In 2002, the Miami Hurricanes Football Vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football matchup featured two of the nation’s top championship contenders. Miami entered the game as the defending national champion with a remarkable winning streak, while Ohio State completed an undefeated regular season under head coach Jim Tressel.
Their meeting in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, which decided the 2002 BCS National Championship, became one of the most memorable and controversial games in college football history, with Ohio State winning 31–24 in double overtime.
OSU running back Keionte Scott performed brilliantly by leaping over Sayin’s outlet pass into the end zone for a first down.
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Carson Beck | QB |
| Emory Williams | QB |
| Luke Nickel | QB |
| Judd Anderson | QB |
| Mark Fletcher Jr. | RB |
| Jordan Lyle | RB |
| CharMar Brown | RB |
| Girard Pringle Jr. | RB |
| Keelan Marion | WR |
| Joshisa Trader | WR |
| Joshua Moore | WR |
| Ny Carr | WR |
| Malachi Toney | WR |
| Elijah Lofton | TE |
| Alex Bauman | TE |
| Francis Mauigoa | OL |
| Samson Okunlola | OL |
| Anez Cooper | OL |
| Rueben Bain Jr. | DL |
| Akheem Mesidor | DL |
| Justin Scott | DL |
| Mohamed Toure | LB |
| Wesley Bissainthe | LB |
| Damari Brown | DB |
| Keionte Scott | DB |
| OJ Frederique Jr. | DB |
| Zaquan Patterson | S |
| Andres Borregales | K |
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Julian Sayin | QB |
| Lincoln Kienholz | QB |
| Tavien St. Clair | QB |
| Trey Robinette | QB |
| Bo Jackson | RB |
| CJ Donaldson | RB |
| James Peoples | RB |
| Isaiah West | RB |
| Brandon Inniss | WR |
| Bryson Rodgers | WR |
| Quincy Porter | WR |
| Jeremiah Smith | WR |
| Jelani Thurman | TE |
| Sonny Styles | LB |
| C.J. Hicks | DL |
| Beau Atkinson | DL |
| Kenyatta Jackson Jr. | DE |
| Kayden McDonald | DT |
| Davison Igbinosun | CB |
| Bryce West | CB |
| Miles Lockhart | CB |
| Faheem Delane | S |
| Zion Grady | DL |
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Indiana | CFP National Championship | Lost 21–27 |
| Jan 2026 | Ole Miss | Fiesta Bowl (CFP) | Won 31–27 |
| Dec 2025 | Ohio State | Cotton Bowl (CFP) | Won 24–14 |
| Dec 2025 | Texas A&M | CFP First Round | Won 10–3 |
| Nov 2025 | Syracuse | ACC | Won |
| Nov 2025 | Virginia Tech | ACC | Won |
| Nov 2025 | SMU | ACC | Won |
| Nov 2025 | Louisville | ACC | Won |
| Oct 2025 | Florida State | ACC | Won |
| Oct 2025 | NC State | ACC | Won |
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | Miami | Cotton Bowl (CFP) | Lost 14–24 |
| Dec 2025 | Penn State | Big Ten Championship | Lost |
| Nov 2025 | Michigan | Big Ten | Won |
| Nov 2025 | Purdue | Big Ten | Won |
| Nov 2025 | UCLA | Big Ten | Won |
| Nov 2025 | Wisconsin | Big Ten | Won |
| Oct 2025 | Iowa | Big Ten | Won |
| Oct 2025 | Illinois | Big Ten | Won |
| Oct 2025 | Washington | Big Ten | Won |
| Oct 2025 | Michigan State | Big Ten | Won |
The First Meeting
Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes will face off this New Year’s Eve for a classic matchup between two legendary programs that has held special significance to both sides for 20 years – one side hoping for revenge, and one hoping to avenge a tough loss 20 years ago. Both games hold special meaning for each side involved – make no mistake: both will make history this night!
Miami entered the 2003 Fiesta Bowl with a powerhouse lineup featuring Willis McGahee and Andre Johnson at running back, along with Heisman winner quarterback Ken Dorsey as Heisman winner quarterback.
They were 13 point favorites but faced one of the greatest upsets ever seen in College Football Playoff history when faced with Ohio State.
After an even first quarter, it seemed as if Ohio State was on their way to an easy win, but things began to shift dramatically in the third. Five UM turnovers allowed Ohio State to take an early lead into the fourth.
Once tied again at 19-19, Hurricanes kicker Todd Sievers hit a 40-yard field goal to give his team hope of victory in overtime.
But Terry Porter of Ohio State made an unfavorable call on an attempted interception by Buckeye safety Ken Sharpe that caused heartbreak for both teams’ fans.
Porter flagged Sharpe for pass interference which ultimately cost the Hurricanes their national title and has left fans of both teams feeling bitter over time.
At its core, this game became a defensive battle between two top defenses. Both teams were limited to under 100 yards passing while Miami’s defense held Ohio State to just 17 points.
This game was an epic tale of underdog success as Miami managed to pull off an unlikely victory and advance to their inaugural College Football Playoff semifinal.
Though they were heavily outmatched defensively against Ohio State, Miami still managed to make some big plays both offensively and defensively that allowed them to advance into CFP semifinals for the first time ever.
Miami had the top rushing attack, as Mark Fletcher and Carson Beck combined for 174 yards on the ground. Additionally, Keionte Scott provided Miami with an important pick six in the second quarter that helped open up their victory margin.
