"I don't know if words can (express it)," he said. "Every year you set out to win every game. That's your goal. That's the dream for every athlete in every sport. To have a chance to do that ... We're 11-0 with one game in front of us. If, at the end of this game, we can do what we're supposed to do it's going to be amazing."
It's been 33 years since Bruce's No. 2-ranked Buckeyes took on No. 13 Michigan on a bright but cold day at The Big House.
It seems like just last week to the 81-year-old, as all of the memories from that cherished 18-15 victory come flooding back. Jim Laughlin's blocked punt. Scoring a touchdown against the maize-and-blue for the first time in four years. Climbing to No. 1 in the polls. Clinching a berth in the Rose Bowl.
"Those are the things I remember," Bruce said softly.
Perhaps in time such reflections matter. Right now, for those involved, there are more fundamental things to worry about: stopping the run, no mistakes in special teams, reining in the emotion and doing your job.
"I've been coaching for a while now, and there's nothing you can control other than getting ready to go play the game," Meyer said. "You learn that along the journey. If it was the first rodeo, I'd be worried about this, worried about that.
"I am concerned, but you've got to move forward and do the best you can."
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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Ann Arbor, Mich., contributed to this report.
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Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rustymillerap
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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