The 1984 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 1984 Big Ten season. In their sixth year under head coach Earle Bruce, the Buckeyes compiled a 9–3 record (7–2 in conference games), won the Big Ten championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 374 to 180. They concluded the season with a loss to USC in the 1985 Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 13 in the final AP poll.

The Buckeyes gained an average of 231.0 rushing yards and 169.3 passing yards per game. On defense, they held opponents to 131.8 rushing yards and 173.9 passing yards per game. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Mike Tomczak (1,662 passing yards, 58.5% completion percentage), running back Keith Byars (1,655 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 24 touchdowns), and wide receiver Mike Lanese (38 receptions for 585 yards). Byars and offensive guard Jim Lachey were consensus first-team picks on the 1984 All-America team. Six Ohio State players received first-team honors on the 1984 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Byars (AP/UPI); Lachey (AP/UPI); center Kirk Lowdermilk (AP/UPI); linebacker Pepper Johnson (AP/UPI); punter Tom Tupa (AP/UPI); and tackle Mark Krerowicz (UPI).

The team played its home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Schedule

Game summaries Oregon State

Washington State

Iowa

Minnesota

Purdue

Illinois

Keith Byars 39 Rush, 274 Yds Cris Carter 7 Rec, 134 Yds

Michigan State

Lanese 7 Rec, 116 Yds

Wisconsin

Indiana

Northwestern

Michigan

Gainesville Sun. 1984 Nov 18.

Rose Bowl

Rich Spangler's 52 yard field goal (Rose Bowl record) Cris Carter 9 Rec, 172 Yds

Personnel Coaching staff Earle Bruce – Head coach – 6th year Gary Blackney – Defensive backs (1st year) Bill Conley – Inside linebacker (1st year) Steve Devine – Offensive line (2nd year) Randy Hart – Defensive line (3rd year) Glen Mason – Offensive coordinator (7th year) Bill Myles – Offensive line (8th year) Fred Pagac – Defensive linebackers (3rd year) Jim Tressel – Quarterbacks (2nd year) Bob Tucker – Defensive coordinator (6th year)

Depth chart

1985 Ohio State Football Media Guide

1985 NFL draftees Jim Lachey 1 12 Tackle San Diego Chargers Kirk Lowdermilk 3 59 Center Minnesota Vikings Mark Krerowicz 6 147 Guard Cleveland Browns

References