Ian Johnson's post-game proposal was one of the unique moments from last night's Fiesta Bowl. Was it the greatest bowl game ever?
Photo by AP
You couldn't ask for a better start to the new year than last night's Fiesta Bowl between Boise State and Oklahoma. After the Broncos coasted to a 28-10 lead midway through the third quarter, the Sooners came to life and scored 25 unanswered points to go up a touchdown with a minute remaining. But Boise State dug deep into its bag of tricks and completed a 50-yard hook-and-lateral on fourth-and-18 to tie the game and send it into overtime. There, the Broncos came back again and then won the game, 43-42, with a successful two-point conversion on another trick play.
When the dust had cleared the Sooners and the Broncos combined for 22 points in the final 86 seconds of regulation. And then seconds after the improbable result, Boise State star RB Ian Johnson asked his girlfriend, a Boise State cheerleader, to marry him. (She said yes).
Was it the best bowl game ever? Certainly, some Texas fans who watched Vince Young scramble to a national championship last year may say no. As will many Ohio State fans who agonized through three overtimes in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl before celebrating a national title with a victory over Miami. What do you think?
Furthermore, where does the game rank in the big picture of major college sporting events? Was the win bigger than George Mason's run to the Final Four last year or even Villanova's improbable run to the national championship in 1985?
Lastly, what happens if Florida beats Ohio State on Monday? A Gators victory would make Boise State the only undefeated team this season. Yes, the competition in the WAC isn't at the same level as the SEC or Big Ten, but the Broncos did soundly defeat Oregon State (42-14) in September -- the same Oregon State who knocked off the mighty USC Trojans earlier this season. In our minds, they deserve consideration.
The BCS must allow for the existence of excellent teams in, what some would consider, lesser conferences. Boise State certainly deserves consideration for that number one spot.
Boise State's schedule was harder than Ohio State's...
Look at USC who spanked Michigan(OSU's signature win) then think back a few weeks... USC lost to Oregon St, who lost to... You got it... Boise State.
Take a peek at #4-11 of the Big 10 conference... not much betetr than the WAC. Throw in Cincy and BG or whoever OSU's non-conference games were. I'd say their schedules don't vary much.
The look at who BSU just beat... an Oklahoma team that should have been playing for a national championship if the replay official wasn't legally blind during the Oregon game.
The fickleness of the college football masses, including the supposed experts, is mind numbing. Does anyone else see the lunacy in asking this question 2 to 3 times a year, every year?
The overtime drama wasn't necessary... if you watch the replay you'll see an OU lineman holding with a handful of jersey on their game tying TD and their winning 2ptConversion.
Here's why I don't think it was: It wasn't for a champioinshiip. The best game ever that wasn't for a championship. Absolutely. I'm not saying it wasn't better than some of the championships, I just think even though it had possibly more drama than the OSU-Miami and Texas-USC game, it doesn't really matter for anything. Nobody's going to remember this game 20 years from now. If it had been the champioship, in a playoff, or the regular season to decide who would go to the championship, then I'd say it was the best game. It was still awesome though. Maybe this iwill help a playoff be created. (I do like the BCS, though, because games like OSU-Michigan wouldn't have mattered if there wwas a playoff.)
By the way, did anyone notice halfway through the 4th quarter when Boise was up by eight, the announcers mentioned how usually when a mid-major beat a power, they needed some trick plays, but up to that point Boise hadn't run any and they thought that was great by Boise. They spoke a little prematurely.
I hate USC, there is such a media bias for those guys... they are always over rated... But I loved watching them beat the tar out of Meechigan. So much for their claim that they deserved to be playing for the NC... so much for the media's wish to give Michigan a split championship... but the Media does have the chance to give BSU a spilt championship and deservingly so.
Truly, it was a fabulous game and incredibly entertaining....althought there ought to be a "man law" against proposing after a game like that (LOL); However.... the Texas USC game has to be the best overall .....in terms of talent, stakes and drama. GREAT GAME!
So Utah and now Boise State post W's in their BCS games. Maybe just maybe if they can get enough noise stirring in their conferences they can get somethign done. Mt West should be able to get some of those Big Wig retired Air Force guys to cause some rukus. The Gov of idaho went to BSU if I recall... maybe if we get some politicians involved, something might happen... Look at MLB, congress wanted to see results and we got drug testing and the 50 game ban
Certainly an entertaining game but definitely not "Best Game Ever." To be BGE a championship must be at stake. The ones mentioned in the article, except for George Mason all qualify as well as Miami- Nebraska.
I live in Boise and I was one of the few in this town that didn't give BSU a pimple's chance at the dermatologist to win that game. Give BSU their props for the best bowl game in recent history if ever. As for a national championship if Ohio loses, ...not a chance. Strength of schedule just wasn't there.
I stood in amazement watching that game unfold. I love the underdog, always have, always will. I was mad when the refs didn't call the holding on OU during the TD that gave them the tie. I was crushed when they ran that pick back for 6. -Hind sight being 20/20, I bet OU wishes their player would have went down or stepped out rather than score after that pick- I sat in awe at the hook and ladder.
