http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/ news/20130104/2003-fiesta-bowl-oral-history/?sct=h p_wr_a1&eref=sihp

Apparently Fox was in lala land after being concussed early, same with Nickey later.  Doss was in the zone, Canes respected CK's tuffness, Some Canes still in denial, they quickly realized this was not a walkover game, Grant broke his finger in the game, Parish's return was a result of Fox/Doss being green on ST and being gassed by that point in the game, Taylor and Mcgahee were boss players but OSU competed just fine.

I read this last night. It's an interesting mix of new revelations and a walk down memory lane.

I can't get the address to work properly. Could you link it?

Interesting seeing the players perspective. Outstanding article.

buhkeiz wrote: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/ news/20130104/2003-fiesta-bowl-oral-history/?sct=h p_wr_a1&eref=sihp

Apparently Fox was in lala land after being concussed early, same with Nickey later.  Doss was in the zone, Canes respected CK's tuffness, Some Canes still in denial, they quickly realized this was not a walkover game, Grant broke his finger in the game, Parish's return was a result of Fox/Doss being green on ST and being gassed by that point in the game, Taylor and Mcgahee were boss players but OSU competed just fine.

 I never understood why JT didn't have Groom punt the ball out of bounce. In a close game near the end. Why give a game breaker a chance to win /tie the game? The game should have ended in regulation.

The non hold on Gamble when the video shows clearly Sharp grabbing on to his jersey not once but twice. Then same play the Gamble ruled ob on the catch for a 1st down. That would have allowed the Buckeyes to run out the clock.

Miami players much like their fans are in denial.  I like the comment by Krentzel, when you mention the horrendous call on the Gamble catch in the 4th quarter, Miami fans and players go quiet.  Bad calls in favor of Miami were the only reason they were even close in regulation but the sheep only see one call (and they didn't even see the entire play) as the deciding factor.  Take away the obvious hold on Gamble and the fact he caught the ball in bounds, the absurd holding which allowed Miami to generate any offense in the 4th quarter and blatant clip on the return and OSU coasts to the victory.

Thanks for the link. Great read, man we celebrated THAT night!!

OriginalDCBuck wrote: Miami players much like their fans are in denial.  I like the comment by Krentzel, when you mention the horrendous call on the Gamble catch in the 4th quarter, Miami fans and players go quiet.  Bad calls in favor of Miami were the only reason they were even close in regulation but the sheep only see one call (and they didn't even see the entire play) as the deciding factor.  Take away the obvious hold on Gamble and the fact he caught the ball in bounds, the absurd holding which allowed Miami to generate any offense in the 4th quarter and blatant clip on the return and OSU coasts to the victory.

All too true.  The game should have ended 17-7, but officiating (or lack thereof) allowed Miami there chance to catch up to and tie OSU in the 4th Qtr.  Had OSU been given just a couple of the legitimate PI calls, OSU prevents Miami scoring.  Oh well, no asterisk by that trophy.  OSU is the 2002 National Champion.  Dan FOuts can cry all he wishes yet.

Whenever Miami fans still whine... I point out the pics of both the PI on OT, as well as the holds on Gamble and the "catch" ruled an incompletion, then I will also mention what I pointed out right after the game... Miami entered the game as the most penalized team int he country and OSU was 3rd lowest, yet OSU was called for 50% more penalties than its season average and Miami 1/3 less.

Next time I watch the game, I'm going to look for Dustin Fox to see if it is noticeable that he is  consussed and out of it.  Seems like he should have come out at some point.

Very cool article. I thoroughly enjoyed it, just like I did being in attendance 10 years ago. Definitely the highlight of my sports watching life.

Excellent link, thanks for posting.

I watched the replay of the game on BTN while back in Ohio recently, and most people forget how OSU really dominated much of it (on the field, if not always statistically), and how, frankly, it could have been worse. Imagine just tuning in & seeing "Ohio State 17 Miami 7" on the screen.

As Krenzel touched on, Miami fans (& some players) always want to complain about the PI call (even though it's been clearly verified as correct), but also always want to overlook the previous non-call that kept the U in the game. It should never gone into OT.

In any event, the better team won.

Oh, and for the player who said something like "Miami only lost 2 games in 3 years- who does that?" Well, try Oklahoma from 1954 to 1957 (31-0), Ohio State 1968-70 (27-2), and I'm sure there have been others.