132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
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132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
To quote authors Marv Homan and Paul Hornung, who co-wrote “Ohio State – 1912
100 Years of Football”: “Ohio State University has experienced an overwhelmingly eventful, The athletic board, growing
tired of the constant turnover,
colorful, often controversial, ever-intriguing and, above all, enormously successful football decides to try a new approach
history.” Much of the information in this section, which peeks at various seasons of Ohio and make the head football
State football between 1900 and 2021, was supplied with permission from the authors of coach also serve as the director
“Ohio State – 100 Years of Football”. of athletics. Weary of choosing
Eastern coaches, the board
hired John Richards, a former
1902 1906 Wisconsin coach, to assume
Coaching hero John Eckstorm Chillicothe native and former both roles. The strategy
shocks the university community, Michigan player Al Herrnstein backfires, as Richards goes 6-3
announcing his resignation as takes over as head coach. and resigns after one season.
head football coach after three Herrnstein, who coached With five minutes remaining in
seasons and a 22-4-3 record. at Purdue in 1905, was the Penn State game and OSU
Perry Hale, a star player at Yale, instrumental in proving a trailing 37-0, Richards took the
takes over as coach. non-Eastern coach could be Buckeyes off the field because of
successful in college football. alleged rough play and PSU was
1904 awarded a 1-0 win. Ohio State
E.R. Sweetland became the 1910 joins the Western Conference,
school’s first year-round football The construction of new which later became the Big Ten,
coach. Expectations were high bleachers increases the capacity but could not compete in the
1890 for the 1904 team, driving the of Ohio Field to 10,000. Football conference in football until 1913.
Football becomes a varsity sport athletic association to purchase season tickets are sold for $2.50.
and Alexander Lilley is the first 1,500 additional bleacher Howard Jones, an All-American 1913
head coach. seats to be installed on the from Yale, is named head coach. Only after Carl Rothgeb of
east side of University Field. Colorado College declined
1899 Unfortunately, the team and the 1911 to accept the position, John
The Buckeyes notch a 9-0-1 expected crowds fell way short On the recommendation of W. Wilce, a former three
record, their first unbeaten of all expectations. Ohio State Howard Jones, the athletic sport star at Wisconsin, was
season. won just six times in 11 tries. board hires Harry Vaughn, also named head football coach
Ticket prices ranged from 25 from Yale, as head football at Ohio State. Wilce went on
1901 cents to a dollar for “deluxe” coach. Vaughn shows little to a storied 16-year career at
Football crowds and support games against Michigan and the interest in coaching and resigns OSU, leading the school to
grow at an alarming rate. Carlisle Indians. after leading Ohio State to a three Big Ten championships.
Columbus newspapers begin 5-3-2 season. The Buckeyes made their
devoting more space to football football debut in the Western
and most importantly, for the first Conference, creating a wave of
time after 12 seasons of football, electric enthusiasm throughout
the sport turned a modest profit Columbus. Ohio Field’s capacity
for the ever-struggling university had been increased to 14,000
athletic association. in anticipation of joining the
conference. Ohio State collected
its first league win Nov. 13 with a
58-0 trouncing of Northwestern.
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132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
1914
Ohio State produced its first
All-American, end Boyd Cherry,
and went 5-2. Interest in football
at the school continued to
skyrocket.
1915
Varsity manager William A.
Dougherty wrote the fight song
“Across the Field.” The song was
dedicated to Coach John Wilce
and was first performed at the
Illinois game (Oct. 16, 1915).
1916
BIG TEN CHAMPION 1919 1921 to enter the private practice
Ohio State went a perfect 7-0 Ohio State defeated Michigan for The fact Ohio State went 5-2 and of medicine. After capturing
and captured its first Western the first time, 13-3, and outscored collected its third-consecutive three Western Conference
Conference title – sort of. its opponents 176-12 for the year win over Michigan was dwarfed championships and producing 14
For a reason still unknown, on its way to a 6-1 season. A by the construction occurring just All-Americans, Wilce left football
the conference did not loss to Illinois in the final regular a few blocks from Ohio Field in and did postgraduate research
officially recognize football season game represented the 1921. On Aug. 3, Ohio Governor at Harvard and Columbia before
championships in those days. first loss of the Chic Harley era Harry Davis joined a crowd of becoming the Director of the
Highlights of the championship (21-1-1). The admittance of Ohio over 2,500 to officially break Ohio State University Student
season included a school record State to the Western Conference, ground on the new stadium. The Health Services in 1934.
128-0 win over Oberlin, the first the dramatic success of the massive project was scheduled
win over Wisconsin (14-13), and a football team under Coach Wilce to take only 14 months and 1929
season-ending 23-3 victory over and the dazzling play of Harley originally was to be completed Sam Willaman, an assistant on
Northwestern that decided the magnified the inadequacy of at a cost of $1,341,017. After Wilce’s staff and a 1913 Ohio
conference championship. Chic Ohio Field. speculation the new stadium State graduate, was named the
Harley earned the first of what would seat about 35,000, it was 13th head coach in the history of
would become three All-America 1920 officially announced it would Ohio State football. He led the
awards. He was OSU’s first BIG TEN CHAMPION actually seat over 60,000, a team to a 4-3-1 finish in his first
three-time All-American and one A landmark year for Ohio State figure that drew harsh criticism season.
of only eight in school history. football. Professor Thomas E. from many. Upon completion,
French, a member of the athletic the final cost of the stadium 1930
board, and Director of Athletics exceeded $1,500,000. More than Wes Fesler becomes only the
1917
Lynn Wilbur St. John decided it $1,000,000 of that cost had been second three-time All-American
BIG TEN CHAMPION
was time to take advantage of pledged by proud and dedicated in Ohio State history, captaining
A powerful Ohio State team
the soaring interest in Ohio State Ohio State football fans. the Buckeyes and leading them
finished 8-0-1, capturing its
second-consecutive Western football. An extensive stadium to a 5-2-1 record. He also is
Conference championship. campaign was launched in 1922 the first recorded winner of the
Strangely enough, two the fall, with hopes of building Those that cited concerns team’s Most Valuable Player
postseason games were a new football facility. The of Ohio Stadium being too Award. Fesler, one of the
played that year. Ohio State campaign opened Oct. 18, large looked on in awe as the school’s top all-time all-around
tied Auburn, 0-0, in a game 1920, with a goal of reaching stadium was dedicated prior athletes, earned nine total varsity
played in Montgomery, Ala., to $600,000, a figure considered to the Michigan game Oct. 21. letters – three each in football,
benefit the Ohio National Guard unrealistic by many. By Nov. 26, Temporary stands were erected basketball and baseball.
