Who remembers OU-Ohio State '83?
Published: 5/26/2011 9:23 AM
Last Modified: 5/26/2011 9:23 AM
When Ohio State comes to Oklahoma Sept. 17, 2016, it will mark just the third game between the two college football titans, and the first since 1983.
Too bad they have to wait every 33 years. Bruce Feldman pointed that out in a recent ESPN.com column, in which he included OU-Ohio State among 10 "should be" rivalries.
"These are two programs that have been great for over a half-century," Feldman wrote, "and whose fan bases are about as big as they come."
Sooners-Buckeyes I was epic, first for Ohio State's comeback and then for Uwe von Schamann's dagger.
Sooners-Buckeyes II in '83? You don't hear so much about that one. The teams weren't as strong. The game, won by Ohio State 24-14, wasn't as dramatic.
A review of highlights (God bless YouTube) reveals a few things…
No way should OU have gone 8-4 that season. They had Marcus Dupree – The Best That Never Was – at tailback, Buster Rhymes at wide receiver and … I had totally forgotten this… Spencer Tillman at fullback. The Sooners went 85 yards for their first score against Ohio State on Rhymes' catch-and-run and then Tillman's touchdown burst. Just like that. No Dupree even necessary.
Keith Jackson made reference to Dupree not finishing the game. Anyone remember which injury he sustained against the Buckeyes? Or was he just tired?
Honestly, I think all that talent confused Switzer's staff. During a fourth-and-2 play, Earl Johnson, who I always thought was a fullback, was the tailback and Tillman, who I always thought was a halfback, was the fullback. Johnson took a pitch and, naturally, tried throwing a long pass to Derrick Shepard.
Writing about this team would have been a trip.
Before Adrian Peterson wore No. 28 for OU, David Culver did. He was the Sooners' kicker in '83. Or he was against Ohio State. It's the first I've heard of him.
The Buckeyes brought future pros Mike Tomczak and Keith Byars to Norman that day. Their killer, though, was tight end John Frank. He scored Ohio State's first two touchdowns, and set up number three.
Before this game, I'm pretty sure no Buckeyes tight end had ever caught a pass. Earle Bruce was no Woody Hayes, but at least he realized tight ends were eligible receivers and not tackles who wore uniform numbers in the 80s.
Bruce did pay tribute to Hayes during this game by using a straight-on kicker. Basketball players taking setshots at peach baskets looks less awkward than supertoes.
Once upon a time, the NCAA allowed you to enjoy yourself after scoring a touchdown.
OU's scoreboard has come a long way.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
