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Reactions CNNSI.com readers aren't all on the Hurricanes' sidePosted: Thursday January 02, 2003 6:48 PMSports Illustrated's John Donovan and Stewart Mandel went Head2Head on whether Ohio State would challenge Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Here's what CNNSI.com readers had to say on the topic:
So many people seem to be convinced that The Ohio State Buckeyes will be blown out on Friday night...those must be the same people who said that the New England Patriots would be crushed by the St Louis Rams in last year's Super Bowl.
Miami's scout team running back is better than Clarett, he’s faster than Clarett, and still he gets stopped by the defense! The only teams that could run on the ‘Canes had excellent passing attacks and threats that prompted Miami to play it straight. Plus, once Miami gets out to a lead, the OSU running game is moot.
This year's Fiesta Bowl will go down as one of the best ever and definitely the best BCS game ever. Miami will score early, just like most of Ohio State's opponents and then will struggle, just like all of Ohio State's opponents. ... Ohio State will win 27-20. And on Saturday morning, Woody Hayes Boulevard will be renamed Tressel Drive.
Miami has more talent, certainly more experience in big games, and the ‘Canes are champions, which conventional wisdom says must be knocked out. However, the Buckeyes have had a long time to prepare, and Jim Tressel is as thorough in his preparation as can be imagined. That's how OSU has run the table with less talent than many of the teams they have beaten this season. OSU will probably still lose, but not by much.
There are 11 players on each side. The stats negate each other, unless you're into splitting hairs. Come on people, Ohio State rarely gets blown out by anybody. It comes down to who wants it the most.
My conclusion: OSU ekes out another win!
You might as well cancel the game and just give the trophy to Miami if you believe the sports experts. “David and Goliath” was a great Biblical story because David didn't have a prayer of a chance. Ohio State will show up Friday night and I, for one, hope that the rock hits Miami right in the head!
Ohio State plays a style that shortens the game, but Miami is the only team that can beat you equally running or passing. Ohio State's chance is to run between the tackles because they can't run around Miami. It will be closer than most think, but Miami just has too many varied weapons. ‘Canes win, 24-14.
I was riding the fence on this game's winner until the tragedy involving Clarett's childhood friend. What could have been an inspired back with not only something, but someone, to play for, has become a jaded youngster wondering if his team and school are still behind him. Maybe Clarett rebounds emotionally and mentally, but I doubt it. And with Miami having the more experienced, and deeper bench they pull away in the 2nd half, 42-20.
Mr. Mandel defends OSU by saying they will only lose by 12 and not 20. Thanks a lot. Do me a favor; don’t do me any favors. Ohio State has not impressed any of the "experts" despite winning all 13 games they played this season, including eight against bowl teams and five against teams currently ranked in the top 20 offensively (Miami has faced only two). OSU has shut down Heisman hopefuls Jason Gesser, Kliff Kingsbury, and Larry Johnson. Thankfully this national championship will be determined on the field, not in the press box.
Personally, I think it could go either way, but I think Miami has the edge. Both teams survived scares to their undefeated status. Ohio State won more than one game that they really didn't deserve to win, but that is the way things go in college football. I think Miami will win this one, and the state of Ohio might hope they do ... I can only imagine what would happen if Ohio State became national champions. The whole state may go up in flames. |
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