2002-2003 SEMIFINALS
#1 Miami (13-0) vs #5 USC (12-2)
#2 Ohio State (14-0) vs #3 Georgia (13-1)
Miami 45 USC 20 (MIA wins 62.4%, avg. score = MIA 31.7 USC 28.4)
Behind a strong performance from their special teams, the Miami Hurricanes defeated the USC Trojans 45-20 to advance to the national championship game. Roscoe Parrish had two long punt return touchdowns, and field position played a key role for Miami throughout the contest, as they were actually outgained by the Trojans in total yardage. Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer played a valiant game in defeat, passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. All four of the non-special teams touchdowns for Miami came on the ground, with two from Jason Geathers and one each from Willis McGahee and Jarrett Payton.
Georgia 30 Ohio State 27 (UGA wins 66.3%, avg. score = UGA 26.7 OSU 20.9)
Billy Bennett kicked a 57 yard field goal as time expired to lift the Georgia Bulldogs to a 30-27 upset of previously undefeated Ohio State, sending the Bulldogs to the national championship game. With Ohio State holding a narrow 21-20 lead, the teams traded scores on the final four possessions of the game:
Musa Smith led the Georgia ground game, with 120 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. David Greene added 302 passing yards, with a touchdown and interception. Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett played well in defeat, rushing for 173 yards on 24 carries. Quarterback Craig Krenzel had a rough outing, completing just 12 out of 26 passes for 319 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 4 to 1.