Many questions surrounded Earle Bruce's third team. The squad needed to replace 11 starters and only had 26 returning lettermen, the fewest in 14 years.
The offense returned the most experience with seven starters back, including quarterback Art Schlichter. The unknown rested on the defensive side, which had seven new starters.
| The 1981 Buckeyes | |
|---|---|
| Record | 9–3 |
| B1G Record | 6–2, 1st |
| Coach | Earle Bruce (3rd year, 29–7) |
| CaptainS | Glen Cobb, Art Schlichter |
September 12th • Duke • Ohio Stadium
The Buckeyes entered the 1981 season ranked 11th in the nation, and faced Duke for the first time in 11 years.