With the Rose Bowl rapidly evolving into something different from that which veteran Buckeyes recall and revere, Buckeye Sports Bulletin publisher Frank Moskowitz wanted to look back at his first Rose Bowl for this edition of Reprint Thursday, maintaining that – like a first love – everyone recalls their first Rose Bowl.
The date was Jan. 1, 1985, and the Buckeyes fell to USC, 20-17, but Moskowitz still enjoyed this trip.
“This was my first Rose Bowl, and I now understand what everyone says is true, The Rose Bowl truly is the finest of all bowl games,” Moskowitz wrote in his View From 15th & High.
But while the young publisher enjoyed his experience in Pasadena, he was disappointed in the performance of the Buckeyes, who featured such veterans as linemen Jim Lachey, Kirk Lowdermilk and Scott Zalenski, quarterback Mike Tomczak and running back Keith Byars, as well as freshmen like receiver Cris Carter, linebacker Chris Spielman, defensive backs Greg Rogan and William White, linebacker Eric Kumerow and punter Tom Tupa.
“You saw the same game I saw,” Moskowitz said, “and I am not certain I can give any added insight. The problems were there for everyone to see. In fact, Ohio State’s loss to USC was truly a team effort, with breakdowns in virtually every facet of the game. Everyone, from coach Earle Bruce down to the water boys, was in on this one.”
One of the few highlights in the loss for the Buckeyes was Carter, who had 172 receiving yards, which came on nine receptions and broke a 50-year old Rose Bowl record held by Don Hutson. The 172 yards were also an Ohio State freshman record that was broken by Jeremiah Smith in this year’s Rose Bowl. The following stories are reprinted from the Jan. 15, 1984, issue of Buckeye Sports Bulletin.
