Stanford 27 Ohio State 17
Now it is Johnny Ralston's turn to continue the rise of West Coast football as his Jim Plunkett & Company from Stanford (8-3) destroy Woody Hayes' unbeaten Ohio State season (9-0) in a 27-17 upset. Stanford rallies from a 17-13 deficit in the fourth quarter with a touchdown catch by little Randy Vataha from Plunkett and a Jackie Brown touchdown bolt set up by a great Bob Moore catch. It is a tremendous quarterback duel between Plunkett (20 for 30 passing) and Ohio State's Rex Kern (129 yards running on 20 carries). John Brockington and Leo Hayden put on a running show, but Stanford's defense stops Brokington late in the game. Steve Horowitz kicks a 48-yard field goal for Stanford. Among Stanford defensive stars are captain Jack Schultz of South Pasadena, safety; center John Sande and linebacker Ron Kadziel.