Ohio State redshirt senior receivers Parris Campbell (21) and Johnnie Dixon (1) celebrate after Campbell records his second touchdown reception of the day. Ohio State defeated Tulane 49-6. Credit: Amal Saeed | Assistant Photo Editor

From the moment Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer took the podium in his Monday press conference, one thing was on his mind. It was not his return to the sideline or Saturday’s 49-6 win against Tulane.

It was No. 9 Penn State.

Through four games this season, Meyer sees the same quality team even with the Nittany Lions having lost both running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Mike Gesicki to the NFL after last season.

“We don’t see much difference at all,” Meyer said. “Scheme’s very similar to what they’ve done in the past and obviously the quarterback’s the guy that makes it go.”

Along with preparing for redshirt senior quarterback Trace McSorley, Meyer said Ohio State will have to prepare for the atmosphere when the Buckeyes travel to State College, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Meyer said the atmosphere at Beaver Stadium is “one of the tops in the country” and the fans are like the ones he sees in Ohio Stadium.

“It’s just a difficult place. Certainly one of the top five stadiums to play in, hard to play in,” Meyer said. “Very loud and the fans are into it. And very good environment. Great environment.”

Meyer said Ohio State has the leadership with several returning starters to lead the players into what many consider as a hostile road game.

“It’s essential,” Meyer said. “You don’t win that game without good leadership.”

Nick Bosa injury update

Meyer said Monday that junior defensive end Nick Bosa will not play against Penn State on Saturday.

“Nick Bosa is still not ready,” Meyer said. “It’s going to be a few more weeks, but we expect him back.”

Meyer said last week that Bosa would miss the Tulane game after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury. The timetable on his return has still not been announced.

In Monday’s press conference, the head coach said he has conversations with Bosa’s family about his recovery affecting his future, with many considering him as a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

“We’ve already had those discussions a little bit. But that’s down the road when he becomes healthy again,” Meyer said. “Those conversations will be had, but absolutely. Not that you treat anybody different than another player. I want to make sure that’s clear. But that’s a real conversation that we’re going to have.”

Meyer also said Monday that redshirt junior defensive lineman Robert Landers and redshirt junior running back Mike Weber will play against Penn State on Saturday.