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WATCH: Former Ohio State star Rex Kern explains berth of Buckeye leaf decal
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Given the choice, Ohio State would prefer to be playing in the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Buckeyes have arrived in Pasadena and will take on Washington in the Rose Bowl.
And, interestingly enough, the 2019 Rose Bowl Game has some significance to the Buckeyes.
Ohio State appeared in the 1969 Rose Bowl, playing USC in the “Granddaddy of them all.” The Buckeyes posted a 26-17 victory over the Trojans and finishing the year with a 9-0 record.
But that game was also the first time Ohio State’s Buckeye leaf helmet decal was seen by a national audience. Now, the decal has become one of the most recognizable uniform aspects in college football.
Legendary Ohio State star Rex Kern provided some detail about the helmet sticker, explaining how it became a thing in Columbus. He said that it was part of a reward system put in place by head coach Woody Hayes.
Below, Kern explained the berth of the helmet decal. It’s pretty cool that Ohio State gets to participate in the 50-year anniversary of the game that made it so popular.
The Buckeye Leaf stickers on @OhioStateFB helmets are iconic, but 50 years ago they were the start of a trend.
According to former Buckeye QB Rex Kern, the 1969 Rose Bowl was the first time the nation got to see them on display. 👇 pic.twitter.com/Fd1tYAEG8S
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 28, 2018
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB