Ohio State Football: Scoring machines and a two-time Heisman winner
After two successful decades of Ohio State football, 1971 was a down year. Then fullbacks and playmakers came onto the scene.
The Ohio State football team went 6-4 following a championship season and lost to that team up north. Then things took off in large part due to another great bunch of backs.
In 1972 fullback Champ Henson scored 20 touchdowns and freshmen were eligible to play. Running back Archie Griffin became a star immediately rushing for 857 yards. That was the beginning of a nice stretch for Woody.
The next season Hanson was injured and only scored 4 touchdowns but Bruce Elia filled in and scored 14. Woody went away from the T formation except for certain situations because the I formation would allow Archie to get more touches. He responded by smashing the Ohio State rushing record with 1,577 yards.
The following season Henson returned and Elia went back to defense because sophomore Pete Johnson was ready to make his mark. Henson scored 12 touchdowns and Johnson totaled 6.
Oh yeah, Archie rushed for 1,695 yards and 12 touchdowns and won the Heisman trophy.
In 1975, “Big Pete” rushed for 1,059 yards and 25 touchdowns. Archie rushed for 1,450 yards and won his second Heisman.
However, neither won the Big Ten MVP. That honor went to their quarterback Cornelius Green. That trio was fun to watch.
Archie and Corny graduated but Pete had more to offer. In 1976 he rushed for 734 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Woody had fine running backs and fullbacks his last three years but none matched the success that group between 1972-1975 enjoyed.
Next. Great backfields, national titles. dark
Many young fans love to see the football thrown 40 times a game and may not enjoy watching a Woody Hayes style offense today. However, I grew up with it and loved the smash mouth football the Buckeyes played when the legendary coach walked the sidelines.