The Buckeyes gained an average of 217.2 rushing yards and 196.3 passing yards per game. On defense, they gave up 89.5 rushing yards and 133.5 passing yards per game.[2] Quarterback duties were split between juniorStanley Jackson (1,239 passing yards) and sophomoreJoe Germaine (1,062 passing yards). The team's other statistical leaders included running backPepe Pearson (1,373 rushing yards) and wide receiverDimitrious Stanley (38 receptions for 705 yards).[2] Offensive tackleOrlando Pace, defensive endMike Vrabel, and defensive backShawn Springs were selected as consensus first-team All-Americans.[3] Four Ohio State players received first-team honors on the1996 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Pace (Coaches/Media); Vrabel (Coaches/Media); Springs (Coaches/Media); and defensive endMatt Finkes (Coaches/Media).[4]
Ohio State went into the Rose Bowl with high hopes, and Germaine came off the bench and threw a late touchdown pass toDavid Boston to steal a come-from-behind victory. With the Buckeyes dramatic upset victory over the Sun Devils, Buckeye fans hoped for a share of the national title. However, Florida later avenged a late season loss to their rivals, and beat the Seminoles by a score of 52–20. Florida finished first and Ohio State second in both polls, followed by Florida State and Arizona State. The Rose Bowl appearance was the Buckeyes first since1985. The Rose Bowl victory was the sixth in school history, the first since1974. Germaine was named Rose Bowl MVP.
