Five National Championships That Eluded the Buckeyes
Throughout its storied history, the Ohio State Buckeyes football program has celebrated numerous triumphs, including multiple national championships. However, there have been pivotal moments when the team stood on the precipice of glory, only to see victory slip away. Here are five notable instances where national titles narrowly evaded the Buckeyes:
### 1. **1969: The Upset by Michigan**
Entering the 1969 season as the defending national champions, Ohio State was riding a 22-game winning streak under head coach Woody Hayes. The team appeared unstoppable until they faced their archrival, the Michigan Wolverines, coached by former Ohio State assistant Bo Schembechler. In a stunning upset, Michigan defeated the Buckeyes 24-12, derailing Ohio State’s bid for consecutive national titles and marking the beginning of the storied “Ten-Year War” between the two programs.
### 2. **1973: The Controversial Tie**
The 1973 season saw Ohio State and Michigan both enter their annual showdown undefeated. The game ended in a 10-10 tie, leading to a controversial vote by Big Ten athletic directors to determine which team would represent the conference in the Rose Bowl. Despite the tie, Ohio State was selected, but the controversy and the tie itself prevented the Buckeyes from securing a national championship, as they finished the season ranked No. 2 behind Notre Dame.
### 3. **1996: Heartbreak in the Desert**
Ohio State’s 1996 campaign culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance against the undefeated Arizona State Sun Devils. A victory would have bolstered the Buckeyes’ claim to a national title. In a dramatic finish, quarterback Joe Germaine led a last-minute touchdown drive, securing a 20-17 win. However, due to a late-season loss to Michigan, Ohio State finished the season ranked No. 2, with the national championship awarded to the Florida Gators. citeturn0search17
### 4. **2015: The Reign Ends Prematurely**
After capturing the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in the 2014 season, expectations were high for Ohio State in 2015. Despite a roster laden with NFL talent, the Buckeyes stumbled in a late-season home game against Michigan State, losing 17-14 on a last-second field goal. This loss not only cost them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game but also a chance to defend their national title, as they were excluded from the playoff.
### 5. **2019: The Fiesta Bowl Misfortune**
The 2019 season saw Ohio State dominate opponents, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes raced to a 16-0 lead but were plagued by missed opportunities and controversial officiating decisions. A pivotal moment occurred when a targeting penalty on Shaun Wade extended a Clemson drive, leading to a touchdown. In the game’s final moments, a miscommunication resulted in an interception in the end zone, sealing a 29-23 loss and dashing Ohio State’s championship aspirations. citeturn0search0
These near-misses underscore the unpredictable nature of college football and the fine margins that separate champions from contenders. While these moments are etched in the memories of Buckeye fans, they also serve as motivation for future teams to strive for excellence and seize the opportunities that come their way.
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