Former Ohio State, CFL star Sutherin dies at age 85

Don Sutherin, who kicked the game-winning field goal in the Rose Bowl for Ohio State's 1957 national championship team, has died at age 85.

His family notified The Dispatch that Sutherin died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital in Canton.

Sutherin's 34-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter provided the final points in Ohio State's 10-7 victory over Oregon in the 1958 Rose Bowl.

The Buckeyes (8-1) split the national title as a result. Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the UPI coaches poll.

Auburn, which was ineligible for a bowl because it was on probation for paying two players, finished No. 1 in the Associated Press media poll.

Sutherin also played defensive back for Ohio State. He was drafted in the eighth round of the 1958 draft by the New York Giants.

Sutherin played briefly in the NFL before having a Hall of Fame career in the Canadian Football League.

“He was a wonderful father, husband, friend and coach,” his daughter Rebecca said.

Bill Rabinowitz covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at brabinowitz@dispatch.com or on Twitter @brdispatch.