COLUMBUS, Ohio – The emotion Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer felt returning to the sidelines Saturday after a three-game suspension showed up in the form of public displays of affection.

It was hugs and handshakes all-around for players before the game against Tulane. Even during the game, Meyer seemed more interactive with his players.

“He loves us, and we love him,” Ohio State defensive lineman Jashon Cornell said. “I think being on the field was very emotional for him.”

But amid the sentimentality, Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins was workmanlike in throwing for 304 yards and five touchdowns in the first half to lead No. 4 Ohio State to a 49-6 win against Tulane.

Meyer’s pre-game connection with his players came after Ohio State fans welcomed back Meyer with two standing ovations when he spoke briefly at the traditional pre-game Skull Session, which is the Buckeyes’ version of a combined pep rally and band concert. Around the stadium, a few fans wore supportive Urban Meyer t-shirts, one that read “Urban Legends Don’t Die.”

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Ohio State suspended Meyer three games of his mishandling of former assistant coach Zach Smith’s domestic abuse allegations. Meyer has said he allowed the results of the police investigation dictate his actions, and now he says he should have asked more questions. He did fire Smith on July 26 because Smith was not forthcoming with him regarding a trespassing allegation.

One of Meyer’s warmest pre-game embraces was with senior wide receiver Parris Campbell who has been a difference-maker this season. He had eight catches for 147 yards an a touchdown against Tulane.

“It meant a lot to me to see him back in the ‘Shoe’,” Campbell said. “It was a special moment for me. I kind of got tears.”

Meyer said he wasn’t aware that he was letting his feelings show. “But I can probably feel that I was,” he said.

Meyer said he gave a game ball to offensive coordinator Ryan Day who went 3-0 as interim coach in his absence.

Lost in the Meyer saga has been the team's dominance in the early going. The Buckeyes are averaging 54.75 points a game and have not scored fewer than 40 points.

“I’ve played a lot of good football teams over the years and that’s best football team I have played,” Tulane coach Willie Fritz said. “They are big, long and physical.”

Meyer’s return couldn’t be timed better because the Buckeyes travel to No. 9 Penn State next Saturday night.

That game will be another test for Haskins who has thrown 16 touchdown passes in his first four games as a starter. His offensive flair may be even more crucial against Penn State because sack leader Nick Bosa is out with a core muscle injury. The Buckeyes haven’t said how long Bosa will be out. Ohio State's defensive play has been as impressive as its offensive attack.

“We all know about that (Penn State) environment, but (Haskins) answered the bell against TCU,” Meyer said. “I think TCU is a Top 10 team.”

Campbell said he doesn’t believe Haskins has anything to prove. “His main thing is just he’s trying to be consistent,” Campbell said. “He is continuing to grow as a player or leader.”

Not that Campbell believes playing in Penn State will be easy for Haskins. “It’s going to be overwhelming at first,” Campbell said. “But last week was kind of overwhelming playing in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.”

Haskins has only thrown one interception this season. “He’s getting command of everything, and the players are responding to him,” Meyer said.

According to the players, the return of Meyer also makes the team stronger.

“We missed not having him there the first of the year,” Haskins said. “Being with him before we go out on the field together, the excitement he brings, the energy he brings, it was definitely missed.”