Ohio State Football Has a Debt to Pay One of the Most Important People in Program History
As one of the most storied and successful programs in college football, Ohio State has been shaped by the contributions of countless individuals who have left indelible marks on the program. From legendary players to iconic coaches, the Buckeyes have a rich history filled with individuals whose achievements have elevated the school’s football program to national prominence. However, as much as Ohio State has achieved on the field, there remains an outstanding debt to one of the most influential figures in the program’s history: Earle Bruce.
Earle Bruce’s impact on Ohio State football extends far beyond the statistics and championships. His tenure as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1979 to 1987 laid the groundwork for the program’s sustained excellence throughout the 1980s and beyond. He may not have the same level of recognition as Woody Hayes or Urban Meyer, but Bruce’s contributions cannot be overlooked. As Ohio State has continued to ascend in the world of college football, it is clear that Bruce’s influence helped shape the program into the powerhouse it is today.
In this article, we will explore why Earle Bruce deserves recognition and the “debt” that Ohio State football owes to him. We will examine his legacy, the challenges he faced during his time in Columbus, and the lasting impact he made on the university and the program. Through this analysis, we will uncover why it’s time for Ohio State to fully acknowledge the role Bruce played in the program’s success and the role he should continue to have in its future.
Earle Bruce’s Arrival at Ohio State
In 1978, the Ohio State Buckeyes found themselves in a difficult situation. After the infamous incident involving Woody Hayes, the legendary coach was fired after a physical altercation with a Clemson player during the 1978 Gator Bowl, ending a remarkable era of success for the Buckeyes. The university was tasked with finding a new leader to guide the program. Enter Earle Bruce, a rising star in the coaching ranks who had been highly successful at Iowa State.
Bruce’s hiring was met with excitement and optimism. He was seen as a coach with the potential to continue the success of Hayes’s era, and Ohio State fans were eager to see what he could do. His appointment marked a pivotal moment in the history of Ohio State football, as the program needed a strong leader who could maintain its competitiveness on the national stage and continue its legacy of success.
At first glance, Bruce seemed like the perfect choice. He was a former assistant coach under Woody Hayes and understood the culture and expectations of the program. His experience coaching at Iowa State, where he had turned the program into a competitive force, gave him credibility. But perhaps most importantly, Bruce’s deep understanding of the Ohio State tradition made him an ideal fit to succeed Hayes.
Building a Competitive Program: Success on the Field
Earle Bruce’s tenure at Ohio State was marked by a strong start and consistent success. In his first season as head coach in 1979, Bruce led the Buckeyes to an impressive 11-1 record and a victory in the Rose Bowl. This early success set the tone for the next several years, as Bruce’s teams consistently competed for Big Ten titles and made regular appearances in the bowl season.
Throughout his time in Columbus, Bruce’s teams were characterized by tough, physical football. He inherited the foundation of the “Woody Hayes” style of play, with a focus on a powerful running game and a tough defense. However, Bruce also brought his own innovations to the program, emphasizing recruiting and utilizing the growing talent pool in Ohio to keep the team competitive at the national level.
While Bruce did not win a national championship during his tenure, his teams consistently competed for major bowl games and were often in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff (though the playoff format wasn’t established until long after Bruce left). Bruce’s teams were regularly ranked in the top 10, and his ability to build strong relationships with players and coaches helped maintain the high standard of excellence at Ohio State.
Bruce’s leadership also helped Ohio State remain relevant in the national conversation. His teams were competitive in the Big Ten, and he helped keep the Buckeyes at the forefront of college football despite the tumultuous period following the departure of Woody Hayes. His leadership during a time of uncertainty for the program was crucial in ensuring that Ohio State remained a competitive force in the years to come.
Challenges and Controversies: The Other Side of the Coin
While Earle Bruce’s impact on the field was significant, his tenure at Ohio State was not without its challenges and controversies. The most notable of these was his inability to defeat Ohio State’s archrival, Michigan, on a consistent basis.
From 1979 to 1987, Bruce faced off against Michigan’s head coach, Bo Schembechler, in what became one of the most intense and closely watched rivalries in college football. While Bruce had some success, including an impressive 1984 victory in Ann Arbor, he ultimately finished with a 3-5 record against Michigan. This failure to consistently beat Michigan became a focal point for critics of Bruce’s tenure, and it eventually led to his firing after the 1987 season.
Despite his success in other areas, the inability to win The Game proved to be Bruce’s undoing. The pressure of the rivalry loomed large over his career, and it became a source of frustration for fans and boosters who expected Ohio State to beat Michigan on a regular basis. This loss of dominance in the rivalry, combined with a disappointing end to his time at Ohio State, led to Bruce’s departure after the 1987 season.
Although Bruce’s tenure ended on a sour note, his contributions to Ohio State football should not be overlooked. His ability to build a competitive program, recruit top talent, and maintain Ohio State’s position as a national contender was instrumental in the program’s success during the 1980s. While he may have failed to secure a national title or consistently beat Michigan, his legacy deserves recognition for what he accomplished during his time in Columbus.
The Debt Ohio State Owes Earle Bruce
As Ohio State continues to compete for national championships and maintain its position as one of the top programs in college football, it is clear that the program owes a great deal to Earle Bruce. His contributions were instrumental in shaping Ohio State football during a time of transition, and he laid the foundation for the success that followed.
Despite his lack of a national title, Bruce’s influence on the program cannot be denied. His leadership helped Ohio State weather the storm after Woody Hayes’s departure, and his efforts in recruiting and developing talent played a key role in the program’s sustained success. Moreover, Bruce’s impact on the players he coached was profound. Many of his former players went on to have successful careers in the NFL, and they continue to speak highly of Bruce’s mentorship and leadership.
In the years since his departure from Ohio State, Bruce’s legacy has been overshadowed by the success of coaches like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, both of whom won national championships at Ohio State. However, it is important to remember that Bruce was the one who kept Ohio State relevant during a critical period for the program. His impact on the program is still felt today, and the success that Ohio State has enjoyed in the years following his tenure would not have been possible without his leadership and vision.
Recognizing Earle Bruce’s Legacy
It is time for Ohio State to fully recognize and celebrate the contributions of Earle Bruce to the program. While he may not have the same level of recognition as other coaches in Ohio State’s history, his impact on the program cannot be understated. Bruce played a pivotal role in maintaining Ohio State’s position as a top-tier program during the 1980s, and his leadership set the stage for the success that followed.
In recent years, Ohio State has made strides in acknowledging its past and honoring the contributions of former players, coaches, and administrators. It is time for Earle Bruce to receive the recognition he deserves. This could come in the form of a place in the Ohio State Football Hall of Fame, a commemorative event, or simply a greater acknowledgment of his contributions during broadcasts and events.
As Ohio State looks toward the future, it should not forget the debt it owes to one of the most important figures in its history. Earle Bruce’s contributions helped shape the program into what it is today, and his legacy deserves to be celebrated alongside the greats of Ohio State football.
