Yet another bowl game loss that cost Ohio State a national crown, this was one of the most crushing defeats in Woody Hayes’ career. It was his 25th year at OSU and featured his best player, two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, as a senior. The No. 1-ranked Buckeyes were the unbeaten and undisputed Big Ten champions and some argued a win in this game would have prompted Hayes to retire with a national championship in his silver anniversary.

It should have worked out that way, especially against a UCLA squad OSU had already squashed once in Los Angeles, 41-20, during the regular season.

The Bucks dominated the first half but managed just a 3-0 edge at intermission. The Bruins seized the opportunity and compiled an incredible 366 yards in the second half alone, thanks largely to the efficient passing of quarterback John Sciarra (13-of-19, 212 yards).

Ohio State closed to within 16-10 in the fourth quarter, but two Cornelius Greene interceptions and Wendel Tyler’s 54-yard touchdown run late in the final period put the game away.

The Buckeyes closed the season 11-1 and fourth in the national polls.