training in the South. Another 1920, over $923,000 had been in the south end of the stadium,
game was played the next pledged. With the campaign in and a crowd of 72,500 was 1933
weekend, as Ohio State rolled full force, coach Wilce’s team estimated. The dedication game Fueled by an incredible defense,
over Camp Sherman, a team kept interest levels high by against the Wolverines was Ohio State finished 7-1, dropping
from Chillicothe. Chic Harley finishing the regular season 7-0 actually the third game played only a 14-0 decision to Michigan.
earned All-America honors for and capturing the school’s third in Ohio Stadium. Ohio State The Buckeyes allowed only 26
the second consecutive season, Western Conference title. The christened its new home with points the entire season, while
and more importantly, became undefeated season drove Ohio a 5-0 win over Ohio Wesleyan scoring 161.
the talk of the Midwest. Fans State football into the national in front of 25,000 people. OSU
turned out in record numbers to spotlight and caught the eye won the first two games in Ohio 1934
see Harley. The legendary Walter of the Tournament of Roses Stadium, but finished the season Francis Schmidt is named the
Camp, who selected the only Association in Pasadena, Calif. with a disappointing 3-4 mark. head football coach, ushering
official college All-America team At the conclusion of the regular in not only a new era but also
in those days, visited Columbus season, Ohio State received an 1928 a new style of football. With
to watch Harley play. invitation to play in the Rose L.W. St. John announces all an offensive scheme dubbed
Bowl against California Jan. 1, stadium debt has been paid, “razzle-dazzle” by the press
1921. After heated discussions a remarkable achievement
1918 and featuring double and triple
between members of the athletic considering the facility had been reverses, laterals, and passes,
Most of the players off the
board and St. John, the football standing for only eight short Schmidt’s inaugural team scored
1917 team were serving in the
team was granted permission to years. Coach Wilce announces 267 points – the second most
military as the United States
play in the game. his resignation, to take effect
was involved in World War I in
Europe. in June, 1929, citing the desire
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132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
in OSU history at that point. 1939 1943 three plays after time had
Schmidt’s off-the-field antics BIG TEN CHAMPION With a game apparently ending expired because of Northwestern
were just as colorful as his Ohio State won its first outright in a 26-all tie, Ohio State and penalties and came away with a
on-field plays, making him an Big Ten title in 19 years. It is Illinois left the field. But the 7-6 victory in Ohio Stadium.
instant hit with the community. the only outright title for Ohio teams were called back 20
After accepting the coaching State in a season when it lost to minutes later when it was 1949
position, he was asked how Michigan. discovered the Illini were called BIG TEN CHAMPION
he expected to cope with the for a penalty on the Buckeyes’ Ohio State captures a share of
OSU nemesis from Ann Arbor. final play. With little of the crowd the Big Ten championship and
1941
Dressed in his inevitable bow remaining, John Stungis kicked collects its first Rose Bowl win,
After a dominant high school
tie, his matter-of-fact answer a 27-yard field goal – the first of beating California, 17-14.
coaching career in Massillon,
developed into a cliché: “They his career – for a 29-26 OSU win.
Ohio, Paul Brown was named
put their pants on one leg at a Coach Paul Brown, a Lieutenent 1950
Ohio State’s 15th head coach. An
time same as everybody else.” Junior-Grade, left Ohio State for Vic Janowicz puts on arguably
incredibly organized, meticulous
Schmidt’s comment leads to the the Great Lakes Naval Training the greatest individual display in
man, Brown led Ohio State to a
formation of the “Gold Pants Station in April of 1944. college football history against
6-1-1 mark in his debut season.
Club,” which awarded miniature He also earned OSU’s first West Iowa. He sent two kickoffs out
gold football pants to all players Coast win, a 33-0 trouncing 1944 of the endzone for touchbacks,
who had a hand in a victory over at Southern California in only BIG TEN CHAMPION recovered two fumbles on
the Wolverines. The tradition of Brown’s second collegiate game. Carroll Widdoes, an assistant of defense, scored on an 11-yard
an annual Captain’s Breakfast, The season ended with a 20-all Paul Brown’s at Massillon and touchdown run, returned a punt
where all former grid captains tie at Michigan. Ohio State, was named acting 61 yards for a touchdown, threw
are invited to a breakfast and head coach. In his first season, a 12-yard scoring strike, and
welcome the current team the Buckeyes finish 9-0 and kicked three extra points – all
1942
captains, also began. claim the Big Ten championship, in the first five minutes of the
NATIONAL CHAMPION
but finish No. 2 in the Associated game. The famous “Snow Bowl”
BIG TEN CHAMPION
1935 Press poll, behind Army. OSU game with Michigan was played
Though World War II loomed
BIG TEN CHAMPION fans claim an unofficial “civilian in late November. Somehow,
over the nation, Ohio State
Ohio State collected its second- national championship.” Les between the swirling winds
football fans reveled in one of the
consecutive 7-1 season under Horvath became the school’s and zero visibility, Janowicz
most glorious seasons ever. The
Schmidt, claiming the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner. boots a 27-yard field goal in
Buckeyes captured the school’s
first Big Ten title in 14 years. Ohio State received an invitation what would later be called
first national championship as
The Buckeyes capped the year to the Rose Bowl, but faculty one of the “Greatest Feats in
well as a Big Ten title, finishing
with a 38-0 season-ending win representatives from around the American Sports” by a panel
the year 9-1 and ranked No. 1
over Michigan. That season Big Ten disallow the trip. of sportswriters. To no one’s
in the Associated Press poll.
finale launched the now famous Led by a star-studded backfield surprise, Janowicz wins the
season-ending rivalry. Since that included Les Horvath, Paul 1946 Heisman Trophy. On Dec.
then, Ohio State has ended its Sarringhaus and Gene Fekete, In one of the program’s more 9, Fesler submits a lengthy
regular-season schedule with OSU rolled to 337 points, a unique coaching moves, resignation statement.
a battle against the Wolverines record that stood until 1969. offensive coordinator Paul Bixler
every year but one. Also in 1935, The only loss of the season, a and head coach Carroll Widdoes 1951
Ohio State and Notre Dame play 17-7 decision at Wisconsin, even switched roles prior to the After a highly-scrutinized
what was hailed as the “greatest had an asterisk. Several key season. Following the season, selection process, Wayne
college game ever played,” for players and coaches caught a Bixler turns in his resignation. Woodrow “Woody” Hayes
many years after. The Buckeyes debilitating virus from a drinking begins his 28-year tenure as
held a 13-0 lead entering the fountain on the train from 1947 head coach. A tireless worker,
fourth quarter, but Notre Dame Chicago to Madison. In the same meeting Bixler meticulous planner, and a
scored three times in the final announces his intentions to Lieutenent Commander in
stanza – twice in the last two resign, L. W. St. John proposes to the Navy, Hayes led his initial
minutes – for an 18-13 win. the athletic board that Wes Fesler Buckeye team, which struggled
be the next head coach at Ohio to adjust to his T-formation style,
1936 State. The board concurs, and to a 4-3-2 finish. Many thought
The Ohio State Marching Band Fesler, a three-time All-American Hayes’ days at Ohio State were
performed “Script Ohio” for the at Ohio State in the 1930s, numbered. They were wrong.
first time at the Pittsburgh game becomes the program’s fifth head
(Oct. 10, 1936). OSU dropped its coach in eight years. In one of
Big Ten opener to Northwestern, the stranger games during the
14-13, but steamrolled through its 1900s, Ohio State was afforded
remaining conference schedule
with four shutouts in four games.
