FIESTA BOWL Notebook

Official's view: Field judge Terry Porter, who threw the controversial flag in the first overtime for pass interference on Miami defensive back Sean Taylor, issued a statement following the game: "I saw the guy [Taylor] holding the guy [Ohio State wide receiver Chris Gamble] prior to the ball being put in the air. He was still holding him, pulling him down while the ball was in the air. I gave the signal for holding. Then I realized it should be pass interference because the ball was in the air." Porter delayed throwing the flag because, "I replayed it in my mind. I wanted to make double sure it was the right call."
According to ESPN.com, the Big 12 conference, whose officials worked the championship game, has issued at least two apologies after games where Porter has made controversial calls.
Miami defensive backs coach Mark Stoops of Youngstown was understandably upset
"There's not another official in the history of the game that would make that call.
"They'd been letting us play all day, so let us play. A couple of plays before, they pushed off to create some separation.
"I want to see the replay. As bad a call as I think it was, something ought to be done. That was a joke. That's all I can really say."
Krenzel left behind: Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel was left behind when the team buses left Sun Devil Stadium following the game. Fortunately, someone noticed and sent a police escort call back to the stadium and took him to the team hotel in Scottsdale, some 18 miles away.
High rating: The Fiesta Bowl drew the highest television rating since the Bowl Championship Series started pairing the top teams for the national title after the 1998 season. ABC reported an 18.6 rating for Ohio State's thrilling 31-24 double-overtime victory against Miami on Friday night -- a 30.7-percent jump from last year's national championship, when Miami routed Nebraska 37-14 in the Rose Bowl. The ratings were measured in the country's 55 largest markets. Nationwide ratings will be released Monday.
-- Rob Todor/wire report