The winning play didn't surprise me, I was looking for that. What did surprise me was when Johnson put the ball int he stands. Beign that I had to get up 4 hours later to go to work, I clicked the TV before seeing him propose.
That game beats Flutie, beats Cal-Stanford, beats the wide-rights, beats Kirk Gibson's HR, beats 'the catch', beats the Red Sox come back, beats 'em all baby.
BSU should have a chance at the National Championship!!! Every season there is some one saying we need a playoff in college football and now we have another undefeated team needing a chance at the championship and deserving but won't get the chance!! This was the best college bowl game ever possibly the best college game ever!!
2002 National Championship Game between THE Ohio State University and The University of Miami is by far the greatest college football game ever played. I would rank the Boise State/OU game third behind the Penn State/Miami Fiesta Bowl in the late 80's.
BSU wins the Fiesta Bowl and Wake Forest wins the ACC adn the Orange Bowl.
BTW, way to choke Virginia Tech... Sure it was a home game for Georgia, but you are suppoed to have the best defense int he world.
Good job Michigan, way to prove everyone that voted Florida #2 wrong... oh wait, you proved them right.
Good job Miami, you froze your butts off and won the 'the field is not painted blu, it's just that cold' bowl game. Too bad you fired your coach that has a Winning % over .800 Good luck with that.
Good Job USC... you paid the right people off as usual and got them to say it 5,356,702 times that you deserve to be pre-season #1 next year. Another year with an over rated USC in the top tier of the polls. WooHoo
All things being equal you could argue this was the best bowl game ever. However, the Texas and Ohio State wins were for the Nat'l Championship. This makes them better games.
Oklahoma fans are now getting a taste of what Idaho Vandal fans have been feeling for decades. While it was indeed a great game, OU, repeat after me... "Who do we hate? Boise State!"
Absolutely, the single most enthralling and entertaining college football game ever played. This game is the new standard for all David and Goliath match-ups. It will go down as one of the single greatest sporting events ever televised and in time, the story in its entirety will find its way to the big screen for everyone to witness all over again. Reality is always more fantastic than fiction.
I think Woody Allen said sports are the ultimate drama, and nothing ever produced by Hollywood could match the Boise - OK game. In my book, it was the best Bowl Game I have ever seen.
Yes, Boise State's victory is one for the record and history books, but also one for our hearts and the passion that makes college football what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.
what makes this bowl game better than the Tex/USC matchup last year or the OSU/Miami matchup a few back is that Texas and Ohio State were playing for the title...whereas Boise State was playing for nothing more than dignity and heart. They were playing to prove that they belong.
very rarely do we see a team in a pressure game throw everything on the line to accomplish the near impossible with less than half a minute left...very rarely do we see a team in ANY sport step up and say "we came here as a nobody, we came here with nothing to lose...so there's no reason for us not to do everything humanly or superhumanly possible to win when the odds are dead against us." so, they just did it.
you might see it in a high school game, where embarassment might be contained within a few square mile and within the memories of those who saw it. but this was different. this was in front of the world, on record forever.
if the reciever bounced the lateral off his shoulder pad...if the wide out threw a wounded duck that got smacked into the turf...if the Statue of Liberty play had boinked...we'd all be sitting here saying that Boise State cracked up and went insane right before our eyes, resorting to tom-foolery over traditional football to win.
but Boise took the gamble, when the odds were the worst against them, took it head on and turned sure and imminent defeat into a glory that etched itself into our hearts and minds for the rest of our lives.
Boise State was supposed to get wiped back and forth across the Valley. Boise State wasn't really even supposed to be there. We weren't supposed to stay up until 1:30am watching the last 3 or 4 minutes of the game over and over on Tivo to convince ourseives that we actually saw what we saw. We weren't even supposed to tune in in the first place.
we saw the rarest of the rare last night. that wasn't supposed to happen. heck, it wasn't possible for it to happen.
I think it was one of the most exciting games I've ever watched, I can't say that it was the best, but, it definitley adds to the argument for a much needed play off system.
If Florida beats Ohio there'll be a lot of controversy over who is #1 and rightfully so.
Honestly, this is the best bowl game I've ever seen from a play-calling standpoint. The 4th and 18/2-pt conversion calls were outstanding calls, executed perfectly in extreme circumstances. Hard to say if Boise could play with OSU or UF, it's all circumstance but it would definitely be fun to watch. I still think, though, Mason's win over UCONN trumps this one. 4 first round draft picks/1 second rounder...that's truly the first time I think NO ONE (outside of a Mason alum) expected that one. Nova '85 with Pinkney has nostalgic value but Boise's win is up there for the way they won the game. Confident, with reckless abandon. USC/Texas was an unbelievable game - and for the title - but this game's finish might be unmatched for a long time to come.
This was by far one of the most entertaining bowl games of all time. Even my wife stayed up to see the finish. Classic David & Goliath with a surpising (play) and sweet (engagement) finish. Boise State deserves recognition of the highest order. And, WE ALL DESERVE a playoff system that will make a true National Championship accessible.