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132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
1957 1969
NATIONAL CHAMPION BIG TEN CHAMPION
BIG TEN CHAMPION A squad Coach Hayes called “the
After dropping the season best team we ever put together,
opener, the Buckeyes win probably the best team that ever
nine consecutive games to played college football,” rolled
capture the school’s third easily to a 9-0 record, but a
national championship and season-ending loss to Michigan
second under Hayes. OSU ended OSU’s 22-game unbeaten
knocked off Oregon 10-7 in streak and bid for a second
the Rose Bowl for its third consecutive national title.
consecutive win in Pasadena.
1970
1961 NATIONAL CHAMPION
NATIONAL CHAMPION BIG TEN CHAMPION
BIG TEN CHAMPION Jim Stillwagon wins both the
Ohio State finishes 8-0-1, defeats Outland and the first Lombardi
Michigan, 50-20, wins the Big Award. Ohio State rolls to nine
1954 consecutive wins – including
NATIONAL CHAMPION Ten and is named national 1974
champions by the Football a 20-9 triumph over Michigan BIG TEN CHAMPION
BIG TEN CHAMPION that has been called one of the
Ohio State claims its second Writers. A bitter dispute among On June 5, Coach Hayes suffers
the school’s faculty council most emotional games in Ohio a heart attack, but pledges to
national championship with a Stadium history – before falling
perfect 10-0 season, beating erupted when a Rose Bowl return by OSU’s opener Sept.
invitation arrived. By a narrow to Stanford in the Rose Bowl. 14. The fiery coach, who by this
Southern Cal, 20-7, in a rainy, Ohio State still was awarded a
mud-soaked Rose Bowl game. margin, the council voted not to point had become larger-than-
accept the invitation and skip national championship by the life in Columbus, did return and
The rift between West Coast National Football Foundation.
writers and Hayes is born when the bowl game. A livid Hayes led OSU to its third consecutive
claimed for years the decision A senior class featuring six Big Ten championship and yet
the OSU coach criticizes the All-Americans and nine all-Big
Tournament of Roses Association hampered his recruiting efforts. another Rose Bowl. Archie
Ten selections leaves OSU with a Griffin won the Heisman Trophy,
for not covering the field before three-year mark of 27-2.
the game and allowing the bands 1963 becoming the fifth non-senior to
to perform at halftime. Ohio State defeated Michigan win the award.
in Ann Arbor, 14-10, marking the 1972
fourth consecutive Buckeye win BIG TEN CHAMPION 1975
1955 Freshmen are cleared to play
BIG TEN CHAMPION over the Wolverines. The game BIG TEN CHAMPION
was delayed a week as the nation for the first time, signaling the Hayes gives West Coast
Ohio State uses a 17-0 start of the Archie Griffin era.
blanking of Michigan to claim mourned the death of President reporters a now famous quote
John F. Kennedy. The attendance Against the better judgment of about Archie Griffin: “He’s a
its second-consecutive Big Coach Hayes but after strong
Ten championship. Howard of 36,424 was the smallest at better young man than he is
Michigan Stadium in 20 years. urging from backfield coach a football player, and he’s the
“Hopalong” Cassady becomes Rudy Hubbard, Griffin comes off
Ohio State’s third Heisman best football player I’ve ever
the bench against North Carolina seen.” Griffin becomes the first
Trophy winner. During the and rushes for a then-Ohio State
season, Hayes voices his (and 41 years later still only)
record 239 yards in only his two-time winner of the Heisman
displeasure over the fact several second collegiate appearance.
other football conferences had Trophy, leading the Buckeyes to
OSU uses two goal-line stands their conference-record fourth
started awarding scholarships – one in each half – to beat
to student-athletes, but the Big consecutive Rose Bowl. He also
Michigan, 14-11, and claim a becomes the NCAA’s all-time
Ten had failed to follow suit. share of the Big Ten title and a
After a series of meetings and leading rusher in a midseason
trip to the Rose Bowl. game against Purdue.
heated debates, the conference
adopts a complicated grant-in-
aid program based on financial
1973 1976
1968 BIG TEN CHAMPION BIG TEN CHAMPION
need, marking the first form of
NATIONAL CHAMPION Ohio State goes unbeaten, Just one year after the Big
athletics scholarship available at
BIG TEN CHAMPION finishing 10-0-1 including a Ten changes the rule to
Ohio State.
Arguably the finest Ohio 42-21 trouncing of USC in the allow more than just the
State team in history uses a Rose Bowl. OSU becomes the conference champion to attend
1956 first school to own three of
Ohio State sets a Big Ten record dominating 50-14 win over a bowl game, the Buckeyes
Michigan and a 27-16 come-from- the Top 5 vote-getters in the notch a share of the Big
with 17 consecutive victories, Heisman Trophy balloting. With
breaking Michigan’s previous behind victory over Southern Ten championship and beat
California in the Rose Bowl to five Big Ten titles, two national Colorado, 27-10, in the Orange
mark of 15. Offensive guard Jim championships, and four Rose
Parker became the first OSU earn the school’s fifth national Bowl.
championship. Before the final Bowl trips all in a six-year span,
player to win the Outland Trophy. Ohio State football popularity
polls crowning the Buckeyes 1977
champions are released, Coach hits an all-time high. Columbus
BIG TEN CHAMPION
Hayes departs for Vietnam for becomes known as the “Capital
Ohio State won a Big Ten
a volunteer trip to talk football of College Football.”
Conference championship for
with U.S. servicemen. Later, the a record sixth consecutive year
Sporting News called this team and for the 13th, and final time,
one of the 10 greatest college under coach Woody Hayes.
football teams of all-time.
