But when the university’s faculty council voted to decline the team’s Rose Bowl bid, a controversy erupted that sent shockwaves across the Ohio State campus.

Campus protests were held for two days, sometimes becoming violent. The student revolt culminated with a 5-mile march from campus to the Ohio statehouse. But it was all to no avail.

Also in play was the growing rancor between coach Woody Hayes and Alumni Secretary Jack Fullen, one of the main figures behind the faculty council’s vote.

Lost in all the excitement and controversy were the men who played the game and the dreams they had of playing for it all.