The 1972 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was an represented the Ohio State University in the 1972 Big Ten Conference football season. Led by 22nd-year head coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes compiled an overall record of 9âÂÂ2 with a mark of 7âÂÂ1 in conference play, sharing the Big Ten title with Michigan. By virtue of a head-to-head win over Michigan, Ohio State earned a berth in the Rose Bowl, where the Buckeyes lost to USC by a score of 42âÂÂ17. The team played home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State was the only team to beat the Tar Heels in 1972.
Archie Griffin set the school single game rushing record in just his second game.
Ohio State made two goal line stands, one in each half, to hold on to the 14âÂÂ11 victory. The first came just before halftime as Dennis Franklin fumbled on fourth down at the two. In the fourth quarter, Randy Gradishar stopped Franklin on a sneak from the one. The Buckeyes' fans tore down the goal posts with 13 seconds remaining.