With Ohio Stadium lurking behind them under the brilliant, cloudless blue sky above Ohio State's campus, Urban Meyer gathered his troops together Friday morning for a quick word before the Buckeyes got to work in their first day of full pads.
"It is a rugged day today," Meyer bellowed at Coffey Road Park. "A rugged, rugged day."
Meyer repeated the phrase roughly 10 more times, hoping to drill into his head the idea that the first day in full gear meant it was time to let loose and show what each player can bring to the table.