The Series

This is the second game between Ohio State and Clemson. The previous game occurred in 1978 in the Gator Bowl, which Clemson won 17-15. In that game Ohio State scored first with a field goal at the beginning of the second quarter. Clemson scored its first touchdown halfway through the first quarter. The Buckeyes responded with a touchdown and a failed PAT. It was the first season for freshman quarterback Art Schlichter. Clemson successfully kicked a 47-yard field to close out the half with a lead of 10-9. Clemson had a touchdown in the third quarter and Ohio State was unable to score. In the fourth quarter Ohio State scored a touchdown but failed on the two point conversion. The game appeared to be over until a recovered fumble at the Clemson 24 yard line provided Ohio State an opportunity to take the lead. However that drive ended when Woody Hayes punched Clemson defender Charlie Bauman who had intercepted the pass by Art Schlichter in the final seconds of the game. That interception was the only Ohio State turnover during the game, and Bauman never forced another interception in his college career. It was the first game as a head coach for Danny Ford, who was 30 at the time.