Keith Byars getting robbed of ’84 Heisman still haunts Buckeye fans

The year is 1984 and Keith Byars is the new Ohio State record-holder for all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,441 yards. He also demolished the record for rushing yards in a single season with 1,764 yards while chipping in 22 touchdowns. Byars was an absolute man among boys, averaging a whopping 5.3 yards per carry.

Let’s not forget Byars was also the definition of a total package with insane receiving ability (which would explain the seamless move to tight end during his NFL career). Byars snagged 42 receptions for 479 yards and two more touchdowns. Oh, did we also forget his 35-yard touchdown pass or his eight kick returns for an average of 24.8 yards per return? If you have seen “Friday Night Lights” then Byars was basically Boobie Miles.

Any other season and Byars would have a Heisman Trophy, but Doug Flutie had one of the more magical college football seasons in the history of the game, mounted one of the most iconic upsets and, on top of that, created one of the most memorable highlights in college football history. I don’t need to go any further into Doug Flutie and his time at Boston College with the Hail Mary pass to defeat powerhouse Miami.

At the end of the day, Flutie took home the bronze statue with Byars finishing as the runner-up in voting.

Many people will point to a “lack” of a Heisman moment for Byars, but this is completely untrue. Byars had one of the most memorable games in Ohio State history with an insane highlight to go with it. Byars rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns against Illinois and had a 67 yard rushing touchdown that featured him losing his shoe. Few remember that the Buckeyes were down by 24 points before Byars found his groove.

At the end of the day, Doug Flutie had an incredible season and it was worthy of the Heisman, but it is a shame Byars doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

For some Ohio State fans, Byars was the favorite player of a generation. He is a little forgotten to new OSU fans, but he was super-talented and came a whisker away from winning a Heisman.

To this day, many still believe he had the better year, and you have to wonder how the voting would have shaken out if what he did took place in today’s game.

List

Ohio State football's top 20 rushers in school history

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.