Ohio State garnered the national championship as voted on by the National Football Foundation, yet the Buckeyes lost their perfect season to underdog Stanford and Heisman Trophy winner Jim Plunkett.

The Bucks dominated much of the game with a rushing attack that produced 380 yards. Quarterback Rex Kern ran for 124 yards and fullback John Brockington added another 101. But with OSU leading 17-13 in the fourth quarter and driving for a clinching score deep in Stanford territory, Brockington was stuffed on a short, fourth-down run.

Plunkett and his teammates responded quickly with a pair of touchdown drives for the shocking victory. Plunkett completed 20-of-30 passes for 265 yards and a score to capture the game’s MVP award.

OSU’s 9-1 record made them No. 2 in the final UPI poll.