USC fullback Sam “Bam” Cunningham powered in for four touchdowns as USC broke away from a 7-7 halftime tie to bury the Buckeyes. Tailback Anthony Davis finished with 157 yards and quarterback Mike Rae was an impressive 18-of-25 for 225 yards. Receiver Lynn Swann caught six passes for 108 yards.

Few remember that Ohio State was very much in this game through the first two periods, owning a 2-1 edge in rushing yardage. But three turnovers doomed the OSU offense, which churned out 287 yards rushing.

USC was the consensus national champion and the Buckeyes were No. 3 in the UPI poll after a 9-2 season.