The 1973 Ohio Bobcats football team was an American football team that represented Ohio University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. In their 16th season under head coach Bill Hess, the Bobcats compiled a 5âÂÂ5 record (2âÂÂ3 against MAC opponents), finished in a tie for third place in the MAC, and were outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 231 to 156. They played their home games in Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.
Penn State tailback John Cappelletti delivered one of the most dominant performances of his career, rushing for 204 yards and scoring four touchdowns in less than 30 minutes of play as the sixth-ranked Nittany Lions defeated Ohio, 49âÂÂ10, at Beaver Stadium. The victory marked Penn StateâÂÂs 10th consecutive win of the season and its 20th straight regular-season victory overall. Cappelletti scored all four of his touchdowns in the first half, becoming Penn StateâÂÂs second-leading all-time rusher and strengthening his Heisman Trophy candidacy. Penn StateâÂÂs defense and special teams added to the rout in the second half, as linebacker Tom Hull returned a blocked punt 29 yards for a touchdown and Ed OâÂÂNeil intercepted a pass and returned it 66 yards for another score.