Cougar Classics: Detmer Remembers Being First In Locker Room After Win Over Miami

PROVO, Utah – The greatest win in BYU football history isn’t a debate. Without question, it’s the 1990 victory over the #1 ranked Miami Hurricanes.

As the fans rushed the field to celebrate with the team, one player was hurrying to the locker room, fearing he could be late to hear the victory speech from legendary coach Lavell Edwards.

“When the crowd rushed the field, that was the first time I had been a part of something like that,” former Heisman trophy winner Ty Detmer remembered last week on Cougar Sports Saturday. “My initial thoughts were I gotta get to the locker room. Lavell is going to be in there giving his post-game speech and I don’t want to be that guy walking in late.”

A coach’s son, Detmer hurried to the locker room by finding the railing behind the BYU bench on the east side of the stadium. Using the siding as protection, Detmer made his way to the tunnel.

“I run up into the locker room and I was the only guy in there,” said Detmer. “I probably could have stayed out and enjoyed it knowing Lavell wouldn’t have been mad at me had I come in late.”

ICYMI Ty Detmer tells an incredible story as the fans rushed the field when #BYU upset Miami.

⁦@kslsports⁩ #GoCougs https://t.co/f09SxZIAmx

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) April 27, 2020

Most college football players don’t get to experience something like that. A home win over the top team in the country.

Saying the Hurricanes were the top team in the country that year would be an understatement. Miami was the top team in college football at the time. They were the ’80s version of Alabama. They won national championships in 1983, 1987, and 1989. Miami was the premier program in college football and Detmer was in the locker room. Alone.

“I was in the locker room probably five minutes by myself,” Detmer recalled. “You can’t go fight your way back into the crowd. That would look weird. I just kinda hung out. It was neat because I was kind of the welcoming committee as guys started coming in. That was a lot of fun. Guys were pumped. It was a great atmosphere.”

Eventually, the rest of his team and Coach Edwards made their way into the locker room.

“I think he was happy, but you never knew it. He came in and maybe cracked a little grin here or there,” Detmer said. “You know Lavell, he had the same demeanor all the time. But I’m sure that was one he was happy to get.”

It’s been nearly 30 years since that magical night in Provo, Utah. Somehow, the Cougars were able to overcome five turnovers to knock off the Hurricanes.

Detmer was fantastic throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns. The defense stepped up when it mattered most. Ervin Lee made huge plays down the stretch, including breaking up a last-ditch Miami pass attempt to tie the game.

The game lived up to the hype. Two ranked teams battling out on ESPN prime time. The spotlight belonged to Detmer and the Cougars.

“There’s been a lot of good wins in the history of BYU football and I’m just proud to be a part of that,” said Detmer.

Will #BYU’s win over No. 1 Miami in 1990 always be considered the greatest win in #BYUFootball history? @kslsports @baiamontematt pic.twitter.com/5HAJ3MTFkl

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) April 25, 2020

Cougar Sports Saturday can be heard each and every Saturday on KSLNewsradio 102.7FM and 1160AM from Noon MST to 3 PM MST.