By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - Jim Tressel knew the magnitude of the Michigan game. So the Ohio State coach drew a huge cheer the day he was hired by citing the number of days until the next meeting.

That wasn't just to appease the fans. Tressel installed clocks in OSU's locker room and weight room that count down the months, days and hours until the Michigan game.

"When we work out in the summer, we're always thinking about Michigan," defensive end Will Smith said.

Tressel is the first OSU coach in 67 years to win his first two games against the Wolverines, and the Buckeyes believe their coach's emphasis on the rivalry has fueled that success.

His predecessor, John Cooper, was criticized for downplaying the game. Cooper's teams went 2-10-1 in the rivalry.

"It's just a completely different attitude," fifth-year senior Adrien Clarke said. "Now it's like a desire, a hunger. It's something else when you see your coach ... get amped up for it."

Tressel invites former coach Earle Bruce back each year for a motivational speech.

"Some people have not chosen to say it's the game," Bruce said. "I don't believe that at all. It's the one you - as the Ohio State coach - have got to want to win."

Tressel preaches poise and eschews a fiery last-minute speech.

"We just talk about what needs to be done ... but not long," he said.