Notre Dame and Ohio State fans have seen the photo of Eddie George a million times since 1995. Here’s the story behind one of the most famous images in Buckeye history.
, a picture on par with images of Hopalong Cassady’s dash against Wisconsin and Woody Hayes’ patrol of a snowy sideline in a short-sleeved shirt.
Like a lot of their play designs, the sweep put him on the trail of Orlando Pace, the Buckeyes’ dominant left tackle.But a block by left guard Jamie Sumner became as critical in springing him loose. Sumner pulled to the left side, moving past Pace and tight end Rickey Dudley, and a couple of yards beyond the line of scrimmage, he knocked back Notre Dame linebacker Lyron Cobbins to open a clear running lane.
It was enough of a meandering angle that it allowed cornerback Shawn Wooden to catch up. Coming from the other side of the field, Wooden shoved him out of bounds at Notre Dame’s 19-yard line.Eddie George