Ohio State football: 5 best seasons in Buckeyes history, ranked

1954 season ends with the national title going to Ohio State football.

Although the Buckeyes did have some success early in their program’s history, it was not until Woody Hayes came from the fabled cradle of coaches to Columbus that Ohio State would have sustained success.

1954 was the culmination of Hayes’ work building the program by winning his first National Title. It was the program’s second of eight national championships. This Buckeyes team was led by quarterback Dave Leggett on offense and a defense that allowed double-digit points only three times all season.

Their leading rusher, Howard “Hopalong” Cassaday would win the Heisman Trophy in 1955. Woody Hayes’ team featured end Dean Dugger, the aforementioned Cassaday, and guard Jim Reichenbach.  Eight players from the team were drafted in the NFL.

Hayes’ first championship season was a dominant one. In addition to surrendering only 7.5 points per game, the Buckeyes defeated five ranked teams on their way to playing #17 USC in the Rose Bowl. During the season the Buckeyes forced 35 turnovers.

The Rose Bowl was played in a rainstorm. Despite the poor field conditions, the Buckeye offense gained 304 yards and the defense held the Trojans to six first downs on their way to their first undefeated season.