Cougar Classics: BYU Takes Down Powerhouse Oklahoma

PROVO, Utah – With less than 12 minutes remaining the BYU Cougars trailed 13-7 with an opportunity to knock off then ranked number three Oklahoma Sooners.

What unfolded next is something Cougar fans will never forget.

“In my opinion, that was the greatest drive of my career,” said former quarterback Max Hall on Cougar Sports Saturday. “A couple of my teammates made big-time plays on that drive to make it happen.”

ICYMI: ⁦@mxrd15⁩ joined Cougar Sports Saturday last Saturday to revisit the win over Oklahoma. Trust me, you need to listen to this. Amazing insight! https://t.co/kiJAJRyRQ4

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) April 21, 2020

Hall led the Cougars on a 16 play scoring drive that resulted in a seven-yard touchdown pass to Mckay Jacobsen in the back of the end zone, giving BYU their first lead of the game late in the fourth quarter.

“I still remember the play call,” said Hall. “Ace right, the play call was Winston. Dennis Pitta had a little option route underneath, Mckay had a dig route in the back of the endzone. All three dudes (for Oklahoma) bit down on Dennis and left Mckay wide open. All I had to do was put it on him.”

The drive of a lifetime. I get chills every time I see Jacobsen hauling in that go-ahead touchdown reception. Hall finished that drive going 9-10 for 84 yards and the go-ahead touchdown pass.

Oklahoma ended up missing a potential game-winning field goal on the ensuing drive and the rest is history. BYU shocked the country with one of their best wins of all-time, and certainly the best win in the Bronco Mendenhall era.

“There was a lot of preparation going into that game,” said Hall. “There was a bad ending to my junior year. We knew we had something to prove. That bad taste stayed in our mouth all off-season.”

It’s easy to forget the hype that surrounded that game. But we shouldn’t. It was the first-ever game played at the newly constructed Dallas Cowboys stadium, also known as “Jerry World.”

The Sooners were coming off an appearance in the National Championship game. Sam Bradford returned to school after winning the Heisman trophy. Nobody gave the Cougars a chance during the off-season.

“That game was in my head every single day,” said Hall. “As a team, we knew we could win that game. We were confident going into it. The setting was unbelievable. We were ready to go once it came.”

Oklahoma ended up finishing the season 8-5, but that shouldn’t disparage the qualify of the win. Neither should the Sam Bradford injury that occurred right before halftime. The game was tied when he was lost for the season and they only lost one game by more than seven points.

It’s incredible that BYU won this game considering they coughed up the football four times, three of those four turnovers happened on their side of the field.

The Cougar defense was outstanding, holding Oklahoma to two red-zone field goals and recovering two fumbles. Ultimately, BYU made more plays when it mattered most.

“That game was one I’ll always remember,” reminisced Hall. “It was one of my biggest wins, if not the biggest win of my career.”

Andrew George Award Winners

Matt Baiamonte: Bryan Kariya

“He had four third-down conversions on the ground and through the air. His ability to keep drives alive was huge. It’s hard to call him and underrated players in that game.”

Mitch Harper: Brian Logan

“This was his first game at BYU as a junior college transfer. He was a late addition to the signing class and instantly became a stud for BYU.”

Dallen Graff: Andrew George

“He is the epitome of an underrated player. I thought he did a really good job as the second guy.”

Norm Chow Award-Winning Calls

Mitch Harper:

50-yard reception by Bryan Kariya at the end of the second quarter setting up the Cougars first touchdown.

Matt Baiamonte:

3rd down draw play to JJ DiLuigi that set up the famous 4th down conversion to Dennis Pitta.

Dallen Graff:

Andrew Rich forced fumble in the 1st quarter that prevents Oklahoma from going up two scores.

What should our next “Cougar Classic” be? Vote on our poll to determine which memorable victory will be the next “Cougar Classic” on Cougar Sports Saturday this week on KSL news radio 102.7 FM and 1160 am.

Cougar Sports Saturday Poll:

Which memorable #BYU football win shall @Mitch_Harper and @baiamontematt revisit this Saturday? @BYUfootball #GoCougs

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 21, 2020