Ohio State 27 USC 16
O.J. Simpson experiences both the negative and the plus in a matchup of undefeated powers, 9-0-1 USC and 9-0 Ohio State that the Buckeyes win 27-16. O.J. runs 100 yards for a touchdown and gains 171 yards in 28 carries, but he also has a hand in five USC turnovers that help make Ohio State the national champion. Simpson fumbles the ball away twice and throws a pass interception, fatal miscues when added to quarterback Steve Sogge's fumble and interception. Ohio State wins with Rex Kern's expert quarterbacking, running and passing plus the blasts of Jim Otis and Leophus Hayden. One of the Trojan scores is a disputed "catch" by Sam Dickerson who already has lost the pigskin when the officials raise their arms.