The Buckeyes were sparked by their senior Heisman Trophy winner running back Eddie George.
However, the media buzz around the Big Ten surrounded the Northwestern Wildcats who earned their way to an unbeaten conference run.
However, running back Tim Biakabutuka led the Wolverines to a 31-23 upset, sending the 'Cats to the Rose Bowl.
Tennessee started off the season with victories over East Carolina and Georgia, before heading off to Gainesville to play the rival Gators.
[2] However, the team won their remaining 8 regular season games, including a 41–14 win over Alabama.