Wes Fesler’s second team showed improvement in 1948. With improvement comes expectations. Could the 1949 team rise to the challenge? Fesler had 27 varsity players returning for the 60th football team in program history. Along with the experience, the Buckeyes had a strong sophomore class highlighted by Vic Janowicz. Fesler’s team had improved in 1948, his second season, but after a disastrous opening campaign, he needed to produce, especially against Michigan. The 1949 Buckeyes Record 7–1–2 B1G Record 4–1–1, 1st Coach Wes Fesler (3rd year, 15–10–3) Captain Jack Wilson Games of Note September 24th • Missouri • Ohio Stadium The season opener was special on several levels. WLCW-C TV (now NBC4) televised the game, the first time an Ohio State game aired from Ohio Stadium. This contest was also the last time Ohio State opened a season against Missouri. The Tigers served as the season opener for the Buckeyes the prior six years and eight of the last 11. Don Faurot’s club did not go down without a fight. Even with three first-half fumbles, Missouri went the half tied at 14 with the Buckeyes. Following intermission, the Tigers scored first and led 21-14, causing an uneasiness among the 66,510 in attendance. Ohio State’s Jerry Krall found Jimmy Hague for a 31-yard touchdown pass to tie the game once again. Later in the third, Jack Lininger intercepted a Missouri pass to give the Buckeyes the ball at the Tigers’ 30. A scoring strike shortly thereafter from Pandel Savic to…
Continue Reading: 100 Teams in 100 Days: Fesler's Bucks Capture Big Ten Title, Win Rose Bowl in 1949
