The 100th Anniversary of Ohio Stadium: A Look Back

1. ```html The 100th Anniversary of Ohio Stadium: A Look Back A century of Buckeye pride, legends, and unforgettable moments Ohio Stadium: A Century of Glory and Tradition As the iconic Ohio Stadium celebrates its 100th anniversary, Buckeye fans everywhere can’t help but reflect on the monumental legacy housed within its walls. Dubbed the “Horseshoe,” this stadium has witnessed some of the greatest chapters in college football history and has been the home to countless Ohio State legends. From the deafening roar of the crowd during The Game to the unforgettable Fiesta Bowl victory in 2002, Ohio Stadium is more than just a venue— it’s the heart. soul of Ohio State football. This milestone invites us to not only cherish the historic moments but also to dive deep into the players and teams that have defined Buckeye football. Let’s embark on a journey through Ohio State’s rich program history, ranking legends, comparing players across eras,. debating who truly belongs on the Ohio State football Mount Rushmore. actually, Ohio State Football Mount Rushmore: The Top 4 Buckeye Players Ever Every passionate fan loves debating the “Ohio State football Mount Rushmore,” a figurative monument reserved for the absolute best four Buckeye players ever. Narrowing it down to four is no easy task given the program’s storied history,. here’s a breakdown of the names that most frequently top the list: Archie Griffin – The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, Archie’s name is synonymous with greatness. Beyond his back-to-back Heismans, Griffin’s consistency, leadership, and impact make him the unrivaled greatest college player ever to don the scarlet. gray. Eddie George – The 1995 Heisman winner, George's dominant running back seasons remain etched in Ohio State lore. His 1995 season showcased an electrifying blend of power and agility, and his highlights remain a must-watch for any Buckeye fan. Comparing Eddie George vs Ezekiel Elliott sparks endless debate, but George’s historic feats secure his spot on the Mount Rushmore. Troy Smith – The 2006 Heisman- winning quarterback redefined clutch Ohio State quarterbacks. His ability to rise in big moments, especially against Michigan, stoked fiery debates about whether Troy Smith is the best OSU QB ever. His leadership during the Jim Tressel era, especially in 2006, was critical to Buckeye success. Orlando Pace – Arguably the most dominant college offensive lineman ever, Pace was the cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line. His pancake blocks and relentless drive earned him legendary status among best Ohio State offensive linemen,. he’s a true testament to the importance of the trenches in Buckeye football. Of course, this list sparks debate from fans who champion the likes of Chris Spielman, Beanie Wells, or Justin Fields. But as a starting point, these four players represent the pinnacle of Ohio State greatness. Ranking Ohio State Quarterbacks: Troy Smith vs Justin Fields. More

2. The quarterback position at Ohio State has been a hotbed for discussion, especially when ranking Ohio State quarterbacks across generations. The debate of Troy Smith vs Justin Fields is particularly charged. Both brought unique talents and defined eras: Troy Smith – Known for his poise and clutch performances, Smith’s 2006 Heisman-winning season was highlighted by surgical precision and leadership. His ability to own Michigan in key moments elevated his legacy. Justin Fields – A dual-threat quarterback with an explosive arm. legs, Fields electrified crowds with his athleticism and big plays. Though his college career was shorter due to an early NFL jump, his impact was undeniable. Is Troy Smith the best OSU QB? Many argue yes, citing his Heisman. game-winning performances, while others feel Justin Fields’ raw talent and versatility make him the best Ohio State QB for one game or even for his Click here for more info brief tenure. When ranking Ohio State quarterbacks, names like Craig Krenzel (2002 championship team), Cardale Jones,. Dwayne Haskins also deserve honorable mentions for clutch Ohio State quarterback moments. Ohio State Heisman Winners and the Legacy of Archie Griffin’s Two Heismans Ohio State boasts an impressive list of Heisman winners, but none has left a mark quite like Archie Griffin’s two Heisman trophies in 1974 and 1975. The question on every Buckeye fan’s mind: Will anyone win two Heismans again? Given the evolution of college football, it’s an uphill climb,. Griffin’s feat remains the gold standard. Other Ohio State Heisman winners include Eddie George (1995), Troy Smith (2006), and more recently, players like Dwayne Haskins (though he didn’t win the Heisman, he was a top contender). These players embody the excellence expected at Ohio State and provide a deep well of pride for the program. Underrated. Forgotten Ohio State Legends While we celebrate the stars, it’s important to remember the most underrated Buckeyes and Ohio State players who deserve more credit. The program’s history is sprinkled with players whose contributions sometimes get overshadowed: Chris Spielman – A linebacker legend who epitomized toughness and leadership. His storied career and memorable speeches encapsulate the grit that defines Ohio State defense. Craig Krenzel – The steady hand behind the 2002 Ohio State championship team, Krenzel owned Michigan. led clutch drives, yet often flies under the radar in modern discussions. Beanie Wells – Known for some of the best Ohio State performances against Michigan, Wells was a powerhouse back with a knack for big games. These players, among others, enrich the Buckeye tapestry and remind us that legends come in many forms beyond Heisman trophies. All-Time Ohio State Offense: The Dream Team and Best Offensive Players Imagining an Ohio State all time offense or Ohio State dream team offense is both thrilling and daunting. Who makes the cut among the best Ohio State offensive players? Here’s a dream lineup:

3. QB: Troy Smith – For his clutch playmaking. leadership. RB: Archie Griffin and Eddie George – Combining legendary consistency with powerhouse seasons. OL: Orlando Pace – The anchor of the line, arguably the most dominant college offensive lineman ever. WR: Michael Jenkins and Cris Carter – Precision route runners and playmakers. This hypothetical all Buckeye offense blends eras and positions to create an unstoppable unit that honors tradition and excellence. The Tressel Era and the 2002 Ohio State Championship Team Jim Tressel’s tenure at Ohio State (2001-2010) produced some of the program’s most memorable legends and moments. The 2002 Ohio State championship team is a hallmark of Tressel’s impact, culminating in the thrilling Fiesta Bowl victory that year: Craig Krenzel: The unflappable quarterback who owned Michigan. delivered clutch performances. Chris Gamble and Mike Doss: Defensive stalwarts who anchored the Buckeye defense. Ezekiel Elliott vs Eddie George: While Elliott played after the Tressel era, comparisons of these running backs highlight the evolution of Buckeye ground attacks. The “2002 Luckeyes” nickname captures the magic and grit of that squad, and their legacy remains a benchmark for Ohio State greatness. Ohio State Players Who Owned Michigan and Clutch Performances Few matchups stir more passion than Ohio State vs Michigan. Players like Troy Smith, Beanie Wells, and Craig Krenzel are etched in history for their best Ohio State performances against Michigan. Their ability to rise in these games cements their place in Buckeye lore as clutch Ohio State quarterbacks. playmakers. These moments exemplify the intense rivalry and the legacy of toughness and excellence that Ohio State players bring to the field every November. Final Thoughts The 100th anniversary of Ohio Stadium is more than a celebration of a building—it’s a tribute to the players, coaches, and fans who have made Ohio State football one of the most storied programs in college history. From the Ohio State legends Mt Rushmore to the underrated Buckeyes who quietly changed games, every name. every moment adds to the rich tapestry of Buckeye pride. Whether debating the best Ohio State quarterback ever or reliving the glory of the 2002 championship team, one thing remains clear: Ohio State football is woven into the fabric of college football greatness, and Ohio Stadium will continue to be its beating heart for the next 100 years and beyond. ```