Rose Bowl
1971
Stanford 27
Ohio State 17
It had been 19 years since Stanford played in the Rose Bowl on New
Year's Day, but during the 1970 season the Indians rode their Heisman
Trophy Winner - Jim Plunkett - all the way to Pasadena.
Stanford stunned the collegiate football world with a convincing 27-17
upset victory over previously unbeaten Ohio State. Head coach Woody
Hayes had led his Buckeyes to a perfect 9-0 regular season, but John
Ralston and his 8-3 Indians spoiled their bid for a perfect season.
Plunkett, who became Stanford's first and only Heisman Trophy winner,
earned MVP honors after completing 20-of-30 passes for 265 yards and one
touchdown. The defense was led by tackle Dave Tipton and linebacker Jeff
Siemon, who limited Ohio State to three points in the second half as
Stanford erased a 14-10 Buckeye lead at the inter- mission.
The Indians jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter after scoring
on their first two possessions.
On its opening drive, Stanford marched 59 yards on five plays with
running back Jackie Brown going over from the four for the touchdown.
The key play in the drive came on the Indians first play from scrimmage.
Flanker Eric Cross raced down the right sideline 41 yards on a reverse
play to open the game, giving Stanford the ball on the Buckeye 18-yard
line.
The next time Stanford had the ball, the Indians drove from their own 48
to the Buckeyes 20-yard line before the drive stalled. Steve Horowitz
kicked a 37-yard field goal to put Stanford on top 10-0.
Ohio State came back to score two touchdowns before the end of the first
half. Fullback John Brockington, who was named All-American and All-Big
10 after rushing for over 1,000 yards on the season, scored twice on
one-yard runs. Stanford closed the gap to 14-13 by taking its opening
possession in the third quarter and moving to the OSU 31-yard line.
There, Horowitz kicked a 48-yard field goal.
The Buckeyes returned the favor by kicking a field goal on their ensuing
possession, stretching their lead to 17-13.
The Indian defense then closed the door on the OSU offense and Plunkett
and Co. began to dominate. Stanford scored two touchdowns in the fourth
quarter to seal its first Rose Bowl win since 1941 (video).
Brown scored on a one-yard plunge, culminating a 13-play, 80-yard drive.
Plunkett was five-for-five on the drive for 69 yards. The TD put
Stanford on top 20-17.
Rex Kern passes during 1971 Rose Bowl.
Horowitz kicks 48 yard field goal.
Attendance- 103,839
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Stan- Brown 4 run (Horowitz kick)
Stan- FG Horowitz 37
OSU- Brockington 1 run (Schram kick)
Second Quarter
OSU- Brockington 1 run (Schram kick)
Third Quarter
Stan- FG Horowitz 48
OSU- FG Schram 32
Fourth Quarter
Stan- Brown 1 run (Horowitz kick)
Stan- Vataha 10 pass from Plunkett (Horowitz kick)
Individual Statistics
Rushing
Stan- Brown 10-41, Cross 1-41, Shockley 10-35, Plunkett 9-26
OSU- Kern 20-129, Brockington 21-101, Hayden 11-48, Jankowski 2-41,
Galbos 8-33
Passing
Stanford - Plunkett 30-20-265
Ohio State - Kern 13-4-40, Maciejowski 6-3-35
Receiving
Stanford - Washington 6-80, Vataha 6-51-1, Moore 5- 113, Brown 2-13
Ohio State - White 4-28, Zeiina 2-27, Hayden 1-20
