In the wake of a disappointing end to the 2000 football season, Ohio State made drastic changes in an effort to return to glory in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
After losing its last two games to Michigan and South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, Ohio State opted to fire longtime coach John Cooper — who boasted a 111-43-4 overall record as the head coach of the Buckeyes, but was bogged down by a 2-10-1 mark against Michigan and a 3-8 record in bowl games.
Sixteen days after Cooper’s dismissal, Ohio State announced the new head coach who would lead the program into the future, Jim Tressel. A four-time national champion at the helm of the Youngstown State football program, Tressel quickly won over the Ohio State fanbase, not just for his football acumen, but also for his character.
“While touring campus this week, three words constantly appeared: tradition, people and excellence,” Tressel said. “Our task will be to uphold and build upon the storied past of Ohio State football, while developing each individual to reach his full potential on and off the field. This must all be done within the framework of the team, as we seek the standard of excellence of our great state and institution.”
Tressel would leave his mark on the Ohio State fanbase immediately. While being introduced at an Ohio State men’s basketball game, Tressel essentially flipped the narrative regarding the Buckeyes’ misfortunes against their rivals to the north with a famous speech that still resonates with Ohio State fans to this day.
“I can assure you that you will be proud of your young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan,” Tressel said.
Before Tressel could prove himself against Michigan or the rest of the Big Ten, his first test at the helm of the Ohio State program came against Akron at Ohio Stadium.
Not only would Ohio State’s 2001 season-opener serve as Tressel’s debut, but fans were also introduced to a newly refurbished Ohio Stadium, which was also rededicated before the game. A record-setting 102,602 fans attended the game, which signaled a bright future for the program under Tressel’s leadership.
After Akron went three-and-out on its opening two drives, Ohio State broke the early stalemate, capping off an 8-play, 66-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown run from Johanthan Wells.
Following the touchdown, Ohio State’s defense forced another three-and-out from the Zips, holding Akron to just 14 yards across its first three drives.
Again, Ohio State responded quickly, going 36 yards in five plays in just 36 seconds to extend the lead to 14-0 thanks to a touchdown strike from quarterback Steve Bellisari to running back Jamar Martin.
The Buckeyes carried a two-touchdown lead into the second quarter, where they ultimately extended it further. In fact, Ohio State’s next score came as a result of what would be known as Tressel Ball.
After Ohio State punter B.J. Sander pinned Akron at its own 1-yard line, the Buckeyes’ defense came up big. Walk-on linebacker Jason Bond fell on a fumble by Akron’s Brandon Payne on the Zips’ opening drive, and the Buckeyes scored just one play later on a dive into the end zone by Wells.
Akron ultimately got on the board before the half on a 15-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Charlie Frye to wide receiver Jake Schifino, as Ohio State took a 21-7 advantage into halftime.
Ohio State’s opening drive of the second half showed promise until a fumble by Bellisari in the Akron red zone took the wind out of the Buckeyes’ sails and gave the Zips possession. The Buckeyes would score a few drives later, however, on a 61-yard touchdown pass from Bellisari to wide receiver Chris Vance.
The Buckeyes would coast from there, despite Akron tacking on one more touchdown off an 87-yard pick-six from defensive back Rickie Coble.
In Tressel’s debut 28-14 victory over Akron, Ohio State’s offense amassed 525 yards, led by Wells’ 119 rushing yards. Sophomore wideout Michael Jenkins also made his first start against the Zips, hauling in six receptions for 106 yards.
On the flip side, the Buckeyes held Akron to just 248 yards of total offense, maintaining firm control of the game for all 60 minutes.
The victory over the Zips set the tone for 10 years of success from Tressel, who led the Buckeyes to the 2002 national title, ending the program’s 32-year championship drought. Under Tressel, Ohio State also amassed a trio of BCS National Championship Game appearances, as well as a 9-1 record against Michigan.
