Quarterback Cornelius Greene led Ohio
State to victory in the the 1974 Rose Bowl vs. USC. (Photo courtesy
of Ohio State University Athletics) |
Never has the Ohio State offense looked better against a quality
foe than in this game. This may have been Woody Hayes’ best
defensive unit as well and one of his top teams overall. Linebacker
Randy Gradishar, running back Archie Griffin and tackle John Hicks
all finished in the top six in the Heisman Trophy voting.
A 10-10 tie at Michigan was the season’s only blemish, when
quarterback Cornelius Greene was unable to complete a pass due to
a broken thumb. The digit was healed in time for the Rose Bowl though,
and the difference was obvious. Greene completed 6-of-8 passes for
129 yards and ran for 45 yards and a score to win the game’s
MVP honor.
Griffin had 149 yards on 22 carries, including a 47 yard touchdown
run in the fourth quarter. Freshman fullback Pete Johnson posted
94 yards on 21 carries and scored three touchdowns.
USC broke a 14-14 halftime tie on Anthony Davis’ one-yard
run in the third quarter. But that would be the Trojans’ final
score. Ohio State dominated after that, spearheaded by Neal Colzie’s
56-yard punt return which led to the go-ahead touchdown in the third
quarter. The Bucks finished with 323 yards rushing and 452 yards
of total offense.
OSU wrapped up a 10-0-1 season ranked No. 2 behind Notre Dame in
the final AP poll. USC dropped to No. 7.
