CLEMSON, South Carolina -- Nearly 37 years ago, legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes threw the most famous punch in college football history -- and landed Dabo Swinney a star left tackle.
Hayes' infamous punch in the 1978 Gator Bowl might be the reason Clemson freshman Mitch Hyatt will be protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson's blind side in the No. 1 Tigers' showdown against No. 4 Oklahoma on New Year's Eve in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl.
On Dec. 29, 1978, nearly two decades before Hyatt was born, Hayes punched Clemson backup nose guard Charlie Baumann after he intercepted a pass and was tackled near the Ohio State sideline in the closing minutes of the Tigers' 17-15 victory in the Gator Bowl.