The 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes are believably the best team in scarlet and gray football history. Coached by the legendary workhorse, Woody Hayes, the ‘73 team dominated the regular season on way to a 10-0-1 Big Ten conference co-championship season. The final game on the schedule, a November 24th showdown with rival Michigan, was the only Buckeye glitch. The game at Ann Arbor’s Big House resulted in a 10-10 tie and compounded a complicate, complex conclusion in the conference. The Big Ten’s athletic directors gathered to vote on which powerhouse would represent the conference in the Rose Bowl.
The Buckeyes went on to the procedural Pasadena production, and toppled the USC Trojans 42-21 in the ‘74 Rose Bowl game. Ohio State rolled up 323 ground yards that New Years’ and got revenge against the previous year’s humiliating 42-17 crushing by John McKay’s squad. The emphatic victory was accomplished with touchdowns by burly back, Pete Johnson and an automated, Archie Griffin. Johnson scored three touchdowns and Griffin padded the score in the fourth quarter with his swift 47 yard burst. USC was spotted a 21-14 third quarter lead in the ‘74 bowl game before Ohio State’s offense exploded for 28 second-half points. The Bucks buried the horsemen for a cool celebration in Southern California on an early winter day.
Sophomore quarterback, Cornelius Greene, propelled Hayes’ offense in 1973 with his gun for an arm. The flashy Greene was Hayes’ preference over other viable signal-callers because of his excellent running ability. Greene was Ohio State’s first African American quarterback. Griffin was another leading man on the team, and also in his second school year. The halfback led the Big Ten in 1973 with over 1,500 yards rushing. The offense line was anchored by Outland and Lombardi Trophy winner, John Hicks. Hicks went on to play for the Giants and the Steelers in the NFL after his success as the Buckeyes’ best lineman in school history. Kurt Schumacher teamed up with Hicks in the gifted tackling front line sporting scarlet and gray. Bruce Elia, the former Miami Dolphin and San Francisco 49er, hailed from New Jersey but excelled in Columbus in 1973. Elia was a junior fullback and solid contributor in the backfield as a converted linebacker. Freshman Johnson and second year wingback, Brian Baschnagel made up Ohio State’s inexperienced, young set of skill players. Both were extravagantly talented though, leaving the Bucks with very few weaknesses personnel-wise. Randy Gradishar was in the running for the Heismann and finished in the top six to end the season. Gradishar and Rick Middleton were unstoppable linebackers for Hayes’ defense, which embodied greatness at every level. Tackles Pete Cusick and Van Ness DeCree contributed at the line and the secondary shined with style. Steve Luke, Neal Colzie and Tim Fox were the defensive gems gaining attention in 1973 as the Buckeyes completed an undefeated year. The impenetrable unit allowed just two touchdowns in the first eight games in 1973, and pitted shutouts in Wisconsin and Illinois, and at home against Northwestern and Michigan State. The Bucks smashed Northwestern 60-0 that year and annihilated the Spartans, 35-0. The season began with an overpowering performance at home against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. Ohio State won 56-7 in. The team would not allow more than seven points until the ninth game of the season. A winless Iowa team compiled 13 points in a second-rate effort, losing 55-13 at home.
The final game against Michigan was the most telling of the year for Ohio State. The challenge of playing against an undefeated Wolverines team foaming at the mouth for a Rose Bowl appearance was enormous. Bo Schembechler wanted tremendously to beat his mentor Hayes in the incredible rivalry game. Hayes’ decision to put the game in the hands of his defense backfired after the Buckeyes took the 10-0 advantage at the half. The conservative coach thought he could control the game but Michigan turned out to be in the driver’s seat once the second half began. The maize and blue out-gained Ohio State in yardage and stormed back to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Mike Lantry missed two field goals for Michigan in the waning seconds. The pair of missed opportunities preserved the deadlock and sent the matter into the Big 10 meeting room for further review.
The 1973 Ohio State team indeed was an impressive bunch of Buckeyes. Seven players were eventual first round draft picks in the NFL and three Buckeyes ranked in the top six for the Heisman race. Hicks came in second and Griffin and Gradishar finished fifth and sixth. Ohio State was the only Big 10 Rose Bowl winner in the entire decade of the 1970’s. It was perhaps Hayes’ finest moment as a head coach and one season that will be remembered forever.
