It was on this day in 2003 that the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl took place in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium.  The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Miami Hurricanes 31-24 in double overtime to be crowned BCS National Champions.

The Miami Hurricanes entered the game as 11.5 point favorites and were expected to repeat as National Champions.  Their roster included several players on both offense and defense who would go on to have successful NFL careers, including Andre Johnson, Willis McGahee, Kellen Winslow Jr., Jonathan Vilma and the late Sean Taylor.  Despite being heavy favorites, the Hurricanes were in a dogfight from the start, as the game remained close throughout its entirety.  On the last play of regulation, Ohio State kicker Todd Sievers hit a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-17 and send it into overtime.

After the teams exchanged touchdowns in the first overtime, the Buckeyes would get the ball first in the second overtime and scored a touchdown to go up 31-24.  Ohio’s defense then stopped the Hurricanes on 4th and goal on the one-yard line to complete the upset.

Here is a look at Ohio State’s goal line stand during the second overtime period.

Notbale Birthdays

A.J. Burnett, MLB – Born January 3rd 1977 (age 36) in North Little Rock, Arkansas

David Tyree, NFL – Born January 3rd 1980 (age 33) in Livingston, New Jersey

Eli Manning, NFL – Born January 3rd 1981 (age 32) in New Orleans, Louisiana