Ohio State Football: Keith Byars finally selected to CFB Hall of Fame
Keith Byars was one of the best running backs to play Ohio State football the last half-century and now he will be inducted into the CFB Hall of Fame.
Anybody who followed the Ohio State football team when Earle Bruce was walking the sidelines enjoyed watching Keith Byars carry the football. Now it has been announced the big running back will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
And it’s about time. He was one of the best Buckeye running backs never to win the Heisman, and I know at least one fan thinks he should have won the coveted Trophy.
In 1984, Byars was coming off a sophomore season when he rushed for 1,199 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 359 yards and another score. As a junior he took his game up a few notches.
He rushed for 1,764 yards and 22 touchdowns while catching 42 passes for 479 yards and two more scores. He was the Big Ten MVP and runner-up to Doug Flutie in the Heisman Trophy race.
And he proved he could outrun defenders while only wearing one shoe.
Byars was a heavy favorite to win the Heisman his senior year but injuries limited him to 55 carries for 213 yards and four touchdowns. But even though he didn’t put up big numbers in 1985 or during his freshman season, his career stats are still impressive.
Byars rushed for 3,200 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and 46 touchdowns. He caught 72 passes for 882 yards (12.3 yards per catch) and three scores.
Byars went on to have a successful NFL career catching 610 passes for 5,661 yards, rushing for 3,109 and scored 54 touchdowns.
It’s really nice to see that Keith Byars will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame because I think he should have won the Heisman in 1984. No offense to Doug Flutie who had a magical season, I just think the Buckeye RB was the best player in the country that year.
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Well, at least now Byars is getting his due. Congrats to Keith on this great honor, we sure enjoyed watching him carry the ball for the Buckeyes.