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Associated Press College Football: Urban Meyer Emphasizes Enjoyment in New Profile Ahead of Preseason Rankings

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A day before it releases its preseason Top 25 College Football Poll, The Associated Press published a profile on Urban Meyer, drawing parallels between Ohio State's title defense this year and Florida's in 2009.

Take a look at some of those parallels.

1.     The 2009 Florida Gators were ranked first overall by the largest margin in the history of AP's preseason poll, a record the 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes may be primed to break.

2.     Meyer lost his offensive coordinator following the 2008 National Championship victory when Dan Mullen took the helm of the Mississippi State football team. A few months ago, Tom Herman left his post as Meyer's OC to take the head coaching job at Houston.

3.     Meyer carried over his victory meal tradition from Florida to Ohio State.

Only now, Meyer is no longer rushing through his victory meal to prepare for his next opponent.

"I just remember that sometimes I'd go in there real fast, rush upstairs and start watching film and all that," the coach told The AP.

Meyer said the difference for him since taking over at Ohio State in 2012 has been enjoying the victory rather than fearing defeat. Last year, Meyer discussed his mental state during the 2009 season on the HBO show "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," ESPN noted.

He said he was depressed, losing weight, unable to sleep and overall "mentally broke." But the Gators were 12-0 and ranked first overall heading into the SEC Championship Game, which was an unfortunate culmination for Meyer.

After losing the game and any hope of playing for the BCS National Championship, Meyer went to the hospital after experiencing chest pains. It was not a heart attack, but likely a side effect of his depression and extreme stress.

So Meyer took a leave of absence from Florida, returned briefly and then retired, citing his health. Refreshed with a new outlook on coaching and time spent working for ESPN, Meyer took the opportunity with Ohio State, his hometown school.

Mickey Marotti, Meyer's strength and conditioning coach at Ohio State, told the AP the pressure and intensity are still there, but the difference is all in how he handles it.

"I don't get the texts and the phone calls like I used to," Marotti said. "I think he's done a way better job of getting away when he has to get away."

READ the full profile here.

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