The Series

Ohio State leads the series 6-1. The games include two Rose Bowls in 1921 and 1950, two games in Berkeley in 1953 and 1972, and two games in Columbus in 1954, 1971, and 2012.  California's sole victory was in the 1921 Rose Bowl.

Last Time
Ohio State had a close game last year against California. The first quarter had three back-to-back touchdown drives. Braxton Miller ran 55-yards for a touchdown after the defense forced a turnover. Unfortunately Drew Basil missed the point after attempt, so the score was 6-0. In the next possession California scored off a 19-yard touchdown reception. In the next possession Ohio State reached the endzone with a 25-yard pass from Miller to Devin Smith. In Ohio State's first possession of the second quarter, Jake Stoneburner caught a one yard pass for a touchdown. Ohio State led 20-7 at halftime.

Early in the third quarter California running back Brendan Bigelow ran 81-yards for a touchdown. His run was the longest run by an opponent in Ohio Stadium history. California took the lead in the fourth quarter with a one yard quarterback run, and the score was 21-20. Ohio State responded in the next possession with a touchdown drive completed by a 3-yard pass to Stoneburner. Miller successfully ran in for a two-point conversion, putting Ohio State up by a seven points. Less than 30 seconds went off the clock as California running back Bigelow ran it 59-yards, for a touchdown to tie the score at 28-28. California missed its third field goal attempt, after a successful drive. Miller was able to trick the defense and as a result Devin Smith was wide open for a 72-yard touchdown reception. Christian Bryant assured the victory with his first career interception, and Ohio State ran out the clock for the 35-28 victory.