 Hayes was replaced by a former protégé, Earle Bruce.Bruce inherited a strong team led by sophomore quarterback Art Schlichter but that had also lost 11 starters, and the 1979 squad exceeded pre-season expectations, ending the 3-year loss drought against Michigan and going to the Rose Bowl with an opportunity once again to be national champions.The Buckeyes lost both by a single point, 17–16, but Bruce was named Coach of the Year.