The 1971 game may not have had as much hype as the 1969 and 1970 games in the Ten Year War, but the 1972 game brought the rivalry back to the forefront of the nation. Tensions were stirred pretty high and although there was some pressure rising on Woody Hayes after a 6-4 season and a 1-2 record against Bo leading into 1972, both coaches had their programs in top shape and vying for the Big Ten title, a Rose Bowl berth, and a shot at the national title in Pasadena during this time.Background:
This was a monumental year for college football in several ways. First, the "no repeat" Rose Bowl rule was abolished, meaning that a team could go to the Rose Bowl in consecutive seasons from the Big Ten, which would be applicable to Michigan in the 1972 season since they made the Rose Bowl in 1971. Along with this, the NCAA allowed freshmen to play on the varsity team. This would be quite significant because it allowed Ohio State's famed running back Archie Griffin to be able to play during the 1972 season.