69
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
1978 1986 1993 1998
A win over Baylor gave Coach BIG TEN CHAMPION BIG TEN CHAMPION BIG TEN CHAMPION
Hayes his 200th win as an Ohio Ohio State loses its first two OSU records its best record since Ohio State notched its fourth-
State coach. He would coach games of the season for the first 1979 by going 10-1-1, capturing consecutive 10-win season. The
his last game three months time since 1894, but wins nine a share of the Big Ten title and Buckeyes spend 10 weeks as
later against Clemson in the consecutive games to earn a winning the Holiday Bowl. the No. 1 team in the Associated
Gator Bowl, ending a 28-year share of the Big Ten title. Press Poll and cap the season
Ohio State career with a record 1994 with a 24-14 win over Texas A&M
of 205-61-10 with five national The Buckeyes defeat Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Joe Germaine
championships and 13 Big Ten 22-6, ending a six-game winless wins the Chicago Tribune’s
crowns. streak against the Wolverines. Silver Football Award as the Big
Ten’s Most Valuable Player, and
1979 the Buckeyes go a perfect 5-0
BIG TEN CHAMPION against teams ranked in the Top
Former Ohio State player and 25. Antoine Winfield wins the
assistant coach Earle Bruce Thorpe Award.
is named head coach. The
Buckeyes finish the regular 1999
season 11-0 and come within a Athletics Director Andy Geiger
point of a national championship, announces the retirement of
falling 17-16 to Southern Archie Griffin’s No. 45 at the
California in the Rose Bowl. Sept. 30 Iowa game. It is the first
Bruce is named the Big Ten and 1987 number retired in any sport in
national coach of the year in his College football fans everywhere Ohio State history.
first season. mourn the death of Woody
Hayes on March 12. President 2000
1981 Richard Nixon, joined by a crowd The jersey numbers of former
BIG TEN CHAMPION of over 10,000, speaks at Hayes’ 1995 Heisman Trophy winners Vic
The Buckeyes capture their memorial service. That fall, Ohio State dominated college Janowicz (31) and Howard
second Big Ten championship linebacker Chris Spielman wins football’s individual awards. “Hopalong” Cassady (40) are
in three years under Bruce and the Lombardi Award and the Eddie George becomes OSU’s retired at home games against
top Navy in the Liberty Bowl. Art season - and nine-year coaching sixth Heisman Trophy winner. Penn State and Michigan,
Schlichter completed 31 of 52 run for Earle Bruce - ends with a Orlando Pace becomes the first respectively. Following the 8-4
passes for 458 yards – all OSU thrilling 23-20 win at Michigan. sophomore to win the Lombardi season that included season-
records – against the Florida Award, and Terry Glenn wins the ending losses to Michigan and
State Seminoles. 1988 Biletnikoff Award. The Buckeyes South Carolina in the Outback
John Cooper, then head coach tie a school record with 11 wins Bowl, former OSU assistant Jim
1984 at Arizona State, is named the and play in the Citrus Bowl. Tressel is named to replace John
BIG TEN CHAMPION school’s 21st head football OSU sets a school record with Cooper as head coach of the
After a five-year absence, Ohio coach after an intense search 475 points scored. A then Ohio Buckeyes.
State returns to the Rose Bowl conducted by new Director of Stadium record crowd of 95,537
with an undisputed Big Ten Athletics Jim Jones. is on hand for Ohio State’s 45-26 2001
championship. Chris Spielman win over Notre Dame. Jim Tressel becomes the
makes his debut a memorable 1989 Buckeyes’ 22nd head football
one in the season opener Ohio State celebrates its 100th coach. The jerseys of Les
against Oregon State, making season of intercollegiate football. Horvath (22) and Eddie George
10 tackles in the second half The Buckeyes overcome a 31-0 (27), Ohio State’s first and most
after coming off the bench. deficit to win 41-37 at Minnesota, recent Heisman Trophy winners,
Keith Byars rushes for a then equaling the largest comeback respectively, are retired. The
school-record 274 yards and in NCAA history. OSU competes Buckeyes defeat Michigan in Ann
scored five touchdowns in a in the Hall of Fame Bowl, its Arbor, their first win there since
45-38 win over Illinois. Byars’ 10th different postseason bowl 1987. The three-year, $194 million
memorable day also included a appearance. stadium renovation is completed.
67-yard touchdown run where he
lost one shoe 35 yards from the 1990
goal line. Natural grass returns to Ohio
Stadium. Robert Smith gains 1,126
1985 yards to break Archie Griffin’s
The first night game in Ohio OSU freshman rushing record.
Stadium history – thanks to 1996
portable light standards – 1991 BIG TEN CHAMPION
ends in a 10-7 Ohio State win Thanks to 5,000 new bleacher The Buckeyes win their 27th
over Pittsburgh. Flanker Mike seats, home total (654,500), Big Ten title and defeat Arizona
Lanese becomes the first OSU average home (90,500) and State in the Rose Bowl, winding
football player to win a Rhodes single game (95,357 vs. Iowa) up No. 2 in both national polls.
Scholarship. A preseason foot attendance records fall. Orlando Pace repeats as the
injury to Heisman Trophy favorite Lombardi Award winner and
Keith Byars dampens Ohio wins the Outland Trophy. It marks
State’s hopes for a championship the fourth consecutive season
season. Ohio State has finished among
the nation’s Top 10 in one of the
major polls.
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132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
squad posted rare back-to-back Willis, the pioneering 1940s All-
wins over Michigan and Notre American, had his No. 99 jersey
Dame, the latter in the Fiesta retired.
Bowl for the Buckeyes’ fourth
consecutive bowl victory and 2008
third BCS triumph in four years. BIG TEN CHAMPION
Quarterback Troy Smith was the Ohio State posted a fifth straight
MVP of the Fiesta Bowl, where win over Michigan (42-7) for the
he accounted for 408 yards in first time in the storied rivalry.
total offense. The Buckeyes also won a share
of their fourth straight Big Ten
title and played in their fourth
consecutive BCS bowl, losing
24-21 to Texas in the Tostitos 2013
Fiesta Bowl. The 2013 Buckeyes extended
the 12-game winning streak
from 2012 to a school-record
2002 24 consecutive games before a
NATIONAL CHAMPION defeat in the Big Ten Conference
BIG TEN CHAMPION championship game. School
Ohio State captures the school’s and Big Ten Conference records
seventh national championship were set by the Buckeyes for
and the Big Ten’s first unanimous rushing yards (4,321) and total
crown since 1968 by compiling a offensive yards (7,167).