Parting points: Song of the day- “It’s Alright”- 311
Page turner- “The Sun Also Rises”- Ernest Hemingway
Showing posts with label 1974 Rose Bowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1974 Rose Bowl. Show all posts
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday Time Travel
1974 was an interesting, controversial and wacky year for national sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl 42-21 versus Southern Cal after an undefeated 1973 season. The Bucks finished 10-0-1. The out-of-sync and colorful mix of Oakland A’s beat the business-like LA Dodgers in 5 games for the World Series title. I wish I was there to see both sporting events.
The lively Ohio State head coach, Woody Hayes, was full of character and quite the character if you ask me. I am learning a great deal about what his players endured with Hayes as their father figure. The sideline showoff Woody had multiple encounters with cameramen and players during his tenure at Ohio State. It is quite hysterical and humorous to read about all the crazy behavior he displayed. In 1973, a controversial Big 10 vote sent Ohio State to the 1974 Rose Bowl instead of rival, Michigan. Hayes got his way, so to say. But it wasn’t always the case for the antsy coach. He tore up sideline markers, barked and cursed out referees and received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Hayes was even put on probation by the Big 10 conference and ejected from two Rose Bowl games.
In 1974, Hayes’ hot temper seemed to only motivate and inspire his promising, talented football team, landing them in the bowl game in California. Hayes was stubborn, but his players responded with grit and great effort on the field. The two-time Heismann trophy winning running back, Archie Griffin, was undoubtedly the best player on Hayes’ 1974 squad. Hayes recruited the homegrown back, who ran for 149 yards on 22 carries that New Years’ Day. The 60th Rose Bowl pitted two legendary coaches against each other in USC’s John McKay and Woody Hayes. Ohio State dominated the game. Hayes never liked to pass the ball because he figured it resulted in careless plays and turnovers. He usually opted to let Archie carry the load and use his legs to create points. But this game, Hayes allowed his QB Cornelius Greene to unleash an aerial attack against the mighty Trojans. Greene won the MVP and passed for 129 yards. Pete Johnson scores three touchdowns and Fred Pagtack factored into the pass plays to break the game open. Neal Colzie contributed runs, along with Archie’s 47-yard score. I think I would have been amused and gotten a kick out of Woody’s revenge on USC. The year before, USC demolished the Buckeyes 42-17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl. Without a doubt, it would have been nifty to see Griffin plow his way through top college defense all year.
The 1974 Oakland Athletics were laughable for their theatrics in the locker room and dramatic meltdowns throughout the season. The roster was filled with wacky ballplayers who acted like a dysfunctional family. Owner, Charles O. Finley, was a character himself and his team was a microcosm of his odd style.
Alvin Dark managed the team somehow in light of all the wackiness on display. Rollie Fingers earned series MVP honors and Jim “Catfish” Hunter was awarded AL Cy Young that season. The A’s fielded six all-stars in Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Fingers, Hunter, Joe Rudi and Bert Campaneris. Interestingly, a “designated runner” named Herb Washington was also a 1974 Oakland Athletic. Finley coined the phrase, in what probably would be considered simply a pinch runner today. Bando lead the ‘74 A’s in RBIs with 103 and Jackson clubbed 29 shots for homeruns. The 90-72 team saw Ray Fosse behind the plate, Manny Trillo in the infield and Blue Moon Odom on the mound.
For Los Angeles, pitcher Andy Messersmith won 20 games and Don Sutton 19. AL Downing, Jim Brewer and Mike Marshall were other arms on this loaded LA team. The rich pitching couldn’t provide enough for the Dodgers to prevail in the World Series however strange their meeting with Oakland was. Walt Alston’s team boasted the best NL ERA an had enough power in hitters Steve Garvey, Bill Buckner, and Jimmy Wynn. Speedster, Davey Lopes stole 59 bases during the 1974 season and Bill Russell and Ron Cey represented part of the team’s infield core. LA seemed to have it all, with speed, defense and quality pitching. They also had the famous announcer, Vin Scully. Scully’s voice is one of baseball’s most recognizable. I would have liked hearing him call the first all-California clash.
