in the second quarter against Miami will likely hold up as the catch of the year in college football this year. The sophomore receiver made an incredible play on a ball he had no business catching, and he has been looking to get some props from his coach.

Meyer isn’t throwing any parades though. It’s nothing new -- ever since his days at Bowling Green, Meyer has been more of a show me what else you can do type of coach. It’s not just to be a asshole -- he’d rather see his team hungry and trying to make an even better play the next week.

"Obviously, we didn't play Michigan football, and that's something that bothers our team, bothers the coaches. Win or lose your first game, you learn a lot." - Brady Hoke, Michigan head coach
Via SportsIllustrated.com

The Wolverines certainly didn’t play “Michigan football” last Saturday when they were rolled by Bama -- but honestly -- when was the last time the Wolverines really played “Michigan football?”

I always rolled my eyes at anyone clamoring “Michigan was back” after last year’s 11-2 season. The Wolverines took a weak schedule and an insane amount of luck and strung together 11 victories. Denard and his horrendously underthrown balls were bailed out time and time again last year, and I’d be surprised if Michigan reaches nine wins this year.

That’s just my opinion, but we’ll be able to tell a lot about how good this Michigan team is when they reach conference play.

(Photo credit - Dan Harker - TheOzone.net)

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