The 1974 season pitted perhaps the top two teams in the country in The Game as third ranked Ohio State hosted undefeated and second ranked Michigan on November 23, 1974. Ohio State reached the nation's top ranking, but was upset on a controversial ending against Michigan State in East Lansing. Despite Archie Griffin winning his first of two Heisman Trophies this season, the Buckeyes weren't able to get across the goal line against Michigan's tough defense.  Instead, kicker Tom Klaban kicked four field goals to hand the Wolverines their first and only loss of the season 12-10.  The Buckeyes finished 10-2 on the season, and 7-1 to share the Big Ten title. Griffin was awarded the school's fourth Heisman Memorial Trophy Award after the regular season.

These rare Gold Pants were awarded to a former starting tight end. The recipient's initials have been blurred digitally to protect his identity.