The Second Meeting
Ohio State’s defense struggled to contain Miami’s explosive attack, featuring two big-play receivers. Jeremiah Smith caught an impressive 59-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter despite receiving multiple double teams throughout the game from Ohio State’s second string cornerbacks; nonetheless he still found success finding openings.
Two plays later, Keionte Scott pulled off an incredible play for the Hurricanes that ultimately turned the tide of battle in their favor and gave them the lead for good.
Stepping in front of a screen pass and intercepting it for 72 yards back for what became one of college football’s longest pick sixes ever recorded by Keionte, this play turned momentum back their way and put Keionte and company at the helm of victory for good.
Miami’s offense overpowered Ohio State with its powerful running game. Mark Fletcher and CharMar Brown each gained over 100 yards rushing, while CJ Daniels proved an effective kickoff returner. Miami held onto possession for more than half of their first half possession; which proved key in an otherwise tight contest.
Ohio State attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, but their offense soon stagnated following some impressive plays. A holding penalty on one play forced them to punt; by the time they got back possession, their chance had already expired.
Ohio State was not at its best offensively or defensively during this game, yet still managed to recover from a slow start and one-point deficit to force overtime and come within one play of winning their second national championship since 2025. A crucial turnover ended any hope for victory for the Buckeyes.
With their victory, Miami earned itself a place in the College Football Playoff semifinals against either Georgia or Ole Miss. Miami made history when they reached this far, given they began the year ranked No. 14 and many considered them longshots to reach postseason play.
Hurricanes coach Mark Richt was also victorious in recruiting, as two key Florida players signed with them: three-star defensive back Brandon Inniss from Plantation (FL) American Heritage and four-star wide receiver Brandon Marshall from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna respectively – two players that could have gone elsewhere, such as Ohio State or Georgia Tech.
The Third Meeting
Ohio State was considered one of the top teams in 2002 despite losing two out of their first three games and entering this contest as 13 point favorites against Miami.
Led by dual-threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor and equipped with an outstanding defensive unit capable of competing for national glory.
Miami was out to avenge their 1998 Sugar Bowl loss and make their mark. Playing before a sold-out crowd, the Hurricanes grabbed an early lead and never looked back, scoring on their opening drive and staving off any attempt from Ohio State to make up ground.
After an unscored second quarter, the Canes managed to take a 17-7 lead into halftime before Ohio State rallied back and tied the game at 17 before Carson Beck threw an interception to Keionte Scott on a pick six play that provided them with their decisive edge over Ohio State and won them the game.
In the fourth quarter, Canes defense continued its impressive showing, holding Ohio State to just two field goals while forcing one fourth-down attempt from them and sacking quarterback Julian Sayin twice. They also controlled running back Mark Fletcher and Marty Brown with each accumulating over 100 yards rushing.
With less than one minute remaining, the Canes managed to force a fourth down play from Ohio State at their 3-yard line and attempt to run out the clock after several short runs by Fletcher and an aggressive sprint by Chase Smith – however, officials blew this call and gave Ohio State another set of downs.
Buckeyes drove downfield in search of victory in the closing seconds, only for Glenn Sharpe to block Michael Jenkins from reaching his target pass and for line judge Derrick Bowers to call off a touchdown touchdown call – giving Canes victory and atoning their previous loss against Buckeyes in the process.
The Fourth Meeting
In Week 2 of 2024 season, Ohio State and Miami met again for an electrifying matchup that left both fans with plenty of anticipation. Miami was favored at home and got off to a fast start; defenses kept things close early before offensive scores took control – both teams scored 24 points by halftime!
Ohio State led 20-14 until Miami made one massive play that changed everything, when K. Scott intercepted Julian Sayin for an incredible pick six play!
The play eventually turned the tide of this contest in Miami’s favor and turned this game completely upside-down; K Scott intercepted Sayin with his pick six that turned the tide against Ohio State!
Scott read the play perfectly and beat Sayin to the ball, scoring a pick six that broke open the game for the Hurricanes. Sayin had two interceptions — one to seal it and another that proved costly — both coming against his backside where they didn’t receive much help from interior line players;
Rueben Bain contributed one sack and 1.5 TFL’s while Akheem Meshidor added three more sacks with one pick-off each for Canes defense; Rueben also had one sack and 1.5 TFL’s as did Akheem Meshidor who also added two additional sacks with one pick for Canes defense;
The Canes held on to win and avenge their defeat from last season against Ohio State, thus denying the Buckeyes another attempt at repeating as national champions after Georgia in 2021 and Alabama in 2022.
Ohio State finished an outstanding 14-1 season despite its loss to Miami, including an emphatic win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game. Ohio State boasted one of the nation’s premier defensive units and was widely considered to be one of the premier college football programs throughout 2018.
Miami Hurricanes Football Vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football became one of the most talked-about matchups in college football history when Miami proved themselves to be game changers by becoming the first team ever to defeat Ohio State in a CFP quarterfinal game.
Their stunning upset over the defending champions propelled Miami onto the national stage and created a historic moment that continues to be celebrated by fans. This memorable contest remains a defining chapter in the rivalry, with Miami Hurricanes Football Vs Ohio State Buckeyes Football continuing to resonate among both fan bases as one of the sport’s most unforgettable clashes.
Also Read : Where To Watch Oregon Ducks Football Vs Indiana Hoosiers Football