Ken Holtzman hit a solo shot in Game 4. That was his first base hit all season. The 1974 A’s were the first team in 20 years to win three straight World Series.
Parting points: I really think the Dodgers and A’s have a chance to meet in the World Series this year. That is my early prediction. And, it would be so great to see a OSU-USC matchup for the next Rose Bowl.
The lively Ohio State head coach, Woody Hayes, was full of character and quite the character if you ask me. I am learning a great deal about what his players endured with Hayes as their father figure. The sideline showoff Woody had multiple encounters with cameramen and players during his tenure at Ohio State. It is quite hysterical and humorous to read about all the crazy behavior he displayed. In 1973, a controversial Big 10 vote sent Ohio State to the 1974 Rose Bowl instead of rival, Michigan. Hayes got his way, so to say. But it wasn’t always the case for the antsy coach. He tore up sideline markers, barked and cursed out referees and received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Hayes was even put on probation by the Big 10 conference and ejected from two Rose Bowl games.
In 1974, Hayes’ hot temper seemed to only motivate and inspire his promising, talented football team, landing them in the bowl game in California. Hayes was stubborn, but his players responded with grit and great effort on the field. The two-time Heismann trophy winning running back, Archie Griffin, was undoubtedly the best player on Hayes’ 1974 squad. Hayes recruited the homegrown back, who ran for 149 yards on 22 carries that New Years’ Day. The 60th Rose Bowl pitted two legendary coaches against each other in USC’s John McKay and Woody Hayes. Ohio State dominated the game. Hayes never liked to pass the ball because he figured it resulted in careless plays and turnovers. He usually opted to let Archie carry the load and use his legs to create points. But this game, Hayes allowed his QB Cornelius Greene to unleash an aerial attack against the mighty Trojans. Greene won the MVP and passed for 129 yards. Pete Johnson scores three touchdowns and Fred Pagtack factored into the pass plays to break the game open. Neal Colzie contributed runs, along with Archie’s 47-yard score. I think I would have been amused and gotten a kick out of Woody’s revenge on USC. The year before, USC demolished the Buckeyes 42-17 in the 1973 Rose Bowl. Without a doubt, it would have been nifty to see Griffin plow his way through top college defense all year.
The 1974 Oakland Athletics were laughable for their theatrics in the locker room and dramatic meltdowns throughout the season. The roster was filled with wacky ballplayers who acted like a dysfunctional family. Owner, Charles O. Finley, was a character himself and his team was a microcosm of his odd style.
Alvin Dark managed the team somehow in light of all the wackiness on display. Rollie Fingers earned series MVP honors and Jim “Catfish” Hunter was awarded AL Cy Young that season. The A’s fielded six all-stars in Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Fingers, Hunter, Joe Rudi and Bert Campaneris. Interestingly, a “designated runner” named Herb Washington was also a 1974 Oakland Athletic. Finley coined the phrase, in what probably would be considered simply a pinch runner today. Bando lead the ‘74 A’s in RBIs with 103 and Jackson clubbed 29 shots for homeruns. The 90-72 team saw Ray Fosse behind the plate, Manny Trillo in the infield and Blue Moon Odom on the mound.
For Los Angeles, pitcher Andy Messersmith won 20 games and Don Sutton 19. AL Downing, Jim Brewer and Mike Marshall were other arms on this loaded LA team. The rich pitching couldn’t provide enough for the Dodgers to prevail in the World Series however strange their meeting with Oakland was. Walt Alston’s team boasted the best NL ERA an had enough power in hitters Steve Garvey, Bill Buckner, and Jimmy Wynn. Speedster, Davey Lopes stole 59 bases during the 1974 season and Bill Russell and Ron Cey represented part of the team’s infield core. LA seemed to have it all, with speed, defense and quality pitching. They also had the famous announcer, Vin Scully. Scully’s voice is one of baseball’s most recognizable. I would have liked hearing him call the first all-California clash.
Ken Holtzman hit a solo shot in Game 4. That was his first base hit all season. The 1974 A’s were the first team in 20 years to win three straight World Series.
Parting points: I really think the Dodgers and A’s have a chance to meet in the World Series this year. That is my early prediction. And, it would be so great to see a OSU-USC matchup for the next Rose Bowl.
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