college football victory – GRIFFIN’S TROPHY – All-American Archie Griffin, whose 45-yard final period touchdown run closed out Ohio State’s scoring in the 42-21 Rose Bowl victory in 1974 against the USC Trojans, holds the game ball he was presented in the dressing room. Coach Woody Hayes is at left. Other Ohio State players are Rick Middleton (32) and Kurt Schumacher (72).
**The Iconic Rose Bowl Victory of 1974: Archie Griffin’s Legendary Run**
The 1974 Rose Bowl remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of college football, particularly for Ohio State fans. In a game that would go down in history, All-American running back Archie Griffin sealed Ohio State’s dominance with a 45-yard touchdown run in the final period, capping off a 42-21 victory over the USC Trojans. That touchdown not only closed out the scoring for the Buckeyes but also marked the beginning of a legacy for one of the greatest college football players of all time. The game ball that Griffin held after the victory symbolized more than just a win — it became a cherished piece of Ohio State’s storied football tradition, a symbol of a remarkable achievement by a team that would go on to make its mark on the college football world.
As Griffin stood in the dressing room holding the game ball, flanked by coach Woody Hayes and his teammates, the 1974 Rose Bowl victory was more than just a game—it was a moment that encapsulated the success, grit, and talent that Ohio State football had become known for under Hayes. It was a performance that solidified the Buckeyes’ place in college football lore, and with it, Archie Griffin cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever wear the scarlet and gray.
### The Build-Up to the 1974 Rose Bowl
The 1973 season was an incredible one for Ohio State. Coach Woody Hayes, who had already built a dynasty at Ohio State, led his team to an undefeated regular season. The Buckeyes, ranked #1 in the country, had rolled through the Big Ten and were primed for a showdown against the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State had faced a tough road throughout the season, but they had an impressive team led by some of the country’s best players, including Griffin, a dynamic running back who was becoming the face of college football.
The Trojans, led by coach John McKay, were no strangers to Rose Bowl success. They had defeated the Buckeyes in the 1973 Rose Bowl in a game that still haunted Ohio State fans, with USC winning 42-17. However, the 1974 match-up would be different. The Buckeyes were determined to show that their dominance in the Big Ten wasn’t limited to the regular season. This was their chance to avenge the previous year’s loss and prove their superiority on the national stage.
### Woody Hayes and the Ohio State Legacy
The 1974 Rose Bowl also marked the continued success of Coach Woody Hayes, whose influence on Ohio State football was immeasurable. Hayes, known for his intense demeanor and emphasis on discipline and toughness, had cultivated one of the most successful college football programs in history. Under Hayes, Ohio State had built a reputation for strong, hard-nosed football, especially in the trenches. His philosophy was simple: control the line of scrimmage, run the ball with authority, and play a tough, physical brand of defense.
Hayes’ leadership was pivotal in shaping Ohio State’s game plan for the Rose Bowl. Against a talented USC team that had a potent offense, Hayes knew that his team’s best chance of victory lay in wearing down the Trojans with a punishing ground game. The Buckeyes executed this plan flawlessly, with Griffin leading the charge. Hayes, a coach known for demanding excellence, had one of his finest moments as a coach in the 1974 Rose Bowl, showcasing his ability to prepare and motivate his players for the biggest games.
### Archie Griffin: The Heart of Ohio State’s Success
At the heart of Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory was Archie Griffin, who had already established himself as one of the nation’s top running backs. Known for his speed, vision, and toughness, Griffin had been the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense throughout the 1973 season. But the 1974 Rose Bowl would be his crowning moment.
Griffin’s 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was not just a display of athleticism, but a testament to his vision and tenacity. As he took the handoff, he patiently waited for his blockers to create a seam in the USC defense. Once he found the hole, Griffin exploded through it, evading would-be tacklers with a combination of power and finesse that left defenders grasping at air. His ability to break tackles and maintain his balance while accelerating down the field was a rare display of both strength and grace. That final touchdown run gave Ohio State a 42-21 lead and sealed the victory.
But Griffin’s contributions went beyond just his individual performance. He was the leader of the Ohio State offense and had the ability to inspire his teammates with his work ethic and relentless determination. His performance in the Rose Bowl exemplified the kind of player Griffin was—a competitor who could rise to the occasion and perform on the grandest stage. He would go on to become the only player in college football history to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy twice, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
### The Ohio State Offensive Line and Supporting Cast
Griffin’s success on the field was made possible by the strength of Ohio State’s offensive line, which controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game. Led by players like Kurt Schumacher and Rick Middleton, the Buckeye offensive line dominated USC’s defensive front, creating running lanes for Griffin to exploit. Schumacher, in particular, was a standout on the line, providing key blocks that allowed Griffin to break free for significant gains.
While Griffin was undoubtedly the star of the show, the Buckeyes’ success was a result of the collective effort from all positions. Quarterback Bill Long had the poise to manage the offense effectively, while the defense, led by players like linebacker Tom Cousineau and defensive back Dave Brown, shut down USC’s potent attack. USC was a team filled with talent, but Ohio State’s balanced and dominant play on both sides of the ball proved too much for the Trojans to handle.
### A Defining Moment in Ohio State History
The 1974 Rose Bowl victory was more than just a bowl game win. It was a defining moment in the history of Ohio State football. The victory not only avenged the previous year’s defeat to USC but also solidified Ohio State’s position as one of the nation’s premier programs. The Buckeyes’ dominance that day was a fitting reflection of Woody Hayes’ vision for the team: tough, disciplined football that wore down opponents over the course of four quarters.
For Archie Griffin, the game represented the pinnacle of his college career. The victory was his final game as a Buckeye, and he went out in spectacular fashion with that game-sealing touchdown. Holding the game ball after the game was a moment of reflection for Griffin and his teammates. It was a symbol of their hard work, their sacrifice, and their achievement. Griffin would go on to greater heights in college football, but the Rose Bowl victory would always remain one of his most cherished memories.
### Conclusion: A Legacy Forged in the Rose Bowl
The 1974 Rose Bowl stands as one of the most iconic games in college football history. It was a day that showcased the best of Ohio State football—hard-nosed, physical play on both sides of the ball, with a legendary player in Archie Griffin leading the way. The 42-21 victory over USC not only sealed a championship for the Buckeyes but also further cemented Griffin’s place as one of the game’s greatest players. As Griffin held the game ball in the dressing room, surrounded by his teammates and Coach Woody Hayes, he knew that they had just made history together. The game would become a permanent part of the legacy of Ohio State football, a testament to the greatness of a team, a coach, and one of the most legendary players to ever play the game.
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