After Ohio State was embarrassed at #1 Penn State, the Buckeyes regrouped and rallied to play their best football in November. The Game pitted the 22nd ranked Buckeyes against the 15th ranked Wolverines with a trip to the Citrus Bowl on the line. Ohio State's defense was dominant all day, but even more so after head coach John Cooper punched a blackboard during his halftime talk in the locker room.  The Buckeyes went on to defeat the archrival, 22-16, in front of 93,869 fans at The Shoe. It marked Ohio State's first win against the Wolverines since 1987.

These Gold Pants were awarded to a Future All-American Defensive Back after the 16-point win that gave John Cooper his first win in college football's greatest rivalry. The recipient's initials have been blurred digitally to protect his identity.