Ohio State’s overpowering running game should have led to an easy victory. Tailback Raymont Harris rambled for 235 yards on 39 carries, both school bowl-game records, to highlight a 330-yard rushing day. Harris also scored two early TDs to push the Buckeyes in front 21-7 in the opening seconds of the second quarter. But BYU quarterback Steve Walsh completed 25-of-44 passes for 389 yards and three scores, the last of which tied the game just before the half.

Harris rumbled in from a yard out with 4:11 showing in the third quarter and that proved to be the game-winning score. But the OSU defense had to stop three Cougars’ drives inside Ohio State territory in the final quarter to hold on to the victory.

The Bucks finished the season 10-1-1 and 10th in the USA Today/CNN poll.