Editor’s note: In June 1917, the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives invited Michigan back into the league, increasing membership to 10 and eventually spawning the iconic “Big Ten” nickname. One hundred years later, Land of 10 will spend the summer looking at the history of America’s legendary conference and its teams. Our Ohio State coverage continues with a countdown of the top 10 football teams in program history. Next up, Nos. 5-1. No. 5: 1942 Record: 9-1 (5-1 Big Ten) Final ranking: No. 1 (AP) With Paul Brown at the helm, Ohio State football claimed its first national championship in 1942. The Buckeyes had five All-Americans that season and rolled through their first five opponents to gain the first No. 1 Associated Press ranking in program history. That honor soon was lost, thanks to a 17-7 loss at Wisconsin before which Ohio State players reportedly contracted dysentery because of tainted water on the train to…
Continue Reading: Ranking Ohio State football’s top 10 teams of all time: Nos. 5-1
