OSU sting haunts Miami

Associated Press

CORAL GABLES, FLA.

Margaret Belch still has the picture she snapped of the American flag being unfurled moments before Miami played Ohio State for the national championship game eight seasons ago.

Another flag, however, is the one she can’t forget.

From her spot at the 2003 Fiesta Bowl — Section 228, row 27, seat 18 — the Miami graduate thought she witnessed the Hurricanes beating Ohio State 24-17 in overtime to win their second straight national championship. Then came a late-arriving penalty flag. The game wasn’t over. Moments later, Ohio State was the national champion.

Nearly eight years later, the Hurricanes and Buckeyes will play again, set to meet Saturday in Columbus.

Miami coach Randy Shannon insists it’s just another big game, that the national championship that slipped away won’t be a motivating factor for his team as it prepares for the nation’s No. 2 club.

He’s probably wrong.

“It’s like everyone is making sure,” quarterback Jacory Harris said, “that we remember what happened.”

Ohio State’s 31-24 double-overtime win on Jan. 3, 2003, was a Miami debacle in many ways. There was running back Willis McGahee getting his knee shredded on a tackle in the fourth quarter. The season-highs of five turnovers and four sacks allowed.

On the biggest stage, Miami played its worst game of the 2002 season.

Fourth down from the 5-yard line, overtime, Miami up 24-17. Ohio State quarterback Craig Krenzel throws to the right corner of the end zone, intended for Chris Gamble. Miami cornerback Glenn Sharpe defends, and the ball tumbles to the turf.

“I couldn’t have done it any better,” Sharpe said in 2008.

Line judge Derick Bowers, nearest the play, motioned the pass was incomplete and the Hurricanes started jumping for joy. Sean Taylor threw his helmet in the air, parts of it breaking upon landing. Krenzel sat on the turf, clearly distraught. Miami coach Larry Coker started walking across the field to shake Ohio State coach Jim Tressel’s hand.

Field judge Terry Porter ended the party. From the back of the end zone, Porter threw a flag that arrived late. He motioned Miami was guilty of holding, then made the pass-interference sign instead.

Ohio State scored later in that extended possession, then again in the second overtime. Miami’s crown was gone.