Who could imagine that Wes Fesler would quit his post just 11 months after winning the Rose Bowl? But that’s exactly what happened after the Buckeyes slipped past the Bears in a thrilling New Year’s Day affair.

The Buckeyes ran for 221 yards and had two touchdowns called back by penalty. Meanwhile, Cal grabbed a 7-0 halftime edge. Ohio State fought back when future Heisman Trophy winner Vic Janowicz intercepted a pass and returned it 43 yards to set up Fred Morrison’s TD plunge. A blocked punt keyed Gerald Krall’s short TD dive and gave OSU a 14-7 edge in the third quarter.

But Cal tied the game later in the third period to set the stage for a frantic finish.

The Bears were backed up in their own end late in the game when a botched center snap led to a muffed punt and gave OSU the ball at the Cal 13. After a couple of running plays, Jim Hague nailed a 28-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining to lift OSU to victory.

The Buckeyes completed a 7-1-2 campaign and were ranked sixth in the final AP poll.