Ohio State entered the November 20, 2004 game at 6-4 and coming off a road loss at Purdue. With a lot of uncertainty at the Quarterback position, sophomore Troy Smith took the football and never looked back. Just over a minute into the game, Smith hit Anthony Gonzalez for a 68-yard touchdown to send the home crowd to their feet.  Ted Ginn Jr. electrified that same crowd with an 82-yard punt return up the left sideline that propelled Ohio State to the 37-21 upset win over seventh ranked Michigan.

These Gold Pants were awarded to a reserve Wide Receiver after Ohio State's third win in four years over Michigan. The recipient's initials have been blurred digitally to protect his identity.