How Does Zeke Elliott Compare To These Buckeye Greats?

Tim Spencer

Many Buckeye fans might remember Tim Spencer as the running backs coach at Ohio State. Or possibly as wide receiver Evan Spencer’s father. But when Tim Spencer finished his career as a running back for Ohio State, only Archie Griffin had ran for more yards as a Buckeye.

In the 1979 season Spencer was a backup tailback for the Buckeyes who were undefeated in the regular season under first year head coach Earle Bruce. He continued in that role the following year, but in his junior season he rushed for 1,217 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In his senior season, Spencer ran for 1,538 yards and 12 touchdowns. The only other Buckeye at that time to have rushed for more yards in a season was Archie Griffin.

Tim Spencer was truly an old school running back. He wasn’t flashy, he just ran between the tackles and made the right cuts or ran over somebody. But he did it so well he scored 36 rushing touchdowns for Ohio State, and his 3,553 career rushing yards was only topped by two other Buckeye running backs.

Next: #2 Eddie George