While the 1967 Ohio State Buckeyes were struggling through a tough season, there was reason for hope in Columbus. In an era when freshmen were not eligible for varsity play, Ohio State had collected a very talented freshman class that was dominating the varsity on the practice field. This class that included John Brockington, Leo Hayden, Rex Kern, Jim Otis, Jim Stillwagon and Jack Tatum, came to be known as the Super Sophomores and were the nucleus of 1968 National Champion Buckeyes.

The 1969 Rose Bowl game brought together the undefeated and number 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and the number 2 ranked USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl for the National Championship. USC Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson finished the game with 171 yards and a touchdown, but OSU, forcing three costly fumbles in the second half, followed MVP, Rex Kern to victory and won a permanent place in Buckeye lore.