Motivated Ohio State arrives in Florida

Sun Sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.

Their chartered flight was sprayed by a water-cannon salute at landing, and as Ohio State’s football team emptied the airplane led by coach Urban Meyer, an orange carpet was rolled out for them.

A warm welcome, for sure, though the destination wasn’t the one the Buckeyes had dreamed of all season.

But after losing the Big Ten Championship Game to Michigan State — their first defeat in 25 games — and failing to secure a trip to Southern California for the final BCS National Championship, the Buckeyes arrived at their new postseason destination Sunday morning.

They’ll play the Clemson Tigers in the Discover Orange Bowl Friday at 8:30 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium.

“The fact that we’re playing Clemson in a BCS bowl game wakes up everybody up real fast,” Meyer said. “The last game, you’ve got to get that out of your system.”

Said Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier: “We have a real big point to prove because everybody really doesn’t think we’re as good as we were. ...We’ve just got to show everybody actually how good we are.”

The No. 7 Buckeyes (12-1), whose 10th BCS bowl berth is the most by any program and six BCS bowl wins are tied for most with USC, are making their first Orange Bowl appearance since the 1977 season. The No. 12 Tigers (10-2) lost to West Virginia in the Orange Bowl two years ago.

“Both teams were two of the teams that had a shot to get to Pasadena, but came up a little short. But I know both teams want to finish with a win and carry that momentum into next year,” said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, whose team arrived at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon.

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd and Ohio State counterpart Braxton Miller, who said Sunday he’s not leaning either direction on leaving school early for the NFL, are the showcase players in a matchup most expect will be high scoring. Ohio State ranks fourth in the nation in scoring at 46.3 points per game. Clemson is 10th at 40.2 points per game.

“That’s what fans expect,” Meyer said of a high-scoring contest. “I’m not sure that’s what they’re gonna see, though.”