Tournament of Champions Preview- Day 3

Let the games begin! The Scout.com/WhatIfSports.com Tournament of Champions pits 16 national championship teams from 1988 through 2005 in head to head battles to determine just which team from this exciting era of college football would be the best. Here is a look at Wednesday's matchups.

2001 MIAMI VS. 2002 OHIO STATE

The 2001 Miami Hurricanes (12-0) might be one of the most talented teams in the history of college football with a roster that would include 28 future NFL draft picks including 10 future first rounders. Miami’s chances for a repeat national title were ended in the Fiesta Bowl by 2002 Ohio State OHIO STATE (13-0) team built on superb defense and an outstanding running game.

Coach Larry Coker ran the table with Miami in his first season in 2001 behind the running of Clinton Portis (1,200 yards) and the passing of Ken Dorsey (2,652 yards, 23 touchdowns) to receivers such as tight end Jeremy Shockey (40 catches, 519 yards) and Andre Johnson (10 touchdown catches). On defense, the Canes’ secondary boasted future first rounders Philip Buchanon, Edward Reed, Mike Rumph and Sean Taylor. Miami won by an average 33.2 points per game while leading the nation in pass defense, scoring defense and turnover margin.

Ohio State and Coach Jim Tressell rode tailback Maurice Clarett (1,237 yards), quarterback Craig Krenzel’s passing (2,110 yards) and the receiving of Michael Jenkins (61, 1076 yards) to an undefeated season that ended with the win over Miami in one of the greatest college games ever played. Cornerback Chris Gamble led a defense that made one big play after another.

FIRST ROUND EDGE: Miami’s 2001 team probably ranks with 1995 Nebraska as one of the best of all time. The Canes had too much talent at every position.

1991 WASHINGTON VS. 1997 MICHIGAN

Washington’s 1991 national championship team (12-0) won it with a stifling defense while Michigan’s unbeaten 1997 national champs were led by Charles Woodson, who won the Heisman Trophy as a cornerback.

Washington’s offense was led by quarterback Billy Joe Hobert (2,463 yards, 24 touchdowns) and the receiving of Mario Bailey (68, 1193, 18 touchdowns). On defense, All-American tackle Steve Emtman and Donald Jones (11.5 sacks) led the way for Coach Don James’ defenders, who gave up just 101 points including two shutouts and six games of nine or fewer points allowed.

Michigan (12-0) gave up only 114 points while Woodson played on both sides of the ball, excelling as a wide receiver in addition to his brilliant defensive play. Quarterback Brian Griese (204 passing yards per game, 17 touchdowns) led a conservative offense for Coach Lloyd Carr that tried to control the ball so the defense (222 yards per game, only 9.5 points per game) could take over and win the game.

FIRST ROUND EDGE: Washington had more weapons and more ways to win a game.

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