The 1981 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was an American football team represented the Ohio State University as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1981 Big Ten season. In their third season under head coach Earle Bruce, the Buckeyes compiled a 9–3 record (6–2 in conference games), tied with Iowa for the Big Ten championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 356 to 225. They concluded the season with a 31–28 victory over Navy in the 1981 Liberty Bowl.
The team's statistical leaders included: Quarterback Art Schlichter ranked third in the conference with 2,551 passing yards and 2,509 total yards and fifth with a 52.3 pass completion percentage. Running back Tim Spencer led the conference with 12 rushing touchdowns and ranked second with 1,217 rushing yards and 1,427 yards from scrimmage. Wide receiver Gary Williams ranked third in the conference with 50 receptions and fourth with 941 receiving yards. Placekicker Bob Atha led the conference with 88 points scored and 44 extra points made and ranked second with 13 field goals made and a 68.4% field goal percentage.
The team played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Ohio.
Schedule
Game summaries Duke
Michigan State
Stanford
Florida State
Wisconsin
Illinois
Indiana
At Purdue
Minnesota
Northwestern
Michigan
Liberty Bowl
Personnel Coaching staff Earle Bruce – Head Coach (3rd year) Dennis Fryzel – Defensive Coordinator (3rd year) Glen Mason – Offensive Coordinator (4th year) Bill Myles – Offensive Line (5th year) Nick Saban – Defensive Backs (2nd year) Wayne Stanley – Running Backs (3rd year) Steve Szabo – Defensive Line (3rd year) Bob Tucker – Defensive Outside Linebackers (3rd year) Fred Zechman – Quarterbacks/Receivers (3rd year)
Roster
Depth chart
1982 Ohio State Football Media Guide
1982 NFL draftees Art Schlichter 1 4 Quarterback Baltimore Colts Anthony Griggs 4 105 Linebacker Philadelphia Eagles Bob Atha 12 317 Kicker St. Louis Cardinals
References