Ohio State sophomore quarterback Rod Gerald, who had not played since the seventh game of the season due to a bone chip in his lower back, relieved starter Jim Pacenta late in the first quarter and led the Buckeyes to victory.
[4][5][6] Gerald rushed 14 times for 81 yards, including 17 on his first carry setting up a 36-yard scoring run by Jeff Logan.
The Buckeyes scored on their next two possessions with a 28-yard field goal by Tom Skladany and Pete Johnson's three-yard run with 24 seconds remaining before halftime.
That capped a 99-yard drive after a blocked Colorado field goal attempt, and gave Ohio State the lead for good.
Colorado did not return for thirteen years, until consecutive appearances in 1990 and 1991, winning the latter for the a share of the national championship.