History: The Last 3 Games Between OSU & UM
Sept. 17, 2011
UM History Books: All-Time Series Results
CORAL GABLES, Fla. —Miami. Ohio State. Two of the most storied programs in college football history prepare for battle on Saturday at Sun Life Stadium in a rare early season head-to-head contest. The Hurricanes and the Buckeyes will be squaring off for only the fifth time ever, with the Buckeyes holding the current series edge, 3-1. Here is a brief history of the last three meetings between these College Football Powers.
August 29, 1999 – Kickoff Classic – East Rutherford, N.J.
(12) Hurricanes – 23 vs. (8) Buckeyes – 12
Twenty-two years after their first ever match-up, both the #12 Hurricanes and the #8 Buckeyes entered their season opening tilt at Giants Stadium ready to make a statement. The #8 Buckeyes, fresh off a Sugar Bowl victory and second-place finish to the 1998 season, prepared themselves for a national title quest despite the loss of many key veterans. The Hurricanes, after successfully ending #3 UCLA’s title run and capping their own 1998 season with a Micron PC Bowl victory over North Carolina State, hoped to build on their own late season momentum to begin their 1999 campaign.
Hurricanes sophomore Kenny Kelly, making his first career start for Miami, threw for 245 yards, including 115 yards to Santana Moss, as he helped the Canes earn the edge in offensive yardage by a 398 to 220 margin. After a seven-yard run for a touchdown in the second quarter, Kelly heaved a downfield pass to Moss, who caught the ball and outraced the Buckeye secondary for a 67-yard touchdown just before halftime. Running back James Jackson, replacing the NFL-bound Edgerrin James and making only his second career start for Miami, ran for 89 yards, including a 44-yard first quarter touchdown, as the Hurricanes prevailed in the Kickoff Classic, 23-12.
January 3rd, 2003 – Fiesta Bowl – Tempe, Ariz.
(1) Hurricanes 24 vs. (2) Buckeyes 31 – 2OT
The Hurricanes, on a quest for back-to-back national championships, faced the Buckeyes only four years later in the Fiesta Bowl hungry for another victory. Though widely considered the underdogs, the Buckeyes finished 2002 ranked #2 overall after reeling off thirteen consecutive wins to start the season. The Hurricanes, winners of 34 straight games and holding the #1 ranking in the nation, were looking to become the first team since the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1994/1995) to repeat as national champions.
The 2003 Fiesta Bowl, often considered one of the greatest games ever played, packed excitement and star power into the first 60 minutes. After a tightly contested four quarters, Canes’ kicker Todd Sievers ensured overtime with a 40-yard field goal at the end of regulation that tied the game at 17 points apiece. The two teams then entered into the first ever overtime period of a national championship game.
Quarterback Ken Dorsey led his team to a touchdown in the first frame, connecting with tight end Kellen Winslow on a 7-yard pass that put the Canes up by a 24-17 margin. The Hurricane defense, forcing a 4th and 14 of the Buckeye offense on the ensuing drive, could not seal the deal. The Buckeyes would score the tying touchdown after a controversial pass interference call gave them a new set of downs. In the second overtime period, the Buckeyes, after scoring a rushing touchdown of their own, stopped the Hurricanes on the goal line to earn their seventh national championship in school history.
September 11, 2010 – Columbus, Ohio
(12) Hurricanes – 24 vs. (2) Buckeyes – 36
In only week two, the #12 Hurricanes entered their 2010 match-up with the #2 Buckeyes at the Horseshoe confident and ready to make amends for the national championship game haunts of the 2002 season. The Buckeyes, featuring an offense led by dual-threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor, had been considered an early national championship contender. The game, featuring talent on both sides of the ball, had all the makings of one of the most exciting early season matchups.
First-half special teams touchdowns, including a kickoff return from Lamar Miller and a punt return from Travis Benjamin, had the Canes down only nine points to start the second half. Despite a 7-catch, 90-yard performance from wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and 94 yards on the ground from running back Damien Berry, the Hurricanes could not match up to Ohio State offense. Pryor, who threw for 233 yards and ran for 113 more, accounted for two touchdowns while kicker Devin Barclay kicked five field goals, as the Buckeyes defeated the Hurricanes 36-24.
YouTube Highlights of the Game
Single game and season tickets are still available for the home opener against Ohio State but are moving fast. To purchase tickets call 1-800-GoCanes or visit HurricaneSports.com.
