Cam's Classics: Week 3 - 2003 Fiesta Bowl

Peyton Manning

Week 3:



2003 Fiesta Bowl
(serving as the National Championship)

Ohio State vs Miami

Background

For the second week in a row, a national championship features as the selected classic, and boy was this one special. The Miami Hurricanes - unbeaten in 34 games - were massive favourites by 2 touchdowns against an Ohio State team that had also gone undefeated all season, albeit in less impressive fashion.

This game was absolutely packed to the brim with NFL talent. Of the 43 starters on both teams, 37 were drafted with 18 of them being 1st round picks. Of the 100 players who played a down in this game, 58 of them went on to play in the NFL. Notable players include Andre Johnson, Willis McGahee, Ken Dorsey, Kellen Winslow Jr, Jonathan Vilma, DJ Williams, Antrel Rolle, Chris Gamble and Will Smith to name but a few.

Oh and as for the game itself? How does double overtime, culminating in a 4th and goal at the one yard line sound? Football - it so rarely disappoints.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAwGTHOv3jI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yazgyAE8DZQ

vinny chase

I was in the States for this game; absolute classic. One of the best games of football I've ever seen.

Remember Maurice Clarett? There was a talent. His chase back of Sean Taylor to strip the ball was something special. That Miami team was loaded with talent too.

Paully D

Cheers Cam. Another great game you've posted, especially with ''the call''.

Interesting reading about some of the players that starred in this game. It seems Dorsey never really had much success in the NFL despite being a 2 time Heismann finalist and 2 time NCAA QB of the year. Neither did Krenzel despite leading his team to the championship.

It's really strange how things work out.

vinny chase

Paully D wrote: »

Cheers Cam. Another great game you've posted, especially with ''the call''.

Interesting reading about some of the players that starred in this game. It seems Dorsey never really had much success in the NFL despite being a 2 time Heismann finalist and 2 time NCAA QB of the year. Neither did Krenzel despite leading his team to the championship.

It's really strange how things work out.

Dorsey's a scout now for the Panthers.

He broke just about every record going in the U but unlike guys in similar positions coming out of college; he still was never regarded as a big pro-style talent. He was drafted in the 7th Round, and was never considered to have the arm strength necessary. I suppose the talent around him in Miami (Andre Johnson, Roscoe Parrish, Kellen Winslow, Frank Gore, Willis McGahee) helped him to shine.

Benny Cake

Great game, watched it this morning. Amazing the amount of future NFL stars on show.. Thanks Cam...

GoldFour4

What does it mean when the Fiesta bowl is acting as the National championship? Last weeks game had the Rose Bowl as the national championship.

Paully D

malachyscott wrote: »

What does it mean when the Fiesta bowl is acting as the National championship? Last weeks game had the Rose Bowl as the national championship.

From my reading of it I think it's because in the first 8 years of the BCS contract it was decided to rotate the championship game among the 4 bowls, with each bowl hosting the championship every 4 years.

I'm sure someone will be able to correct me on that if it's wrong though.