14-0 record and defeating Miami 2006
in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on BIG TEN CHAMPION
Jan. 3. The 14 victories set an The 2006 Buckeyes opened the
NCAA Division I-A record. Their season at No. 1 in the polls and
31-24 double-overtime victory 2009
remained there throughout the BIG TEN CHAMPION
over Miami is typical of a heart- regular season. Jim Tressel’s
pounding season in which they Capturing their fifth straight
team compiled a perfect 12-0 Big Ten title, the 11-2 Buckeyes
win five games by six points or regular season record and won
less. Quarterback Craig Krenzel advanced to Pasadena for the
the school’s first outright Big Ten first time in 12 years, defeating
and two-way (flanker and title since 1984. The Buckeyes
cornerback) star Chris Gamble, favored Oregon 26-17 behind the
defeated No. 2 Texas in Austin play of Rose Bowl MVP Terrelle
share team MVP honors. and No. 2 Michigan in Columbus, Pryor. Winning the conference
the latter a 42-39 shootout that crown outright, Ohio State
2003 will go down as one of the most closed the regular season with
The Buckeyes extend their thrilling games every played wins over nationally ranked Penn 2014
winning streak to 19 games – the in the storied rivalry. After a State, league-leading Iowa (in NATIONAL CHAMPION
second longest in school history loss to Florida in the National overtime) and at Michigan (21-10), BIG TEN CHAMPION
at the time – before a 17-10 Championship game in Arizona, the sixth consecutive victory over Urban Meyer’s 2014 Ohio State
loss at Wisconsin ended that the Buckeyes wound up No. 2 the Wolverines, an OSU record. Buckeyes captured the eighth
streak. A triple overtime win over in the final polls. Individually,
North Carolina State was the national championship in
Troy Smith won unanimous
first OT game in Ohio Stadium 2010 school history to cap its 125th
All-America honors and became
and the longest game in OSU All wins from the 2010 football season of football. Led by eight
Ohio State’s seventh Heisman
history: 4:17. OSU won its second season were vacated by the senior starters, the Buckeyes
Trophy winner.
consecutive BCS game with a NCAA Committee on Infractions. won their final 13 games to
35-28 win over Kansas State in Ohio State, therefore, is not win the first College Football
the Fiesta Bowl.
2007 credited with winning 12 of 13 Playoff national championship
BIG TEN CHAMPION games in 2010, including the while tying the NCAA record
The Buckeyes won another Sugar Bowl; with winning a Big for wins in a season with 14.
2004 outright Big Ten title and finished Ten record sixth consecutive The Buckeyes stayed perfect
The senior class had the the regular season with an 11-1 Big Ten championship; or in Big Ten play under Meyer
satisfaction of being just the mark, the only loss coming with winning for the seventh by winning all eight games
second class in Ohio State to Illinois. Ohio State, which consecutive season over rival to extend their conference
history to post winning records moved to No. 1 in the polls by Michigan. record-winning streak to 24
against Michigan (3-1) and in mid-October, finished with a 14-3 games. Then with Cardale
bowl play (3-1). Chic Harley, win at Michigan; after a number 2012 Jones replacing the injured
Ohio State‘s first three-time All- of upsets across the nation Coach Urban Meyer and the J.T. Barrett at quarterback, the
American, had his jersey retired. during the next two weeks, the 2012 Ohio State Buckeyes were Buckeyes beat Wisconsin, 59-0,
Buckeyes were No. 1 in the BCS not eligible to compete in the to win the school’s 35th Big Ten
2005 standings entering the bowl Conference championship; a win
post-season, but that didn’t
BIG TEN CHAMPION season. Ohio State went to play so convincing the team earned
stop the program from doing
The Buckeyes captured a share LSU in New Orleans, dropping a one of four positions in the first
everything else it possibly
of their 30th Big Ten title and 38-24 decision to finish ranked College Football Playoff. In the
could. The Buckeyes posted
closed the season with seven fourth. Coach Jim Tressel won CFP semifinals at the Allstate
a 12-0 record for just the sixth
consecutive wins en route to a his 200th career game with Sugar Bowl, Ohio State came
undefeated/untied season in
10-2 record. Coach Jim Tressel’s the victory at Washington. Bill back from a 21-6 deficit behind
school history and won the Big
Ten Leaders Division title. outstanding defense and 230
rushing yards from Ezekiel Elliott
71
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
2021
to defeat No. 1 Alabama, 42-35,
ROSE BOWL CHAMPION
and claim national championship
Ohio State capped its 2021
game berth vs. No. 2 Oregon.
season with a memorable
And 11 days later in the CFP
and dramatic 48-45 win over
National Championship game
Utah in the Rose Bowl to finish
at Reliant Stadium in Arlington,
11-2 overall. First-year starting
Texas, the Ohio State defense
quarterback C.J. Stroud was a
was again dominant and Elliott
finalist for the Heisman Trophy
led an offensive charge with
with five other Buckeyes earning
246 rushing yards and four
first team All-America honors,
touchdowns in the 42-20 victory.
including the WR duo of Chris
Olave and Garrett Wilson, who
2015 were both picked in the first
Ohio State defeats Michigan a round of the NFL Draft. Stroud
fourth consecutive time, 42-13 threw 44 touchdown passes
in Ann Arbor, and then powers 2019
BIG TEN CHAMPION to lead the nation’s top total
to a 44-28 win over Notre Dame offense. In the Rose Bowl, he
in the Fiesta Bowl to cap a 12-1 The Ryan Day era began in
spectacularly successful fashion threw for a school-record 573
campaign. Ohio State’s seniors yards and six TDs, three of which
tie an NCAA FBS-record with 50 as the Buckeyes won their first
13 games by an average of went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who
victories and finish their careers also set a school and Rose Bowl
with a 50-4 overall record. The over 36 points per game and
had one of the nation’s most record with 347 yards receiving.
seniors are also part of a school-
record 24-game win streak, a explosive teams on both offense
second win streak of 20 games, and defense. The Buckeyes
an FBS-record 30 consecutive produced two Heisman Trophy
conference game winning streak finalists (QB Justin Fields and DE
and a four-year, undefeated Chase Young) and the school’s
record in road games (18-0). first-ever 2,000-yard rusher in
J.K. Dobbins. The trio led the
team to the program’s third
2016
straight Big Ten title and a berth
Ohio State defeats Michigan for
in the College Football Playoff.
a fifth consecutive time, 30-27,
in double overtime before an
Ohio Stadium record crowd of
110,082 fans. The Buckeyes are
selected for the College Football
Playoffs for the second time in
the three-year existance of the
championship structure.
