Clarett makes pivotal plays down stretch

The Youngstown native scored two touchdowns and forced a key fumble for the Buckeyes.
By ROB TODOR
VINDICATOR SPORTS EDITOR
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Maurice Clarett started the 2002 college football season by living up to all the hype surrounding him with a 175-yard performance against Texas Tech.
He didn't have the same numbers in the season's biggest game, but he was more than happy to trade personal glory for a team win.
Clarett finished with 47 yards rushing on 23 carries, barely 2 yards per attempt, but he scored the Buckeyes' first touchdown, tying the score at 7 late in the first half, and their last TD, in the second overtime, setting the stage for the defense's heroics and the national championship.
Turning defensive
Clarett also turned in one of the game's more memorable plays when he stripped Sean Taylor of the ball on an interception return, leading to a Buckeye field goal and a 17-7 lead in the third quarter.
The Buckeyes had first-and-goal at the Miami 6 after a 57-yard pass from quarterback Craig Krenzel to wide receiver Chris Gamble.
Krenzel then tried to get a throw between two Hurricanes' defenders to tight end Ben Hartsock in the end zone, but Taylor stepped in front for the interception.
On his return, Taylor was engaged by Clarett at about the 20 yard line, and when they had separated, Clarett emerged with the football and the Buckeyes were given possession at the Miami 28.
Four plays later, Mike Nugent kicked a 44-yard field goal to give the Scarlet and Gray a 17-7 lead with 8:33 remaining in the third quarter.
"The coaches always preach to us to never give up on a play," Clarett said. "I just didn't give up on the play."
True freshman
Clarett's season was full of highs and lows. After graduating a semester early from Warren G. Harding, he enrolled at Ohio State almost a year ago so that he could participate in spring practice.
He became the first true freshman to start at tailback in the season opener in 59 years, scoring three touchdowns in the Buckeyes' rout of Texas Tech.
He sat out the game against Cincinnati a few weeks later after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, and suffered a painful shoulder injury against Penn State, which limited him to just 16 carries over the next four games.
But he played despite the pain against Michigan, gaining 119 yards rushing and scoring a touchdown in the victory that put the Buckeyes into the national championship game.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Clarett blasted university athletic department officials for not allowing him to return home for the funeral of his friend, Joaquin "Juan" Bell of Youngstown.
The controversy died down only because Clarett was not made available for interviews after Tuesday.
todor@vindy.com