Ohio State vs N. Carolina – Sept. 30, 1972

I'm enjoying the college football season so far, watching Ohio State (my Alma Mater) cream their opponents – the latest being Rutgers on Saturday. It's not that I'm a big sports fan; it's just nice to have something else occupy for mind for a while and get some relief from the stresses and problems of everyday life.

(By the way, did you know that the famous cartoon character Mister Magoo is a Rutgers alumnus? It's part of the bio that United Productions of America created for their popular cartoon star.)

Anyway, fifty years ago, Ohio State had just beaten the N. Carolina Tar Heels 29-14 on September 30, 1972. It was just the second game of tailback Archie Griffin's freshman year, and he ran for a school record 239 yards. Below is the article that ran in the Journal on Sunday, October 1, 1972.

As Ohio State Coach Woody Hayes was quoted in the article, "Archie has power, speed and a definite sense of timing.

"He's a strong 185-pounder. He's a man and a great one to coach. Actually all you have to do with Archie is throw him the ball."

The article also notes that Junior Elmer Lippert from Sandusky had a good day at tailback, alternating with Archie Griffin. "Lippert totaled 116 yards in 10 carries, prompting Hayes to consider moving starting tailback Morris Bradshaw to split end."

But as the 247sports.com website observed, Elmer would pretty remain be the back-up runner to Archie Griffin during the rest of his OSU career. "Elmer Lippert had sterling credentials and just happened to be in the wrong place when Archie came along."