Ohio State ran into a brilliant team near its home turf in the school’s very first bowl game. Riding the momentum Chic Harley had created a couple of years earlier, this OSU team was spearheaded by captain Iolas Huffman and halfback Pete Stinchcomb. The Buckeyes were a perfect 7-0 and won the undisputed Big Ten championship to collect the school’s initial Rose Bowl berth.

But in Pasadena they were no match for the Bears, who were also undefeated. California was in the process of a four-year unbeaten string, and this team outscored foes 510-14.

Cal took a 21-0 halftime lead as standout Harold “Brick” Muller tossed a 53-yard touchdown pass on his way to game MVP honors. Although Stinchcomb rushed for 82 yards on 11 carries, he didn’t get enough help. It would be nearly 30 years before OSU played another postseason game.