The Ohio State University Football Team-2002 National Champions
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In 2002, The Ohio State University Football Team went undefeated. Over the course of the season, the team experienced numerous close games but, under the leadership of head coach Jim Tressel and quarterback Craig Krenzel, always emerged victorious. The Buckeyes' defense was especially impressive, only giving up three touchdowns in one regular season game. The defense also only allowed an opponent to score twenty or more points in one regular season game. In six out of thirteen regular season games, the Buckeyes held their opponents to fewer than ten points.
Having an undefeated regular season earned the Buckeyes the opportunity to play in the National Championship Game at the Fiesta Bowl on January 3, 2003. The team's opponent was the Miami Hurricanes, another undefeated team. The Buckeyes gave up a touchdown in the first quarter, but they took a seven point lead into halftime. In the second half of the game, the Hurricanes outscored Ohio State ten points to three, tying the game and sending it into overtime. After two overtime periods, the Buckeyes emerged victorious, winning the game 31-24. The Ohio State University Football Team was then crowned the undisputed national champion, earning Tressel a national championship in only his second year as the Buckeyes' head coach.