2017
BIG TEN CHAMPION
Ohio State won its 36th Big Ten
championship, and second under
Coach Urban Meyer, by defeating
No. 4 Wisconsin in the Big Ten 2020
title game in Indianapolis. The BIG TEN CHAMPION
Buckeyes then went on to In a season unlike any other due
smother No. 8 USC, 24-7, to win to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio
the Goodyear Cotton Bowl and State played just five regular
cap a 12-2 season that included season games of a scheduled
wins over No. 2 Penn State, No. and reduced eight game Big Ten
12 Michigan State and a sixth season. Maryland and Michigan
consecutive win over Michigan. cancelled games against Ohio
State because of the pandemic
2018 while Ohio State cancelled its
BIG TEN CHAMPION game at Illinois. Ohio State went
Led by Heisman Throphy 5-0 in those games and won
finalist QB Dwayne Haskins, its fourth consecutive outright
Ohio State repeated as Big Big Ten title when it defeated
Ten Champions and went on to Northwestern 22-10 in the
win the program’s eighth Rose Big Ten championship game.
Bowl, defeating Washington The Buckeyes made a second
28-23. The Buckeyes won their consecutive appearance in the
seventh consecutive game over College Football Playoff. In the
Michigan, topping the fourth- semifinal at the Sugar Bowl,
ranked Wolverines 63-39 and MVP Justin Fields threw six
then defeating Northwestern touchdown passes as No. 3 Ohio
45-24 in Indianapolis at the Big State defeated No. 2 Clemson
Ten Championship Game. 49-28 to earn a berth in the CFP
National Championship Game.
72 2022 Ohio State Football
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
100 YEARS OF OHIO STADIUM
73
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
THE HOUSE THAT
HARLEY BUILT
1916-17-19 – The inadequacy
of Ohio Field, located at 17th
Ave. and High Street, was
magnified and interest in Ohio
State football soared as record
numbers of fans turned out to
watch dazzling All-American
“Chic” Harley play. Discussions
for a new stadium heat up.
FUNDRAISING
CAMPAIGN
LAUNCHED
OHIO STADIUM 1928, and in front of more than The trees are planted in Buckeye
1920 – This was a landmark year
OPENS 72,000 fans, the Buckeyes Grove, adjacent and to the
for Ohio State football. Interest in
1922 – Ohio Stadium, a double- snapped a six-game losing southwest of Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State football was soaring,
decked, horseshoe-shaped streak and defeated Michigan
and an extensive stadium fund
structure that earned architect for the first time in Ohio Stadium, THE GOLD PANTS
raising campaign was launched
Dwight K. Smith the American 19-7. Wes Fesler, Byron Eby and TRADITION
in the fall with a goal of reaching
Institute of Architects top award Charles Coffee scored OSU’s 1934-37 – Coach Francis
$600,000, a total that many felt
for “excellence in public works”, touchdowns. Schmidt’s Buckeyes beat
was unrealistic.
opened on Oct. 7 with a 5-0 Ohio Michigan, 34-0, at Ohio Stadium
State victory over Ohio Wesleyan OHIO STADIUM’S FIRST to start a four-game win streak
STADIUM CAMPAIGN
before 25,000 fans. COMMENCEMENT over the rivals to the north. Ohio
A SUCCESS 1928 – The first-ever graduation State was just 6-22-2 at the time
1920 – The Stadium Campaign
75,000 FANS AT ceremony to be celebrated vs. Michigan, but Schmidt said
featured offices set up
inside Ohio Stadium was held for they “put their pants on one leg
throughout Ohio along with DEDICATION GAME the Spring 1928 graduating class at a time same as everybody
demonstrations and parades. 1922 – The Ohio Stadium of The Ohio State University. The else.” A tradition is born.
In just a few short months, dedication game came against date was June 1 and Ohio State
more than $900,000 had been Michigan on Oct. 21. It was a University President William JESSE OWENS: A NATIONAL
pledged to the campaign with wonderful day for Ohio State Oxley Thompson delivered the HERO
more than $500,000 pledged by even despite the final score. The commencement address. 1934-35-36 – One of Ohio
Ohio State alumni. stadium was packed. Every seat State’s and America’s most
was filled, as were temporary cherished athletes, Jesse
stands set up in the south end,
MARCHING BAND RAMPS
THOMPSON, FRENCH Owens, competed on the Ohio
and the crowd was estimated at UP
LEAD CONSTRUCTION 1928 – The traditional Ohio Stadium track from 1934-36.
72,500.
COMMITTEE State Marching Band ramp He won eight NCAA titles, but
1920 – A Stadium Construction entrance was first performed will forever be remembered for
Committee is named: President FINAL GAME FOR THE winning four gold medals at the
at Ohio Stadium in 1928. Very
William Oxley Thompson “GALLOPING GHOST” little has changed in the nearly 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.
(chairman), professor Thomas E. 1925 – The final college game 100 years since. Approximately
French (vice chairman), Director of legendary Illinois halfback 20 minutes before kickoff, the “GREATEST COLLEGE
of Athletics L.W. St. John, Harold “Red” Grange was on percussion section is first to GAME EVERY PLAYED”
business manager Carl Steeb, Nov. 21, 1925 in Ohio Stadium. enter the stadium to “Buckeye 1935 – Unbeaten Notre Dame
industrialist Samuel N. Summer, Grange’s defense – two second- Battle Cry.” defeated unbeaten Ohio State,
professor D.J. Kays and architect half interceptions – keyed the 18-13, at Ohio Stadium in what
J.N. Bradford. win. The 84,295 in attendance was described at the time as
was, at the time, the largest
OHIO STADIUM DORM
ROOMS the “greatest college game
BREAKING GROUND crowd to attend a sporting event ever played.” Ohio State led
in this country. 1933 – The west side of Ohio
1921 – Ohio Governor Harry 13-0 entering the fourth quarter,
Stadium included inexpensive,
Davis joined a crowd of over but ND scored twice inside of 2
barracks-style campus housing
2,500 to officially break ground OHIO STADIUM DEBT minutes to play to win.
during the Great Depression and
on the massive new stadium. PAID OFF the rooms eventually became
There was criticism because of 1928 – By September 1928, L.W. SCRIPT OHIO
Stadium Scholarship housing
its capacity of over 60,000, but St. John announced the stadium 1936 – Script Ohio, one of
for 350 students. Ohio Stadium
interest was great: more than $1 debt had been paid. Thousands the greatest traditions in all
ended its run as dorm housing
million toward the cost had now of Ohio citizens and alumni of college football, was first
in 2000 when the stadium was
been pledged by dedicated Ohio supported and donated to the performed on Oct. 10, 1936 in
renovated.
State fans. construction of the facility, and Ohio Stadium. Each time the
this established the broad base NEXT TO OHIO STADIUM: Ohio State marching band
of support for Ohio State football BUCKEYE GROVE performs Script Ohio, a fourth- or
that is still being realized today. 1934 – A wonderful and unique fifth-year sousaphone player is
tradition of Ohio State football chosen to dot the “i” in Ohio.
