Tempe, Ariz. ? Miami’s football dynasty is history.

And thanks to a punishing defense, an unflappable quarterback and a collective poise that few teams possess, Ohio State might have embarked on its own dynasty by winning its first national title since 1968.

The second-ranked Buckeyes got a 5-yard touchdown run from freshman Maurice Clarett in the second overtime and then came up with a remarkable goal-line stand to stun top-ranked Miami, 31-24, in front of a raucous Fiesta Bowl crowd of 77,502 fans and a national TV audience.

“Having played in so many close games,” quarterback Craig Krenzel said, “we know how to keep our composure and keep our focus on the game to go out to make the plays to win.”

The second overtime was not a time for the feint of heart.

Miami, playing without injured tailback Willis McGahee, had three shots from the 2-yard line. A running play gained 1 yard. Ken Dorsey threw wide to tight end Eric Winston on second down. The Buckeyes stuffed fullback Quadtrine Hill for no gain on third down. On fourth down, linebacker Cie Grant pressured Dorsey, who got off a desperation pass that fell harmlessly to the turf.

“It feels unreal,” Miami fullback Quadtrine Hill said. “After the game was over, it felt like we had one play left. It can’t be over. It’s something I never want to feel again.”

While Miami coach Larry Coker lost for the first time in 25 games, Ohio State’s Jim Tressel now has a major college title to add to the four he won in Division I-AA at Youngstown State. It was Ohio State’s fourth Associated Press national title but first since 1968, when Woody Hayes coached the Buckeyes.

“We’re confident that if we keep our mind on the task, we know what needs to be done,” Tressel said, “I think our guys are not a group that panics. I don’t think they’re a group that falls apart when they have a little adversity.”

Ohio State (14-0) appeared to have the national title in the bag late in the final quarter. But Miami’s Roscoe Parrish ripped off a 50-yard punt return to give the Hurricanes (12-1) the ball at Ohio State’s 26 with 2 minutes and 2 seconds left.

After Jarrett Payton gained 1 yard on first down, Dorsey was sacked for a 5-yard loss on second down. A 7-yard completion to Payton on third down left the Hurricanes facing fourth and 7. They used their final timeout with 3 seconds left to set up for a field goal.

Ohio State's Craig Krenzel (16) celebrates his touchdown in overtime against Miami. Krenzel's score sent the Fiesta Bowl into double overtime Friday night at Tempe, Ariz. The Buckeyes won 31-24 to claim the national title.

Ohio State then called not one, but two timeouts to ice Todd Sievers, who had missed a 54-yard field-goal attempt early in the quarter. This time Sievers drilled a 40-yarder, with the ball sneaking inside the right upright as time expired to force the overtime.

In the first overtime, Dorsey and tight end Kellen Winslow hooked up for a 7-yard touchdown to help the Hurricanes take a 24-17 lead.

Ohio State was down to its final chance in the overtime when a pass-interference call on fourth down gave the Buckeyes life.

On fourth and 3 from the 5, Krenzel tried to hit Chris Gamble in the right corner of the end zone. Reserve defensive back Glenn Sharpe battled Gamble for the ball, which fell to the turf. One official signaled an incompletion, sparing a wild celebration from the Miami players.

However, another official behind the play called interference on Sharpe. Three plays later, Krenzel sneaked in from a yard out. Mike Nugent added the conversion to tie the score at 24-24 and force a second overtime period.

Ohio State’s defense, which held opponents to 12.2 points per game and just 78.7 rushing yards per game, was indefatigable.

The Buckeyes forced turnovers on three consecutive possessions in the first half and the offense turned two into touchdowns as Ohio State built a 14-7 halftime lead.

Dorsey threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, the result of consistent pressure from the Buckeyes’ front four.

“They’re a great team and have great weapons,” said Ohio State defensive end Darrion Scott, who recovered a fumble to set up the Buckeyes’ second touchdown. “But we also have a great defense.”

McGahee, who set school records for rushing yards (1,686) and rushing touchdowns (27) was held to 25 yards in 12 carries in the first half. He was knocked out of the game with 11:39 left in regulation on a hit to the left leg by Ohio State defensive back Will Allen. McGahee finished with 67 yards in 20 carries.

“Nobody’s run the ball very effectively against us,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio said. “We try to make the game one-dimensional.”

The score was tied at 7-7 when defensive tackle Kenny Peterson and defensive end Darrion Scott combined to put Ohio State’s offense in scoring position. Peterson forced Dorsey to fumble on first down and Scott recovered at the Miami 14 with 2:15 left in the half.

“Dorsey is a great pocket passer,” defensive end Will Smith said. “But I don’t think he is that good running. He tends to throw the ball high.

“And if you hit a quarterback he is going to get nervous back there. He is going to get hot feet and probably throw the ball away.”

Two plays later, Clarett scored from 7 yards out. When Nugent added the conversion, the Buckeyes had a stunning 14-7 halftime lead.

The last time Miami trailed at halftime this year was Nov. 2, when Rutgers led by 17-14. The Hurricanes roared back to win that game, 42-17. Ohio State, as the Hurricanes were about to find out, is no Rutgers.

It took two overtimes, but the Buckeyes prevailed.