Ohio State's Last National Championship: A Look Back at Glory Days

Ohio State's Last National Championship: A Look Back at Glory Days

Ohio State Buckeyes football has a rich history of success, with a storied past that includes eight national championships. However, the last of these championships, which came in 2002, remains one of the most memorable and beloved in school history. For Buckeye fans, that year is still celebrated as a glory day, one that marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the team.

The 2001 season was one to remember for Ohio State, as the team rolled through the regular season with ease, outscoring their opponents by an average of 21 points per game. Led by quarterback Craig Krenzel and a powerful running game, the Buckeyes dominated their foes, setting the stage for a final showdown with the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl. This game would prove to be the stage for one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

A Thrilling Upset

On January 1, 2002, the Buckeyes took to the field in front of a raucous crowd in Tempe, Arizona, facing off against the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes. The Hurricanes were heavily favored, with a roster loaded with NFL talent and a reputation for success. However, the Buckeyes were not intimidated, and they came out swinging, scoring on their opening drive to take an early lead.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows and neither able to gain a clear advantage. But as the game wore on, it became clear that the Buckeyes were the team to beat. Krenzel was on fire, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns, while the running game chipped away at the Hurricanes' defense, wearing them down with a relentless pace.

In the end, it was the Buckeyes who emerged victorious, winning 31-24 in a game that will be remembered for years to come. The upset was a stunning one, and it sent shockwaves throughout the college football world.

A Legacy of Excellence

The 2002 season was more than just a one-game upset, however. It marked the culmination of a dynasty that had been years in the making. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes had built a program that was known for its excellence, both on and off the field.

The team was characterized by its hard-nosed, physical play, as well as its commitment to academics and community service. The players were known for their work ethic and dedication, and they embodied the values of the university, which has always placed a strong emphasis on education and character.

As the season progressed, the Buckeyes continued to impress, dominating their opponents and earning accolades from around the country. They were named the No. 1 team in the nation by the Associated Press, and they finished the season with a 14-0 record, the best in the country.

A Team for the Ages

The 2002 Buckeyes were a team for the ages, one that will be remembered for generations to come. The roster was loaded with talent, featuring players like Craig Krenzel, Tony Pashos, and Andy Robeson, among others.

Krenzel, in particular, was a standout player, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during the season. He was a true leader on the field, and his calm and composed demeanor helped to inspire his teammates.

The running game was also a key factor in the Buckeyes' success, led by running backs Robert Smith and Jim Dillon. The duo combined for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, and their ability to wear down defenses was a key factor in the team's success.

A Coach for the Ages

Jim Tressel was a coach for the ages, one who embodied the values of the university and the team. He was known for his hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to the game, as well as his commitment to academics and community service.

Tressel was a master tactician, always one step ahead of his opponents. He had a keen eye for talent, and he was able to spot the next big thing from a distance. He was also a natural leader, able to inspire his players and motivate them to perform at their best.

Under Tressel's guidance, the Buckeyes became a program of excellence, one that was known for its success on the field and its commitment to the values of the university.

A Legacy of Greatness

The 2002 season was the last of a dynasty, one that had been built over several years. The Buckeyes had been a powerhouse program, with a reputation for excellence that preceded them.

However, the season also marked a turning point for the program, one that would lead to a decline in fortunes over the next few years. The team would go on to experience some ups and downs, but the legacy of the 2002 season would remain, a reminder of the glory days of Ohio State football.

A Time of Great Change

The 2002 season marked a time of great change for Ohio State football. The team was on the cusp of a dynasty, but it was also a time of transition, as the program began to look to the future.

The season was also a time of growth, as the team learned to navigate the challenges of the college football landscape. The Buckeyes would go on to face stiff competition in the Big Ten, but they were always able to come out on top.

A Glorious Finale

The 2002 season was a glorious finale to a dynasty, one that would be remembered for years to come. The Buckeyes had proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the country, and they had cemented their place in the annals of Ohio State football history.

The team's success was not just about the football,