Although the Ohio State offense was less than impressive during the Fiesta Bowl, it came up big when it needed to and scored enough points to help capture the university’s seventh national championship.
The Buckeyes gained only 267 yards of total offense, compared with Miami’s 369. Their leading rusher was quarterback Craig Krenzel, who completed just one-third of his passes.
Yet, the offense scored 31 points — the most it had since Nov. 2 against Minnesota — outscoring one of the most powerful offenses in the nation.
The Buckeyes capitalized on good chances and did everything right when it counted.
“That is how you win championships — you make plays,” said OSU football coach Jim Tressel.
All 17 points OSU scored in regulation came from turnovers. The longest scoring drive was 28 yards, which ended in a Mike Nugent field goal. The longest regulation touchdown drive was 17 yards, which was jump-started when safety Mike Doss intercepted a pass from Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey and returned the ball 35 yards.
“They’re a good football team — and well coached — and played extremely hard,” said Miami football coach Larry Coker.
However, the biggest play for the Buckeye offense came in the first overtime, when it faced a fourth and 14. Krenzel completed a 17-yard pass to wide receiver Michael Jenkins to keep the drive and the season alive.
“On fourth and long, Mike just ran a comeback route and the offensive line did a great job protecting me and giving Mike time to get into his route,” Krenzel said. “The ball was thrown on time, and he caught it. The rest was history.”
Seven plays and a pass interference call on fourth down later, the Buckeyes were in the end zone and had tied the game.
“If we didn’t make those, we wouldn’t be here,” Tressel said. “Craig Krenzel stepped up.”
The Buckeyes scored first in the second overtime on a Maurice Clarett rushing touchdown, and the defense did the rest to seal the victory.
“Maurice Clarett is a tremendous competitor, and he cares a lot about his teammates. I think he’s probably relieved to be walking out of here as national champions,” Tressel said.
Krenzel gained 81 yards rushing and scored two rushing touchdowns, earning him the Offensive Player of the Game award. His totals were more than both Clarett and Miami Heisman finalist Willis McGahee.
“We’ve always had the best damn band in the land. Now we have the best damn team in the land,” Tressel said as he accepted the National Championship trophy Friday.