FIRST OHIO STADIUM WIN began in 1934: the awarding of
OVER MICHIGAN a Buckeye tree to Ohio State’s
1928 – The date was Oct. 20, first-team All-American players.
74 2022 Ohio State Football
132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
BLOCK O THE SWEET SOUND OF WIN STREAK RECORD
1938 – Block O, the official VICTORY 1967-69 – On the way to a then-
student section of Ohio State 1954 – The sound of the Victory school record 22-game winning
athletics, has cheering sections Bell, located in the Southeast streak (the 2012-13 teams have
in the north and south end zones tower of Ohio Stadium, was first since topped this record with 24
at Ohio Stadium. Originated in heard after Ohio State defeated consecutive wins), Ohio State
1938, Block O supports Ohio California on Oct. 2. The bell won 13 consecutive games at
State student-athletes and weighs 2,420 pounds and Ohio Stadium, including over No.
upholds the spirit and tradition can be heard five miles away. 1 Purdue, 13-0, in 1968.
of Ohio State University. Members of Alpha Phi Omega
ring the bell after Buckeye wins. CONSENSUS NATIONAL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS
AND 7-0 AT OHIO STADIUM NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, 1968 – The 1968 Buckeyes
1942 – Ohio State, coached by AGAIN won the program’s fifth national
Paul Brown, goes unbeaten in 1954 – Ohio State went 10-0 championship. The regular
Ohio Stadium – 7-0 – and The with a win over USC in the season ended with a 50-14
Plain Dealer’s John Dietrich calls Rose Bowl to claim its second victory over Michigan at Ohio
PROGRAM WIN NO. 500
this first Ohio State national national championship and first Stadium to clinch the program’s
1975 – Win No. 500 all-time for
championship team “The of five under Woody Hayes. first Big Ten title since 1961 and
Ohio State football came in a
greatest football team Ohio State The Buckeyes were 6-0 at Ohio its first Rose Bowl berth since
1975 victory over North Carolina
ever has had – and the greatest Stadium, including a 21-7 win 1957.
at Ohio Stadium. Pete Johnson
football team in this country …” over Michigan. set the single game record with
ASTROTURF INSTALLED IN five touchdowns and Archie
HORVATH WINS THE “HOP” WINS THE OHIO STADIUM Griffin broke Rex Kern’s career
HEISMAN HEISMAN 1971 – With the full support total offense record in the game.
1944 – Les Horvath leads Ohio 1955 – Howard “Hopalong” of coach Woody Hayes, Ohio
State to a 9-0 record, including Cassady scores three Stadium’s grass field was 2,178 SEATS ADDED
a 6-0 record in Ohio Stadium, touchdowns on Nov. 12 in his removed and an artificial playing 1982 – The installation of a
and becomes the first of Ohio final game at Ohio Stadium, a surface, AstroTurf, was installed. new Jesse Owens track to
State’s seven Heisman Trophy win over Iowa. “Hop” delighted A $380,000 gift from Lou Fischer Ohio Stadium allows for the
winners to compete in Ohio Ohio State fans during his was made for the turf in the south bleacher stands to be
Stadium. The Buckeyes were Big career, finishing with 2,466 memory of friend and Buckeye moved and 18 rows to be added
Ten champions and finish No. 3 rushing yards and winning the teammate, Joe Campanella. for 2,178 additional seats.
nationally. 1955 Heisman Trophy. Attendance at Ohio Stadium
INTRODUCING ARCHIE will now surpass 90,000 for the
THE SNOW BOWL IOWA WIN KEYS NATIONAL GRIFFIN first time.
1950 – On Nov. 25, 1950, Ohio TITLE 1972 – Archie Griffin’s first
State and Michigan engage in 1957 – A huge crowd of 82,935, official carry came against HONORING JESSE OWENS
a uniquely remembered game including Vice-President Richard North Carolina, in Week 2, and 1983 – Jesse Owens Plaza,
at Ohio Stadium: the Snow M. Nixon, was on hand to see by game’s end he had set the located outside of the north end
Bowl. An early winter storm hit No. 6 Ohio State defeat No. 5 single game rushing record with of Ohio Stadium, was completed
Columbus with heavy snow, Iowa, 17-13, in one of the great 239 yards. The Dispatch’s Paul in September of 1982 at a cost of
28-MPH winds and temps in games at Ohio Stadium. Ohio Hornung wrote: “Never in the $400,000. The memorial honors
the teens. The teams punted 45 State went on to beat Michigan, 50-year history of Ohio Stadium the man who had unparalleled
times and UM won, 9-3. and then Oregon in the Rose has there been so sensational a accomplishments on the track
Bowl, to win the national title. debut …” and made tireless efforts on
JANOWICZ CLAIMS ON THE NATIONAL behalf of young people.
HEISMAN NATIONAL ATTENDANCE REGISTER
1950 – Vic Janowicz, who 1974 – Ohio Stadium, located
LEADER
scored two touchdowns, threw at 404 West 17th Avenue, was 38 OLYMPIANS IN OHIO
1958-71 – Ohio Stadium and
four TD passes and kicked 10 nominated for the National STADIUM
Ohio State football led the nation
extra points in an 83-21 win over Register of Historic Places in 1985 – By 1985, the third year of
in attendance 14 consecutive
Iowa at Ohio Stadium, wins the June of 1973, and in March of the Jesse Owens Track Classic
years from 1958-71. In all, Ohio
1950 Heisman Trophy for an 1974 Ohio Stadium became to be held at Ohio Stadium, the
Stadium has been the nation’s
Ohio State team that dropped the first football stadium to be event had become recognized
attendance leader 20 times,
its final two games to finish a officially listed on the National as one of the top track and field
most recently in 2014, and
modest, 6-3. Register. events in the country. The 1985
currently has a seating capacity
of 102,780. Classic featured 38 Olympians
ENTER WAYNE WOODROW ONLY TWO-TIME HEISMAN competing.
HAYES 1961 FW NATIONAL TROPHY WINNER
1951 – The Ohio State Board of 1974-1975 – Ohio Stadium FIRST COLLEGIATE NIGHT
CHAMPIONS
Trustees, in a special meeting played host to, still, the only GAME
1961 – A 7-7 tie at Ohio Stadium
held Feb. 18, 1951, approved two-time Heisman Trophy winner 1985 – Ohio Stadium had used
against Texas Christian was the
Woody Hayes as Ohio State’s in 1974 and 1975. Archie Griffin, portable lights several times to
only asterisk on an otherwise
new football coach. Hayes would who set the NCAA career rushing complete late afternoon starts,
fine, 8-0-1 season that included
win 205 games, 13 Big Ten titles record in 1975, captured the but the 1985 season opener vs.
five Ohio Stadium wins by an
and four national championships coveted Heisman after rushing Pitt was the first true collegiate
average score of 23-7. The
over the next 27 years. for 1,695 yards in 1974 and 1,450 night game in stadium history.
