The 1977 Orange Bowl featured a matchup between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The #12 Buffaloes came into the game from the Big Eight with a 8–3 record. The Buckeyes came out of the Big Ten with an 8-2-1 record, ranked 11th in the nation. Colorado scored quickly, jumping out to an early 10-0 lead. However, Rod Gerald, who had not played since the seventh game of the season due to a bone chip in his lower back, came off the bench to lead the Bucks to its ninth win of the season. Ohio State with 271 yards rushing, outgained Colorado 330-271.