Columbus, OH – November 23, 1968
In a clash that would go down as one of the defining moments in Ohio State football history, sophomore quarterback Rex Kern (#10) led the Buckeyes to a resounding 50–14 victory over their bitter rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, in front of a roaring crowd at Ohio Stadium. The win not only capped a perfect regular season for the Buckeyes but also secured the Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
It was a game of national significance, as Ohio State entered the contest ranked No. 2 in the country and Michigan sat at No. 4. The stakes were high, with both teams eyeing a shot at the national championship. But from the opening kickoff, it was clear that Woody Hayes’ squad was on a mission — and Rex Kern was at the heart of it.
Kern, in just his first year as a starter, displayed poise and maturity beyond his years. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound quarterback from Lancaster, Ohio, orchestrated the Buckeye offense with precision. He completed key passes, managed the option attack flawlessly, and kept the Michigan defense on its heels throughout the game.
Kern’s leadership and athleticism were evident early, as he led Ohio State on several methodical drives in the first half. By halftime, the Buckeyes had built a commanding 21–0 lead. The offensive onslaught continued in the second half, with running backs Jim Otis and John Brockington pounding the ball on the ground while Kern kept the Wolverines honest with his deft ball-handling and timely passes.
The game also showcased the emergence of what would come to be known as the “Super Sophs” — a group of talented second-year players who made a significant impact that season. Alongside Kern, players like Otis, Jack Tatum, and Mike Sensibaugh contributed to a dominant team effort that overwhelmed a Michigan squad led by head coach Bump Elliott, in his final season at the helm.
Perhaps the most iconic moment came late in the game, when the Buckeyes, already up by a wide margin, punched in another touchdown to reach the 50-point mark. The crowd of over 85,000 erupted in celebration, while a frustrated Michigan team looked on helplessly. When asked later about the decision to continue scoring late in the game, Woody Hayes reportedly quipped, “Because I couldn’t go for three,” referencing his deep dislike for Michigan.
The 1968 victory was more than just a lopsided win — it was a statement. It marked the beginning of a new era of dominance for Ohio State and the rise of Rex Kern as one of college football’s premier quarterbacks. The Buckeyes would go on to defeat USC in the Rose Bowl, claiming the national championship and cementing the 1968 team’s place in college football lore.
For Kern, that November afternoon in Columbus remains one of the defining moments of his career — a day when he led the Scarlet and Gray to glory, humbled their fiercest rival, and etched his name into Ohio State history.
