On the rare occasions when a college player opens his mouth loosely enough to provide bulletin-board material to the opposition, the remarks in question aren't supposed to come from a backup.
But you can bet Ohio State's defense will hear plenty about Oklahoma backup quarterback Austin Kendall's remarks Wednesday night on Fox Sports Oklahoma. And you can be even more certain the Sooners' starters, especially quarterback Baker Mayfield, will hear it back from them on the field Saturday when OSU visits Oklahoma for one of the marquee games of Week 3.
"I think they have a really basic defense," Kendall said. "I think we can go out there and, I mean, Baker, he'll light them up. I'm really looking forward to it. If my number's called, I think I can do the same."
It's basic, alright. Basically successful.
Ohio State's defense is giving up just 6.5 points per game after two weeks, tied for third among 128 FBS schools. It also ranks fifth in the country in total defense (216 yards per game), and features one of the nation's elite linebackers in junior Raekwon McMillan. Granted, OSU's first two games haven't exactly come against the toughest of competition (Bowling Green, Tulsa), but its defense is nevertheless a talented one worthy of respect.
Another bold element of Kendall's comments? That he could slice up the Buckeyes defense as easily as Mayfield. Oklahoma's starter, at least, is a proven star who would challenge even the very best defenses in the country. Kendall, by stark contrast, is an unproven freshman who logged his first career action just last week against Louisiana Monroe.
Not surprisingly, several from the Ohio State camp -- including DL Sam Hubbard as well as former Buckeye and New York Jets first-round draft pick Darron Lee -- have already reacted:
This is why freshmen, at many college programs, aren't often permitted to speak with reporters.
The candor is refreshing, to be sure. But inside the OU locker room, it's not likely to be appreciated as much.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
