1984: Ohio State v. Michigan (Drive-Thru)

http://www.ourhonordefend.com

This game is almost never talked about in Ohio State lore, but this victory over Michigan catapulted Ohio State (instead of Iowa) to the Rose Bowl to face USC. Sadly, the Buckeyes have only been to the Rose Bowl one time since.

The Buckeyes struck first on their second possession, and dominated Michigan for basically all of the first half. However, a botched punt return by Gary Lanese with 18 seconds left to go in the second quarter gave Michigan 3 points and a 7-3 deficit entering the half. Michigan came out the better team after intermission, cutting the Buckeyes' lead to 1 on their first possession. They missed a go-ahead FG on their next possession.

The Michigan defense absolutely dominated the Buckeye offense for all of the second quarter and most of the third quarter. However, a 3rd down catch by Gary Lanese not only atoned for his previous boner at the end of the 2nd quarter, but led to an eventual touchdown to make the score 14-6. Michigan fumbled on their very next play, which resulted in the Buckeyes running over the demoralized Michigan defense for a quick touchdown. Ohio Stadium went into party mode with a 21-6 victory over Michigan, a Big Ten championship, and Earle Bruce's second trip to Pasadena.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Ohio
• State
• Buckeyes
• 1984
• Michigan
• Wolverines
• Earle
• Bruce
• Cris
• Carter
• Gary
• Lanese
• Keith
• Byars
• Mike
• Tomczak
• Chris
• Speilman

[leftcoastbuckeye]

There is nothing sweeter than beating that team from that state up there. GO BUCKS!

[spivedog77]

Holy cow this team was freaking loaded.

[walstib77]

First time I ever went to The Game. It is criminal that this team lost three games that year. 9-3 Earle.

Flutie, take good care of Keith's Heisman.

[Packman1294]

Very close game....much closer than the final score indicated.

This was only the second (and last I believe) season that every team in the Big Ten played every other team. The '82 Bucks had gotten screwed out of the Rose Bowl when they beat the team up north but finished at 7-1 in the Big Ten, while the ones from up north finished 8-1.

Loved watching Keith Byars that seaon....his run against Illinois after his shoe came off is one of the most played highlights from that era.

[mitchdfla]

Did Keith Byars ever get his feet more than 2 inches off the ground when he ran? I remember his junior year and was so full of hope for his senior year only to see it washed out by injury. Love the Buckeyes!

[sfain333]

This game was my Sophomore year. The fullback Barry Walker was in my Statistics class. That catch Lanese made really saved the game -- the momentum was starting to change just before that.

[driver8train]

Bo knew his team was in for a long day when Byars ran all over them on that opening drive!

[JohnAJay]

I was there. Great to see Mike Lanese (a fellow Mayfield (OH) HS alum) redeem his first half fumble with great play in the second half.

[briansvoice]

MUCK FICHIGAN!!!!!

[okot99]

its amazing that brent musburger is still doing these games. I can't wait for another OSU victory against the team up north this weekend. What a team OSU had. Carter, Byars, Speilman, Kumerow, Pepper Johnson, Tomczack.