Ohio State scored first when quarterback Mike Tomczak scored on a three-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown, opening up a 7–0 lead. Pittsburgh tied the score on a 6-yard touchdown pass from John Congemi to wide receiver Clint Wilson, tying the score at 7–7. Running back Keith Byars scored on an 11-yard touchdown run before halftime, to give Ohio State a 14–7 halftime lead.
After a scoreless third quarter, the action increased in the fourth. Pitt wide receiver Clint Wilson recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown to tie the game at 14. Byars took the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, as Ohio State reclaimed a 21–14 lead. Congemi then found Dwight Collins for a touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed, and Ohio State held on to a 21–20 lead. A 37-yard field goal from Tom Everett with 2:39 left, gave Pittsburgh a 23–21 lead, and appeared to be the game winning kick. Tomczak threw a 39-yard touchdown strike to Thad Jemison for the game-winning touchdown, with 39 seconds left, and Ohio State escaped with a 28–23 win.[1]
