Ohio State entered the November 21, 1981 game against Michigan with a 7-3 record, but with the possibility of a Big Ten Championship still alive because of upsets across the conference. The Buckeyes would need to figure out how to beat seventh ranked Michigan if they were going to be crowned conference champs. Behind two touchdown runs by Art Schlichter and a stubborn OSU defense, the unranked Buckeyes knocked off the favored Wolverines, 14-9. It was the second straight win for Ohio State in Ann Arbor under head coach Earle Bruce. 

 These Gold Pants were awarded to a former Starting Defensive Back after the five-point win that landed Ohio State their second Big Ten Championship in three seasons. The recipient's initials have been blurred digitally to protect his identity.