🏈 GRIFFIN’S TROPHY – 1974 Rose Bowl All-American Archie Griffin’s 45-yard touchdown sealed Ohio State’s 42-21 victory over USC. Here he holds the game ball with Coach Woody Hayes by his side. Were you cheering for the Buckeyes back in ’74?

It was the 1974 Rose Bowl, and the Ohio State Buckeyes were standing at the pinnacle of college football, one step away from solidifying their place in history. In one of the most memorable games of that era, Archie Griffin, the legendary running back who would go on to become the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, had just sealed a 42-21 victory over the USC Trojans with a stunning 45-yard touchdown run. As he crossed the goal line and held the ball high in the air, it was clear that a new chapter in college football history had been written.

The Buckeyes’ victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The game encapsulated the power, speed, and execution of the Ohio State football program under Woody Hayes, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. And Archie Griffin, with his iconic number 45 jersey, had become the heart and soul of Ohio State’s offense, cementing his legacy as a college football legend.

But for those who were fortunate enough to be part of that magical season—whether in the stands, watching from home, or following the game in their own way—the victory in the 1974 Rose Bowl was more than just a win. It was a moment in time when the Buckeyes proved they were not only the best team in college football but also the team of the moment, a squad that would inspire future generations of fans and players alike.

The journey to the 1974 Rose Bowl was one of unparalleled dominance. Under the leadership of Woody Hayes, Ohio State had cruised through the regular season with an undefeated record of 11-0. The Big Ten title was wrapped up with ease, and Ohio State was well on its way to making its mark on national football. The Buckeyes had not just proven themselves in conference play; they had obliterated opponents across the country, with Griffin leading the charge with his dazzling runs and ironclad willpower.

In that era of college football, the Rose Bowl was often seen as the ultimate showdown for teams in the Big Ten and the Pac-8 Conference (later the Pac-12), with the winners typically earning a place in the national championship conversation. As the Rose Bowl approached, the stage was set for Ohio State to face off against USC, a team that had its own storied history and roster filled with talent. The Trojans were coming off a 9-1-1 regular season and were led by coach John McKay and standout players like Anthony Davis, a running back who was as elusive as Griffin himself.

But this was a game that had Ohio State’s name written all over it. Archie Griffin, a dynamic and relentless running back, was already gaining recognition as one of the most gifted players in the nation. His ability to slice through defenses with speed and power was unmatched, and his performances had captivated fans across the country. Griffin’s talent had already propelled the Buckeyes to the top of the polls, but his performance in the Rose Bowl would solidify his place among the sport’s greats.

As the game kicked off at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, the energy in the air was palpable. For Ohio State, it was the culmination of a perfect season and the opportunity to claim their place in history. For USC, it was a chance to defend their reputation as one of the best programs in the country. Both teams had championship aspirations, but only one would emerge victorious.

The game started as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams making their mark early. USC’s Anthony Davis provided a spark for the Trojans, while Ohio State responded with quarterback Cornelius Greene and a power-heavy attack led by Griffin. But it was Griffin’s ability to break through the defense that became the key storyline. The Buckeyes were dominant, and their offense was clicking on all cylinders.

Midway through the game, Griffin added another stunning highlight to his career—a 45-yard touchdown run that left the USC defense grasping for air. It was a classic Archie Griffin moment: He took the ball, found a gap in the offensive line, and exploded down the field with a burst of speed. He evaded tacklers with precision, effortlessly accelerating and cutting through the Trojans’ defense like a hot knife through butter. As he crossed into the end zone, the crowd erupted, and the Buckeyes extended their lead.

For Ohio State fans, it was a moment they would never forget—a touchdown that encapsulated everything great about the Buckeyes’ football team and Griffin’s individual brilliance. It was a play that solidified Griffin’s reputation as one of the most unstoppable forces in college football history, and it helped Ohio State take control of the game.

After Griffin’s touchdown, Ohio State’s defense and special teams stepped up to seal the victory. USC, though a talented team, couldn’t keep pace with the Buckeyes’ efficiency and determination. By the time the final whistle blew, Ohio State had claimed a decisive 42-21 victory, their first Rose Bowl win since 1955.

The victory in the 1974 Rose Bowl was not just about winning a game. It was about establishing Ohio State’s dominance in the world of college football. Under Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes had become synonymous with toughness, discipline, and excellence. The Rose Bowl victory, with Griffin at the forefront, was a symbol of everything that made Ohio State great.

Ohio State had conquered the Pac-8, and their victory over USC proved that they were the best of the best. The win also gave the Buckeyes their first national title in a decade, and the triumph over USC was a clear sign that Ohio State had firmly established itself as a perennial powerhouse in college football.

But more than that, the 1974 Rose Bowl was a reflection of the unique chemistry that had developed between Woody Hayes and his players. Hayes, known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching, had built a team that was built on discipline, hard work, and a deep sense of pride. His partnership with Griffin—a player whose work ethic mirrored Hayes’ own—was a match made in football heaven.

Griffin’s performance in the 1974 Rose Bowl wasn’t just a physical feat; it was a testament to the mental toughness that had been instilled in him by Hayes. As a coach, Hayes demanded excellence from his players, and Griffin had proven himself worthy of that challenge. It was a moment that encapsulated everything that was special about Ohio State football.

For Archie Griffin, the 1974 Rose Bowl was the crowning achievement of a remarkable college football career. Griffin, who had already established himself as a dynamic force on the field, would go on to have one of the most decorated careers in college football history. He finished his college career as a two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974 and 1975), a feat that no player has matched in the years since.

Griffin’s ability to dominate at the college level was unparalleled. Over his career at Ohio State, he rushed for over 5,000 yards, setting multiple records and becoming the centerpiece of one of the most prolific offenses in the nation. His vision, quickness, and durability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his leadership on the field inspired his teammates to elevate their play.

Griffin’s success didn’t stop at the college level. Though his career in the NFL was brief, it was his college achievements that have cemented him as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. To this day, Archie Griffin remains a symbol of excellence at Ohio State, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and players alike.

For those who watched the 1974 Rose Bowl, it was a game that transcended sports. It was a celebration of everything that makes college football so special—the drama, the passion, the excitement, and the larger-than-life personalities. The victory, led by Archie Griffin and his teammates, would become a part of Ohio State’s lore, woven into the fabric of the program’s rich history.

For those who were lucky enough to be cheering on the Buckeyes that day—whether in the stadium or from the comfort of their homes—it was a moment that will never be forgotten. It was a victory that helped define a dynasty and forever etched the names of Archie Griffin and Woody Hayes into the annals of college football history.

As the years pass and new generations of fans come and go, the 1974 Rose Bowl will remain one of those classic moments in Ohio State history. It will continue to inspire those who wear the scarlet and gray, reminding them that greatness is achieved through hard work, determination, and the unrelenting pursuit of victory.

So, whether you were cheering for the Buckeyes back in 1974 or you’ve come to appreciate their legacy since then, the 1974 Rose Bowl will always be a game that stands as a testament to the greatness of Ohio State football.