CFP SEMIFINAL CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL: GEORGIA VS OHIO STATE

December 26, 2022

Tommy Eichenberg

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Ohio State Buckeyes

Press Conference

MATT GARVEY: We'll continue the Ohio State session with Tommy Eichenberg, and we'll go ahead with questions.

Q. Tommy, I don't know how nervous you normally get for any game or a big game. Does it feel different at all for a playoff now that you're here? And when might that set in if you have any nerves?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: I'm not really sure. I would say probably closer to the game. I'd say it's more excitement to play.

Q. Just as you guys look at what Georgia does as a rushing attack, what stands out to you why that's been so effective?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: I think all around, I mean they've got a good O-line, good running back, and a good scheme. So I think, when you put all those together, you'll be pretty good.

Q. Can you just speak to the challenge of facing Georgia's tight ends? Obviously more than one in Brock and Washington. How big a challenge is that, and what do you guys have to do?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: Yeah, they're good tight ends. They're effective in the pass game and also in the run game too, good as blockers. So I think, when it comes down to that, everyone's got to do their job.

Q. I wonder what your familiarity is with Georgia. Have you got any friends over there? Do you know much? Were you recruited by them? What's your level of familiarity with your opponent?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: Before playing them, no familiarity. I mean, I've seen them play, but obviously this past week studying them now. I don't know anyone that's went there. Nothing really.

Q. How important is it for you guys to keep a routine this week and not get distracted by the other things going on, the pre bowl process, the events they have planned for you guys? Obviously you want to have fun while you're down there, but how important is it to stay locked in on what you need to do Saturday night in order to win?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: I think it's very important. Coach Day was telling us we're in a bowl and things like that, but we're down here to play a game and beat Georgia. I think we've got to do all these events and stuff, but we've got one goal, and it's to beat Georgia.

Q. One more about the Georgia run game. As you've studied game film, obviously they role three, maybe four running backs. Do you see anything distinguishable in terms of their style, or do they seem to be the same kind of physical and speed and same kind of mix of talents?

TOMMY EICHENBERG: I'd say just with running backs, every running back kind of plays different, sees the game different, sees holes differently. Some are faster than others, but I'd say overall they're all great running backs.

Q. When you look at your last couple of games there, Taulia had a little bit of success scrambling, getting away from you guys, getting those couple of yards. Obviously J.J. McCarthy kept drives alive. What were the lessons learned from those two experiences? Clearly Stetson Bennett has that capability also, as he has shown in a lot of big games.

TOMMY EICHENBERG: I think just with quarterback run, quarterback scramble, it comes down to doing our job. Quarterback scramble can happen in pass, and everyone's covered up and he scrambles, but the play's never over, right? So you got to keep running.

Quarterback run really comes down to doing your job, so that's what we're focusing on.