Gator Bowl 2012: My Favorite Buckeye Bowl Memory

Earlier in the season, I took time to do something a little different and share a personal story about one of my favorite experiences at an OSU-Michigan game. 

Today, with the Buckeyes final bowl game for at least 23 months on the horizon, I will look back at my favorite bowl memory.

And for modern Ohio State Buckeye fans, could there be any other bowl game that compares to the legendary 2003 Fiesta Bowl?

I didn't think so.

I still remember much of the talk leading up to the game, and how the Miami Hurricanes were being compared to the greatest teams in the history of college football.

Ohio State was given no chance to win the game, and rightfully so.

The 'Canes hadn't lost under Larry Coker and had a roster absolutely stacked with future NFL studs, including Willis McGahee, Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork and the late Sean Taylor.

Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the Buckeyes, even after Miami's first touchdown of the game, a strike to Roscoe Parrish, looked all too easy.

The Buckeye defense woke up, forcing five turnovers and shutting down McGahee for almost the entire night.

The offense was not quite explosive for OSU either, but it got the job done, scoring all four of its touchdowns on the ground and inside the 10-yard line.

Watching the game at home, it was a weird feeling knowing that my team, that had no business even being in this game, was ahead late with a shot to win.

I had known some disappointment being a Clevelander having seen my Indians come close in 1995 and 1997 and losing late in the World Series.

And when that fourth down pass intended for Michael Jenkins was broken up in overtime by Miami's Glenn Sharpe, it felt like deja vu.

The fireworks went off, the 'Canes rushed the field...but there was that yellow flag, and the call heard 'round the world.

That kept OSU in the game, and they would send the game to a second overtime on a touchdown.

Maurice Clarett gave the Buckeyes the lead on a TD run from five yards out. And then the defense blasted Ken Dorsey, knocking him out of the game temporarily.

McGahee had already been hurt in an absolutely horrific injury that cost him his 2003 season.

From the goal line, Miami had four cracks at the end zone to tie the game, including two dives straight up the gut. Twice the defense held.

Then it was fourth down, fans like myself were standing right in front of their TV sets.

And I'll never forget the words of the Keith Jackson: "Dorsey, under pressure, throws it...incomplete! The Buckeyes win!!"

It had been the first time any of the teams I supported won a championship, so I was at a loss for words.

I remember how amazing the game was and the feeling of seeing my team stand on top of the mountain for the first time in my life.

It was special, and something I haven't seen since.

That may happen again one day, and it may not, but that's what makes this game all that much better.

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