There have been so many cool sports moments in this sports fan’s lifetime. I love to watch athletes give their all and utilize their gifts and talents. The 2003 Fiesta Bowl did just that. The 2003 Fiesta Bowl featured two highly respected college football teams. The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami Hurricanes. This game had so many exciting moments, To many the 2003 Fiesta Bowl became an instant football classic. There were so many great moments in this game it is hard to pinpoint one ultimate moment. However, one of my proudest moments as an Ohio State alumni had to be that night after the game when Jim Tressel and the Ohio State football team accepted the Division I National Championship trophy.
The 2003 Fiesta Bowl game was played at the Sun Bowl Stadium in Tempe, Arizona on January 3, 2003. The two highly respected football organizations that played in this great gridiron battle were both undefeated entering this contest. The Ohio State Buckeyes ended their 2002 regular football season with a 12-0 record. The Miami Hurricanes were 13-0. The game went into double overtime with The Ohio State Buckeyes winning 31-24.
Despite the undefeated record, The Ohio State Buckeyes were consdered heavy underdogs for this game. This Fiesta Bowl game was the first Division I National Championship game for The Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel. In fact the 2002 season was only the second season for Jim Tressel to be The Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach. All eyes were on the young star running back Maurice Clarett. The Buckeyes were led by quarterback Craig Krenzel. The glue througout the year for the Buckeyes had been safety Mike Doss. The 2003 Fiesta Bowl game most valuable players were Craig Krenzel and Mike Doss.
The Miami Hurricanes entered the game as an overwhelming powerhouse football team. With their reputation and 13-0 record, the Hurricanes were expected to overpower the Buckeyes. Which is why this sports fan loves the spirit of the underdog. This sports fan enjoyed watching the explosive Hurrican offense in this game. One of the offensive players for the Hurricanes was Kellon Winslow Jr. It was fun to watch him play in this game because it reminded me of watching his dad play for the San Diego Chargers.
There was so much history in this game. For one, not many football bowl games go into double game. It was one of those games that a fan just never wanted to end. However it did with the Buckeyes being victorious. The victory was Jim Tressel’s first National Championship as a Division I head coach. It was also the first national championship for The Ohio State University football team since 1968. Woody Hayes was the head football coach for the Buckeyes in 1968.
Since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl game, many negative things have happened in these two college football programs. However, this classic bowl game will always be one of the greatest viewed sports events in this sports fan’s memory.
Sources:
www.wikipedia.org./2003FiestaBowl
Personal Knowledge
