Ohio State's season-ending loss had pieces of failures against Florida, Clemson, Michigan and Oregon

The Buckeyes couldn't block Miami early, which could help usher in some offensive changes

Jan 01, 2026

∙ Paid

Ryan Day, Caleb Downs and Julian Sayin after Ohio State lost to Miami. (Photo by Doug Lesmerises)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Nineteen years ago, in a suburban dome of the Southwest, two defensive ends for a Florida school undressed an Ohio State team with national title aspirations.

Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey wrapped up Buckeyes QB Troy Smith and etched their names into the minds of Ohio State fans with all five of the Florida Gators sacks in that 41-14 defeat of the Buckeyes in the national title game.

The loss: National title game to end 2006 season, 41-14 to Florida
The comparison: Couldn’t block two edge rushers

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