Updated

In a weak moment, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer made a major blunder on Monday.

No, he didn't make a brash prediction or mock an opponent. In the eyes of many, however, this might have been worse.

He said the word "Michigan."

Around these parts, Buckeyes coaches, fans and players refer to their biggest rival as "That Team Up North" or maybe "That School Up North," but almost never by the university's actual name.

"Did I really?" he said when it was brought to his attention. "Wow. I apologize."

That was Meyer's only slip as he praised the struggling Wolverines and offered words of caution about his third-ranked team's trip on Saturday for the 110th edition of the rivalry they call "The Game."