January 12, 2015
With the first annual National Championship Game just hours away, there’s no better way to get excited for the title game than by traveling back and reliving Ohio State and Oregon’s rich history. The two teams have gone head-to-head just eight times over the last 57 years, but both schools have had played in their fair share of big games. For the die-hard Buckeyes or Ducks fan, Row One offers an original take on the two programs’ most important games.
Saving ticket stubs has become an ideal way of commemorating a special event. Specializing in college football, Row One converts ticket stub images into full-scaled canvas art. Ohio State and Oregon games date as far back as 1932 on the company’s website, which offers a small look into the illustrious past of both programs. Below are some highlights of notable games in Buckeye and Duck history, followed by images provided by Row One:
1944 – Ohio State vs Minnesota (Buckeyes Go Undefeated, Finished #2 in the Nation)
More than 70 years ago, Ohio State took down Minnesota to capture the title of Big 10 Champion after going 9-0 and outscoring opponents 287-79 in 1944. Ranked as the #2 team in the country, the Buckeyes trailed only United States Military Academy during a season ridden by World War II. The 1944 season also marked Carroll Widdoes first year as head coach. The Buckeyes defeated Minnesota 34-14 in the October 28 matchup.
1951 – Ohio State vs Illinois (Woody Hayes’ First Season at OSU)
1951 would mark iconic head coach Woody Hayes’ first season as head coach of Ohio State. Hayes would spend 27 years at OSU, winning 205 games and posting a win percentage of .761. The Buckeyes played Illinois in their penultimate game of the season and finished with a 4-3-2 record, going 2-3-2 in Big Ten games.
1969 – Ohio State vs USC (Rose Bowl Game)
In what is considered one of Ohio State’s most historical games, the Buckeyes defeated OJ Simpson and the USC Trojans in the 1969 Rose Bowl Game. That year, the Trojans boasted Simpson and his stellar run game, which allowed him to cruise as a unanimous vote for the Heisman Trophy. Ohio State would take a 27-16 victory over USC under the power of the “Super Sophomores”, which featured John Brockington, Leo Hayden, Jim Otis and Jack Tatum.
1947 Oregon vs Idaho (Norm Van Brocklin’s First Game)
Hall of Fame quarterback Norm Van Brocklin played his first game as an Oregon Duck on September 27, 1947 against Idaho. The Ducks would win the game by a final score of 27-14, ushering in an era that saw Brocklin take the Ducks to a 16-5 record over the next two seasons and a Pacific Conference title in 1948.
1962 – Oregon vs Stanford (First Game Outside of Eugene)
Trying to garner a bigger fanbase, the Ducks played their first game outside of Eugene when they hosted Stanford in Portland in 1962. Oregon would go on to win the game by a final score of 28-14, setting the course for a series of games being held in Portland over the next several seasons.
1971 – Oregon vs USC (Upset at the Rose Bowl)
Much like Ohio State, Oregon prides itself on an integral win against the USC Trojans. In 1971, the Ducks took down a Simpson-less Trojan team 28-23. The game would serve as a huge highlight in an otherwise forgettable season, where Oregon went just 5-6.
Tonight’s game will pen another chapter in the history books for both teams. With canvas art of the 2015 National Championship Game hitting the presses soon, it’s never been a better time to flaunt Buckeye or Duck pride.
