April 20, 2002

BERKELEY, Calif. - Air Force jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the game's first 20 minutes. As a much physically stronger team, the Zoomies seemed to have things in check, but the Buckeyes used their speed and some methodical offense to creep back into the game.

Down 13-3 at the 39-minute mark, the Buckeyes would utilize injury time to score twice in the next three minutes to tie the match 13-13 going into the half. At the 39-minute mark, Ohio State scored a try on a 30m breakaway and hit a 30m penalty goal just three minutes later.

Both teams traded possessions at midfield for the first 10 minutes of the second period, until the Buckeyes took the 16-13 lead on a 35m penalty goal. OSU held off a sustained Air Force attack for the next seven minutes, stopping the Zoomies multiple times at the try line. With the Buckeyes playing "small ball," they settled for another penalty kick at the 47-minute mark to take the 19-13 lead. But three minutes into injury time, Air Force regained the lead, 20-19, with their lone try of the second half. As both teams anticipated the final whistle, Ohio State hit a 43m penalty goal seven minutes into injury time to scrape by with the 22-20 win.

Ohio State's win sets the table for a Cal - Ohio State match in the Elite 8, Sunday April 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley. Air Force will take on Middle Tennessee State in the consolation match at 11:00 a.m.