ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Eight-year-old Jacob Mahoney signed – not sung, signed – the national anthem just before noon here Saturday in an old, cavernous stadium before the renewal of an old, storied rivalry.

Urban Meyer was over near the Ohio State sideline, hand on heart, eyes on the American flag, but he couldn't stand still, couldn't contain the anticipation ripping through him. As the Michigan band played and Jacob's hands moved, Meyer rocked back and forth before breaking into a sort-of mini pace – two steps forward, two steps back, one to the side, one back again.

View photos Urban Meyer celebrates with Ezekiel Elliott. (Getty) More

This was the Michigan game, which always carries a heightened importance to Meyer. And this was the first of what is expected to be many significant clashes with Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, who in 11 months brought much fanfare and clear improvement. There was no doubt Meyer wanted to make a statement to start this thing, wanted to remind everyone who was still in charge in these parts.

This was way more than that, though.

Seven days ago his program delivered a dud against Michigan State, ending the Buckeyes' 23-game win streak, imperiling their playoff hopes and, most importantly, most painfully, calling into question everything about the program Meyer had built. Players sounded off postgame. Others tweeted out. Meyer looked at a program that had lost its identity, on the field and off.

"That was one of the hollowest feelings," Meyer said. "That was as hollow after a game as I've ever felt."

This, from a man who was once hospitalized after losing an SEC championship game to Alabama.

So here was Saturday, the first crack at the next chance and Urban Meyer was some kind of ball of nerves and emotion and energy. He couldn't stand still during the national anthem.

"You could see it in his eyes," quarterback J.T. Barrett said.

"Right when we woke up," running back Ezekial Elliott said.

Ohio State 42, Michigan 13.

Meyer 1, Harbaugh 0.

Mostly though, the pride restored, the proof of the foundation constructed in Columbus returned. The only downside is wondering if it came one week too late to save any hope for the College Football Playoff Ohio State won just a season ago.

"I've been very fortunate to be around some big-time games, from the bottom of my heart I told these players that might be the best one I've ever seen," Meyer said. "To come back from that kick to the stomach we took last week, it was an awful week of practice, not awful [in terms of execution but in] the way everyone felt."

The loss to Michigan State had caused Meyer to stare over the precipice, perhaps back to his days at Florida. He's a brilliant coach – with three national titles and two other undefeated seasons. Yet in Gainesville it all came unglued at once, attitudes and aptitude and apathy.

He swore Ohio State would be different but then Buckeyes rushed for just 78 yards and Elliott declared postgame he was turning pro at season's end while complaining about not getting the ball enough (12 carries for 33 yards). Mostly it felt like the Spartans were just tougher mentally and physically. That can rattle you.

"You can win a million in a row," Meyer said. "You lose two in a row and it's back to square one."

View photos J.T. Barrett rushes the ball against the Wolverines in the third quarter. (Getty) More

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