The 1976 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was an American football team that represented the Ohio State University as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1976 Big Ten season. In their 26th year under head coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes compiled a 9–2–1 record (7–1 in conference games), tied with Michigan for the Big Ten championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 278 to 139. They lost to Michigan in the final game of the regular season and concluded the season with a 27–10 victory over Colorado in the 1977 Orange Bowl. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 6 in the final AP poll.
The Buckeyes gained an average of 235.8 rushing yards and 52.8 passing yards per game. On defense, they held opponents to 144.3 rushing yards and 118.0 passing yards per game. The team's individual statistical leaders included quarterback Jim Pacenta (404 passing yards, 52.8% completion percentage), running back Jeff Logan (1,169 rushing yards, 5.7 yards per carry), and Jim Harrell (12 receptions for 229 yards). Offensive tackle Chris Ward and defensive end Bob Brudzinski won consensus All-America honors. Punter Tom Skladany won first-team All-America honors from College Football News and The Sporting News.
The team played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Schedule
Game summaries Michigan State
At Penn State
Missouri
The loss snapped 25-game home win streak
UCLA
Palm Beach Post. 1976 Oct 3.
At Iowa
Eugene Register-Guard. 1976 Oct 10.
At Wisconsin
Purdue
At Indiana
Illinois
At Minnesota
Ohio State clinches at least a share of Big Ten title for record fifth straight year.Palm Beach Post. 1976 Nov 14.
Michigan
Orange Bowl (vs Colorado)
Personnel Roster
Depth chart
1977 Ohio State Football Media Guide
1977 NFL draftees Bob Brudzinski 1 23 Linebacker Los Angeles Rams Tom Skladany 2 46 Punter Cleveland Browns Pete Johnson 2 49 Running back Cincinnati Bengals Ed Thompson 8 210 Linebacker New York Jets Nick Buonamici 9 238 Defensive tackle Chicago Bears
References