Ohio State's Urban Meyer applauded throughout day in return

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- On Saturday afternoon, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer returned from a three-game suspension to thunderous applause from the Ohio State faithful as the Buckeyes defeated Tulane 49-6.

But before he walked into Ohio Stadium to be greeted by 103,336 fans, he first received a standing ovation on the other end of Woody Hayes Boulevard, from 14,000 supporters packed into St. John Arena.

"That was an extremely emotional moment for me," he admitted after the victory. "I'll be honest, it caught me off guard."

Escorted into the basketball arena by his team, staff and former Ohio State players, Meyer's path was lined by rows of cheering fans, many wearing shirts and holding signs that read…