Buckeye History

This week we visit a game from 2002, the National Championship season.

Ohio State vs. Cincinnati, September 21, 2002

The sixth ranked Buckeyes went on the road for the first time since 1934 to face an in-state opponent. The game was held at the home of the Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium. OSU went into the game 4-0 and Cincinnati was considered a 17-point underdog. The crowd topped out at a reported 66,319, which is said to be a record for a game in Cincinnati. Gino Guidugli and the Bearcats struck first, with a touchdown drive in the first quarter, but the PAT failed. Later that quarter Cincinnati hit a 44-yard field goal. One of the biggest plays of the day was Craig Krenzel hitting tight end Ben Hartsock for a 20-yard touchdown pass, putting OSU on the scoreboard. Cincinnati brought out the kicking unit one more time and hit an impressive 49-yarder later in the second quarter. At halftime, OSU was down 12 to 7. OSU had three turnovers in the first half, a fumble by running back Maurice Hall and two interceptions thrown by Krenzel. OSU forced Cincinnati to a three and out early in the second half. OSU drove the field with Lydell Ross, who was in for the injured Maurice Clarett. Krenzel connected with Chris Vance for a touchdown, giving OSU their first lead, 14-12. However, the Bearcats had a long drive, finished with a touchdown to take back the lead. OSU followed with a long drive, and they almost went for it on 4th and 2, but a penalty for too many men on the field, forced a field goal attempt, which was good for 24-yards. Later that quarter Chris Gamble came up big with an interception in the endzone, allowing the Buckeyes to go back on offense. OSU drove the ball with a big catch by Michael Jenkins and some impressive running by Ross, with Krenzel running the ball into the endzone. The 2-point conversion failed. OSU had the lead, but Cincinnati was able to drive the ball yet again. Matt Wilhelm popped a potential touchdown pass into the air, allowing Will Allen to make the interception. OSU came out with a close win, which happened often that season, 23-19.