The 2002 National Champions Trivia Quiz

Answer: Texas Tech

Ohio State played Texas Tech on August 24, beating the Red Raiders 45-21 at Ohio Stadium. Freshman running back Maurice Clarett burst onto the scene in this his first collegiate game.

Answer: Craig Krenzel

Krenzel, who had previously played as a backup to Steve Bellisari, started all 14 games for Ohio State. His toughness and decision-making skills helped the Buckeyes to many great victories. He threw for 2110 yards at a 59.4 completion percentage, with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Answer: Jim Tressel

Tressel in his second year, led the team to its first title since 1968. He is well-known for his conservative offensive schemes and trademark gray sweater vest.

Answer: Cincinnati

In a game played in Cincinnati, the Bearcats nearly pulled off a huge upset. The Buckeyes were able to rally late and defeat them 23-19. This was the first of many close calls for the Scarlet and Gray.

Answer: Kent State

The Buckeyes lit up the Golden Flashes for 51 points in a 51-17 home victory on September 7.

Answer: Chris Gamble

Gamble, a speedy receiver at the beginning of the year, eventually became one of the team's starting cornerbacks. He was terrific at both offense and defense, as he was the team's second-leading receiver and he scored the game winning touchdown against Penn State on an interception return.

Answer: Iowa

Iowa, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Brad Banks at quarterback, went 8-0 in conference play and shared the conference title, en route to their Orange Bowl appearance against Southern California.

Answer: Michael Jenkins

On fourth down and two yards to go, the Buckeyes decided to go for it late in the game. Instead of running the football as expected, Craig Krenzel dropped back on a play-action pass, and fired the ball downfield to Jenkins for the touchdown.

Answer: Illinois

In a conference road game in Champaign, Illinois, the Buckeyes and Fighting Illini went into overtime. The Buckeyes prevailed 23-16 in the team's first overtime game in history.

Answer: Ohio State 14 Michigan 9

Ohio State finally silenced some of its critics by beating Michigan in the season finale. In a hard fought, defense-oriented game, the Buckeyes prevailed behind the tough running and receiving of phenom Maurice Clarett, and the toughness of the defensive unit.

Answer: Fiesta Bowl

The Buckeyes were to face the Miami Hurricanes in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 3, 2003. It was the Buckeyes first trip to the national championship game under the BCS format.

Answer: Fake field goal

The Buckeyes attempted a fake field goal in the first half. Center Alex Stepanovich snapped the ball to holder and punter Andy Groom, who attempted to run for the first down. Miami was not fooled, and the play was stopped. Groom turned out to be a much better punter than runner, as his strong kicks and excellent punt placement were integral to Ohio State's success.

Answer: Maurice Clarett

Clarett was valuable all season, and he made more big plays in the Fiesta Bowl for them. He scored two touchdowns in the game: from 7 yards in the second quarter, to put the Buckeyes up 14-7 and the game-winner in the second overtime, from 5 yards out to go up 31-24.

Answer: Kellen Winslow

Winslow, a tight end and the son of NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Sr., caught several passes for big gains, including a 7 yard touchdown in the first overtime that put Miami up 24-17.

Answer: Cie Grant

Cie Grant, a speedy outside linebacker, crashed through the line and hit Dorsey as he released the ball, causing a rushed throw which fell incomplete, ending Miami's hopes in the second overtime.