Football Writers declared Ohio
State national champions yards in 1975. Kickoff was at 8:08 p.m., the
following the season.
75132 SEASONS OF OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
A NEW ’SHOE THE ALL-TIME RECORD
2001 – A major, three-year CROWD: 110,082
renovation to Ohio Stadium was 2016 – Ohio State defeated
completed at a cost of $194 Michigan, 30-27, in double
million. Work included removing overtime in front of a record
the track, lowering the field, Ohio Stadium crowd of 110,082
adding AA deck, a CC deck fans. Curtis Samuel’s game-
addition, renovating concourses, winning, 15-yard touchdown run
permanent south stands, a new electrified the house after J.T.
scoreboard and pressbox, and Barrett’s successful, 4th-and-1
adding suites. conversion from the UM 16.
temperature was 59 degrees college football game at Ohio A GIFT OF GLASS RENOVATION REDUCES
and 88,518 watched Ohio State Stadium was in 1982 (Ohio vs. 2001 – The Ohio Stadium CAPACITY
win, 10-7. Richmond). The second came rotunda was decorated with 2017-20 – Ohio Stadium
in 1993: the Capital City Classic, three opalescent stained glass underwent a three-year, $42
A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY; featuring Central State vs. Texas panels, each approximately million renovation project that
A LITTLE BIT ROCK-AND- Southern and benefitting the 18.5 feet high and 12 feet wide, ultimately decreased capacity
Martin Luther King Jr. Performing during the major renovation to 102,780 by renovating suites
ROLL project. The panels are lit from
and Cultural Arts Complex. and premium seating areas.
1988 – Pink Floyd was the first
behind and feature a Block O Additional work included
rock concert at Ohio Stadium,
EDDIE GEORGE, OHIO and two football scenes. installing better lighting and
playing in front of nearly 64,000
on May 28, 1988. Acts, since, to STATE DEFEAT NOTRE sound, and larger TVs, in B-deck.
play at Ohio Stadium include: DAME, 45-26 NO. 1 VS. NO. 2
The Rolling Stones, Genesis, 1995 – An Ohio Stadium record 2006 – One of the greatest LARGEST SOCCER CROWD
games in Ohio Stadium history
U2, Metallica, Beyonce and crowd of 95,537 watched IN OHIO HISTORY
Jay-Z, and The Buckeye Country Ohio State come from behind took place on Nov. 18: No. 1
2016 – The largest soccer
Superfest has been held five to defeat Notre Dame, 45-26, Ohio State vs. No. 2 Michigan.
crowd ever in Ohio – 86,641
times. in the Irish’s first visit to Ohio Ohio State won, 42-39, to
– packed Ohio Stadium on
Stadium in 60 years. Eddie clinch its first outright Big Ten
Aug. 11, 2016 to watch Paris
George’s Heisman Trophy- championship since 1984 and
GRASS ROOTS ARE BACK Saint-Germaine defeat Real
winning season was off and Troy Smith starred on his way to
1990 – After 19 years and two Madrid, 3-1, in a match played
running after he rushed for 207 winning the Heisman Trophy.
different artificial turf surfaces, on a temporary, two-inch thick
the field at Ohio Stadium yards. sod surface in place over the
returned to natural grass for the ARTIFICIAL TURF RETURNS stadium turf. The previous
1990 Ohio State football season. INTRODUCING MAJOR TO OHIO STADIUM record: 35,061 at Nippert
The grass, called Prescription LEAGUE SOCCER 2007 – Ohio State replaced its Stadium.
Athletic Turf, cost $1.0 million. 1996-98 – The brand new natural grass playing surface in
From 1922 until 1970 Ohio professional soccer league, Ohio Stadium after 17 seasons of SEASON ATTENDANCE:
Stadium featured a grass field. use by installing a new FieldTurf
Major League Soccer, included 3,244
the Columbus Crew, which surface. The natural grass
2020 – The coronavirus
SOUTH STANDS played its first three seasons of playing field struggled in 2006,
pandemic-ravaged 2020 football
games at Ohio Stadium before coming apart in chunks after
EXPANSION ADDS 5,700 season had a reduced number
moving into the first soccer- rain and usage and having to be
SEATS of games that were played
specific stadium in the United replaced twice.
1991 – For the third time in Ohio before limited numbers of
Stadium’s history, seating in the States: Columbus Crew Stadium. fans. Attendance for the 2020
NCAA LACROSSE Ohio Stadium games: 1,344
south stands was expanded. An
additional 5,700 south stands THE ROLLING STONES AT ATTENDANCE RECORD (Nebraska); 1,275 (Rutgers); and
seats increased the capacity OHIO STADIUM 2010 – An NCAA-record crowd – 635 (Indiana).
there from 7,800 to 13,500. Ohio 1997 – Rock-and-roll returned regular season; on-campus – of
State averaged 93,500 fans to Ohio Stadium in September 31,078 fans watched Ohio State’s OHIO STADIUM 100
for the season, the first time to as the Rolling Stones played to men’s lacrosse team defeat 2022 – More than 50 million
average over 90,000. a raucous Ohio crowd on the Air Force at Ohio Stadium. The fans have attended games at
second stop of a 47-show North attendance was recorded at Ohio Stadium. The Department
American tour that was part of halftime with thousands more of Athletics and The Ohio State
SMOKING, UMBRELLAS in attendance afterward for the
BANNED AT OHIO the band’s 97-show, Bridges to University celebrate 100 years
Babylon world tour. start of the spring football game. of Ohio Stadium throughout the
STADIUM course of the 2022 calendar
1991 – Consistent with LET THERE BE LIGHTS!
ARCHIE’S NO. 45 JERSEY year.
restrictions on smoking in St. 2014 – A 13.7 million renovation
John Arena and other university RETIRED to 92-year-old Ohio Stadium
facilities, smoking in spectator 1999 – Archie Griffin’s No. 45
includes a new FieldTurf playing
seating and restroom areas jersey was retired at the Oct.
surface, 2,522 additional seats in
at Ohio Stadium was banned. 30 Homecoming game vs.
the south stands, concrete water
Open umbrellas in the seating Iowa. Griffin’s was the first to
proofing and permanent lights.
areas were also banned. be retired and has since been
Capacity is now at an all-time
followed by Troy Smith’s 10, Les
high of 104,581.
CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC AT Horvath’s 22, Eddie George’s
27, Vic Janowicz’s 31, Hopalong
OHIO STADIUM
Cassady’s 40, Chic Harley’s 47
1993 – The first non-Ohio State
and Bill Willis’ 99.
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