Ohio State’s previous season openers against ranked teams included memorable clashes with Michigan State, Penn State, West Virginia and Alabama.
In Ohio State's storied history, the Buckeyes have only started a season nine times in a game featuring two ranked teams.
For the remainder of the contest, Southern Methodist went into the spread offense and threw the ball all over the field. Hapless against the air raid, the 11th-ranked Buckeyes allowed Benner to throw for 325 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State lost, 32-27.Following the heartbreaking 1998 season, No. 9 Ohio State expected Austin Moherman, Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo to replace Joe Germaine, David Boston and Dee Miller.
Ohio State bounced back with three straight victories, but finished 1999 with a 6–6 record after losses to Michigan State, Illinois and Michigan to close the season. For only the third time since 1972, the Buckeyes would not play in a bowl game.The top-ranked Buckeyes were looking to win back-to-back national championships after winning it all in 1957. More than half of Ohio State's opponents in ’58 were ranked, including No. 20 SMU to start things off.
In the season opener, No. 12 Ohio State completely dominated the 22nd-ranked Eagles of Boston College in Kickoff Classic XIII. The Buckeyes scored in every quarter and showed superior talent on offense, defense and special teams. That task was a little bit tougher as there was a cloud of controversy surrounding the team. Instead of having the sensational Maurice Clarett in the backfield, the star running back was suspended and would never take the field again for the scarlet and gray.
Although the team lost several players to injuries during the offseason, Earle Bruce's team had plenty of returning firepower. On offense, the Buckeyes had senior quarterback Jim Karsatos in a backfield that also included Vince Workman, John Wooldridge and George Cooper. Add in standout wide receiver Cris Carter and tight end Ed Taggart, and the offense was not short on talent.
Given a second chance, now from the 33-yard line, Karsatos dropped back for an untimed down and again looked for Carter. This time, the star receiver caught the ball, but Thomas tackled him at the 18. However, there was a flag on the play, and the officials got Thomas yet again for interference. Early in the second quarter, Germaine connected with Miller on a 14-yard touchdown, and Stultz's second field goal extended the lead to 20-3. The Mountaineers scored on a Marc Bulger touchdown pass with 20 seconds left in the half.
Schlichter opened the drive with a 6-yard pass to Doug Donley. The 88,203 in attendance on this overcast 80-degree day cheered in agreement to the call and personnel. The drive continued with a mix of runs and passes before Ohio State faced 3rd-and-8 at Penn State's 39-yard line. Schlichter threw deep to Donley down the right sideline, but Pete Harris intercepted the pass at the 21-yard line and returned it 33 yards to the Buckeyes' 46.
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