The Series

Ohio State leads the series 2-1, with a victory in 1977, loss in 1999, and a victory in 2003. Both the 1977 and 1999 games were season openers. The 2003 game was a 31-24 double-overtime thrilling victory by OSU in the BCS National Championship Game in Tempe, Arizona. Below is a breakdown of that incredible game.

 

Pregame

OSU went into the game an 11.5 underdog to the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes with a 34 game winning streak.

 

First Quarter

The OSU defense came out strong and sacked Miami QB Dorsey twice in the first series. Later in the quarter Dorsey threw a 25 yd TD to Parrish.

 

Second Quarter

In the second quarter OSU scored twice on two turnovers in a 78-second span. On the first turnover, Mike Doss picked off a pass and ran 35 yards. Seven plays later Krenzel ran it in from the 1-yard line. Dorsey turned over on the next possession when Kenny Peterson brought him down and Darion Scott recovered the loose ball. Clarrett ran it in two plays later to put OSU up 14-7.

 

Third Quarter

OSU kicker Nugent kicked a big 44-yard FG to put OSU up 17-7. Six minutes later McGahee ran it in 9 yards to bring Miami within three points.

 

Fourth Quarter

Miami hit a 40-yard FG in the final play of the fourth quarter to put the game into overtime.

 

First OT

In the first possession Miami receiver Winslow brought in a 7 yard pass for a touchdown. OSU was forced to convert a fourth and 14 with a pass. Later OSU had it with fourth and three from the five yard line and Krenzel threw to the right corner of the end zone to Chris Gamble. Gamble was covered by Glenn Sharpe. Gamble reached for the ball and couldn't bring it in. As Miami players and fans began to celebrate, field judge Terry Porter threw a flag for pass interference.Three plays later Krenzel scored from the first.

 

Second OT

OSU had the ball first and Clarett ran into the endzone after a five play drive. Miami took the ball and moved it to the 1-yard line. On fourth and 1 Cie Grant blitzed and Dorsey threw the ball towards OSU LB Matt Wilhelm who knocked it down. OSU won its first National Championship in 34 years, score 31-24, with a perfect 14-0 record.