The 1970 Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team: A Season of Upsets

In the 1970 NCAA University Division football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented Ohio State University in the Big Ten Conference. Despite being ranked 19th in the country and Miami being ranked 17th, Coach James believed that his team had what it took to make a statement.

The Buckeyes' first game of the season was against Bowling Green, which ended in a thrilling 21-7 victory. Quarterback Greg Kokal played an outstanding game, throwing long TD passes to Tinker and short ones to Mike Mauger, a transfer from Wisconsin who was Ohio Back of the Year on a 1970 Massillon team that went 10-0.

In their MAC opener against Ohio U, the Buckeyes' offense dominated, leading to a convincing 35-7 win. Coach James praised his team's performance, saying, 'I don't think anyone else will hold them to three points this year.'

The 1970 season was marked by upsets and exciting games for the Buckeyes. With players like Olympic gold medalist Gerald Tinker, Larry Poole, and Abdul Salaam contributing to their success, Ohio State showed that they were a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten Conference.

1970 ohio state football roster