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Ohio State coach Urban Meyer says getting off to a 1-0 start against Michigan was crucial. (AP photo)

ANN ARBOR -- Almost from the minute Urban Meyer took the Ohio State job in 2011, his main coaching mentor started in his ear.

Meyer had already won national championships, he'd coached a Heisman Trophy winner and he was viewed by many as one of the top bosses in all of college football -- regardless of division.

But there was one thing Meyer hadn't done yet.

He hadn't beaten Michigan.

"Earle Bruce is my mentor, and he's like a father to me, and it's all he's ever talked about," Meyer recalled Thursday during Big Ten media days in Chicago. "He'd tell me, and warn me, throughout the year and give me little jabs. 'You have to get the first one out of the way.'

"If you start behind, it's really hard."

Though the Buckeyes were ineligible for postseason play in 2012, Meyer's first season in Columbus was a rousing success.

He won every game he coached -- including the final one, a 26-21 win over Brady Hoke's Wolverines at Ohio Stadium.

Bruce, who coached the Buckeyes from 1979-87, began his Ohio State career with a win against Michigan -- and he ended it with one as well, going 6-5 lifetime against the Wolverines. In Ohio State circles, he's celebrated.

John Cooper, who took over for Bruce in 1988, lost his first game against the Wolverines -- and never recovered. He went 2-10-1 lifetime against Michigan, and though he had a wildly successful run at the school, his legacy has always been marred because of his performance in "The Game."

Both Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler won their respective debuts in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry ... and their careers both turned out pretty well.

You get the idea. Start strong, and avoid any extra pressure in an annual game that's already bubbling over with emotion, hatred and legend.

Both Meyer and Hoke began their respective Ohio State and Michigan careers with victories against the other institution, and both have a full understanding of what the rivalry means.

Hoke's been through it twice as a head man. Meyer once.

But once is all it takes.

"(Everything changes) because it's right (there)," he said. "It's not a film anymore. It's not seeing Bo Schembechler throw his headset on the ground or Woody Hayes tearing apart the yard marker, both of them (who are) supposed to be on the sideline, but they're out by the hash mark.

"And then, obviously the great players from both sides. And it's right there."

Meyer's had his full introduction to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. He's even got win No. 1 out of the way.

Now, he just has to do it again. This time on the road. In Michigan Stadium. In November.

No pressure.

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