Just a Shot Away: The Ohio State Buckeyes’ Big Wins and Near-Misses in a Divided America

In the late 1960s, while the country tore itself apart over Vietnam, Ohio State's football and basketball teams were putting together one of the great runs in school history. The basketball team made a surprise trip to the Final Four. Woody Hayes and the 1968 football squad went undefeated and won the national championship. Then came the gut-punch upset loss to Michigan that killed any shot at back-to-back titles, and the rise of Jack Tatum, who went from Buckeye hero to one of the most feared hitters in NFL history. On the hardcourt, the Buckeyes came agonizingly close to even loftier success. "Just a Shot Away" tells these stories through the recollections of the student athletes who made it happen. Under two legendary coaches, these young men formed bonds that lasted a lifetime and built the foundation for successful lives long after they left Columbus. Author Dave Bennett — newspaper editor, writer, sports fan and OSU alum — brings it all together in a hardcover book that any Buckeye fan will want on the shelf. Books ship November 2026. Preorder yours today! In their words “I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every page! Dave’s book has brought back so many wonderful memories!” — Rex Kern, “Ole No. 10” Want even more Ohio State books and wall art? Check out our collection here.