COLUMBUS—Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit walked off the field at Ohio Stadium on Saturday with mixed emotions. After leading the Buckeyes in a hard-fought 13-13 tie against Michigan, the senior signal-caller expressed both pride and frustration.

Herbstreit Reflects on Hard-Fought Tie Against Michigan.

 

Columbus Dispatch – November 22, 1992

 

COLUMBUS—Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit walked off the field at Ohio Stadium on Saturday with mixed emotions. After leading the Buckeyes in a hard-fought 13-13 tie against Michigan, the senior signal-caller expressed both pride and frustration.

 

“It’s tough,” Herbstreit said after his final game in scarlet and gray. “You play this game to win, especially against Michigan. But at the same time, I couldn’t be prouder of how this team fought.”

 

Herbstreit turned in one of the best performances of his career, completing 28 of 46 passes for 271 yards—a school record for completions in a single game. His ability to manage the offense and sustain drives kept the Buckeyes in the game against their archrivals. However, Ohio State struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.

 

Michigan, led by quarterback Elvis Grbac, mounted a late push, but the Buckeye defense held firm. A missed field goal by the Wolverines in the closing minutes preserved the tie, a result that left fans on both sides with an unsatisfying conclusion.

 

Despite the disappointment, Herbstreit’s leadership stood out. The Cincinnati native, who grew up dreaming of playing in The Game, finished his career with a performance that showcased his resilience and dedication. Though the Buckeyes fell short of a Rose Bowl berth, Herbstreit’s effort earned praise from head coach John Cooper.

 

“Kirk played his heart out,” Cooper said. “He gave us everything he had.”

 

As Herbstreit left the field for the last time as a Buckeye, the weight of the moment was clear. “I’ll never forget this,” he said. “This team, this game—it means everything.”