|
 2002 Ohio State vs Xichigan
 A tense, hard-fought classic. Xichigan controls the 1st half with long, chain-moving drives and 3rd down conversions, but is forced to settle for FGs and leads only 9-7 at the break. Back from a shoulder injury, Maurice Clarett gives a huge boost to the offense, grinding out 119 yds on 20 carries. He sets the tone on OSU's opening drive with a 28-yd burst that sets up his 2-yd score, the only TD of the 1st half. The game tightens into stalemate in the 3rd filled with flags, stalled drives and punts. The ball lives around midfield, setting the stage for Ohio State's 4th quarter finish. From the Buckeye 43, Craig Krenzel hits Brandon Schnittker for 14, comes up inches short on 3rd and 7, then sneaks for 2 yds on 4th-and-1 to keep the season alive. He then finds Clarett on a clutch 26-yd pass to the 6, and Maurice Hall takes an option pitch into the end zone with 4:55 left for a 14-9 lead. TTUN has their shots, but the defense answers in the biggest moments. Darrion Scott strip/sacks John Navarre and Will Smith recovers at the OSU 36 with 2:02 remaining. Xichigan forces a punt and drives to the OSU 24 in the final seconds, but DB Will Allen undercuts a goal line heave for an INT as time expires to seal a trip to the National Championship. |
Brought to you by mcmillenandwife.com
