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100 Teams in 100 Days: Ohio State wins Fifth Big Ten Title, but Fall to Michigan in 1939

Following a disappointing season in 1938, Francis Schmidt needed wins to cool his seat. He got those – and won a Big Ten championship in 1939 – but, the year was not without disappointment.

77 days and counting

It's 1939. Ohio State is coming off a four-win season and despite success in his first few years, some believed head coach Francis Schmidt might be coaching for his job.

Schmidt would silence his critics – for the most part – with a strong campaign in 1939, as he captured his second Big Ten championship, but two losses in an otherwise dominant campaign would haunt the coach, and prevent his team from playing for bigger prizes.