Coombs played for Dayton’s Division III national championship football team in 1980 and with the national runner-up team in 1981. He’ll chase another national championship at 8:30 p.m. Monday when No. 4 Ohio State (13-1) plays No. 2 Oregon (13-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Coombs told his players, “I know it’s not this stage, but I’ve been in this game. Would have, could have, should have and what ifs are awful things to think about it. We’re going to make sure we don’t leave a stone unturned going into this game.”
Dayton beat Ithaca 63-0 in the Stagg Bowl in 1980 in Phenix City, Ala. A year later, the Flyers lost 17-10 to Widener.
Coombs remembers the feelings of both games well.
“It’s the culmination of a single-focused effort by a group of men,” he said. “That is what is really, really cool. I remember what it felt like not to win. I remember how devastating it was.”
Taft reunion: Oregon wide receiver Dwayne Stanford won't hesitate if he runs across his former Cincinnati Taft High School teammate, Ohio State defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, on Monday.
“Once we get out there, I’m trying to destroy him really,” Stanford said. “There’s none of that friendly stuff. I’m trying to get the championship. I expect him to say the same thing.”
Stanford and Washington have talked every day in the days leading up to the game.
“It’s great for Taft to have a national championship out of the high school,” Stanford said. “It’s a great moment.”
Practice time: The Buckeyes warmed up to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born on the Bayou" at the Superdome at their first practice in New Orleans. When they took the field Saturday for the first time at AT&T Stadium, AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" was playing.
On the road: The Buckeyes arrived at their hotel in Dallas, the Hilton Anatole, at 6 p.m. Thursday. According to sports information director Jerry Emig, after a dinner of salad, burgers and pizza, the players relaxed in a hospitality suite during the evening. A caricature artist was on hand to draw the players' likenesses.
Looking ahead: Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and Oregon coach Mark Helfrich will hold a final press conference before the game at 8:30 this morning.
Oregon will hold a walk-through practice at AT&T Stadium from 1-2 p.m. today. Ohio State will do the same from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
About the Author