Who cares? They should have a shot in a playoff system and it is a travesty that their season ends undefeated and they don't get a chance at championship. Foolish and I will never watch college until they have a playoff (why not 8 teams?)
I think it was one of the best games I have ever seen. The intensity, drama, and excitement made the game the memorable. The outcome was "Rocky Balboa" on the football field.
Any team in division 1 that wins all the games on their schedule should be given a chance at a national title the only way to ever say you are the best is to beat everyone you play no matter home big or small your school is. We will never know if Utah 2005 and Bosie 2007 are the best team that year in college football untill there is a play-off end the 4 weeks or lay off and install a playoff to cumulate on January 8th with a true championship. Heres to you mid majors. at a boy and who will do it next year lets bust this thing wide open!!!!!!!!!!!!
it is definitely one of the best games ever, or at least the last 5 minutes plus overtime. once florida wins, boise state should get half the national championship
Best Game Ever? I can not answer that because I am not a huge College Football fan (but after a game like this I definitely see the appeal more). I will say though that while flipping channels I saw that the BSU lead had shrunk to 8 late in the fourth quarter so I stayed tuned. Now, I could care less about either of these schools personally but I was cheering loudly at every play that was made as the lead went back and forth. I love games like this because I was literally laughing and cheering out loud as the next "miracle" play happened. I wondered what was going to happen next and loved every minute of the end when BSU went for two and converted on the "trick" play. Wonderful 4th quarter and overtime (great proposal at the end too). Best ending (like two prize fighters trading furious punches but neither giving in) to a game I have seen in a long time.
If the WAC and MAC get to be part of the BCS then by all means, the undefeated BSU Broncos - should Florida knock off Ohio - deserve the number one spot. They beat everyone they played. They did the unthinkable and led the whole first half against OU and then by sheer desire outplayed them to the last second. What more can you ask?
I watched every one of the games mentioned - the Miami-Ohio State game was great, but too controversial to go down as the best ever. I LOVED watching Vince Young run all over USC last year, too. But this game was BY FAR the best, for a number of reasons:
1. To everyone but the Boise State team and fans, the result was completely unexpected.
2. The Broncos succeeded in making Adrian Peterson, a future first-rounder, a non-factor in this game. Though he made some great plays, Boise State neutralized each one of them by answering with their own offense.
3. The character that the entire team showed, especially Jared Zabransky, who threw an interception with about 1:30 left in the game, and which was run back for a touchdown to put the Sooners ahead by 7. Most quarterbacks would have collapsed or given up; Zabransky led his team to the victory with a series of astonishing plays.
4. They managed to prefectly execute three trick plays on the three most important plays of the game: the hook-and-ladder play on 4th and 18 with under a minute to play, which resulted in a 50 yard touchdown, the direct snap to a wide receiver with the quarterback split out wide on 4th and 2 in overtime, which also resulted in a TD, and the statue of liberty play, which resulted in the game-winning two point conversion.
5. Ian Johnson's proposal to his girlfriend: after that game, this proposal was just the icing on the cake.
A GREAT game, one of the best ever. I'm tired of Boise State getting labeled as "Cinderella" though. This is a major college football program that beat every team it played, including one of the legendary programs of all time. Let's stop calling the Broncos a miracle. They played great, inspired football -- something Michigan could only aspire to. Arkansas and Wisconsin were boring in their bowl game. When the rankings come out after Ohio State rolls to the National Championship, they should be: 1) Ohio State. 2) USC. 3) Boise State. And right now, let's schedule Ohio State and Boise State at the Meadowlands for next year's Kickoff Classic.
I think their is no doubt about it! This was the best bowl game ever! what an unbelivable comeback in the last minute of the game for BSU after an awsome miricle drive by OU! With BSU's defense staring to hurt in the end and letting Oklahoma come back, It was no surprise to this bronco that they went for the two point conversion! I remember seeing that play earlier this year against idaho, i was so happy to see it again! GO, FIGHT, BSU!!!
Also i stepped outside at my home across from the university, You could hear car horns from a mile away cheering for the broncos! I, herd in the distance a "BOISE!" and in response, the whole nieghborhood from every direction erupted in a "STATE!" This went on for several minutes before all you herd agian were cheers and car horns
Last nights game was a great game and kept us on the edge of our seats. Boise State deserves a shot at Ohio State and a national championship. I wish the Utah utes would have gotten a shot at a team like oklahoma, texas, or USC two years ago in the fiesta bowl. I'd like to know how far they could have gone. That was a great utah team with a great coach, but we'll never know because of the current system that we have. All men are created equal, but that's not the case for college football teams. only the "elite" schools get a chance at a national championship.
Absolutely the Broncos deserve consideration for the title if florida beats OSU. Oklahoma (if you factor out the Oregon travesty) was every bit as good as USC, Florida, and Michigan. Therefore, by beating Oklahoma, BSU completely legitimized their undefeated season. In other words, USC, Michigan and Oklahoma all had their shots and blew it. BSU didn't blow anything. If it were 15 years ago and Florida beats OSU, would there be any question that BSU gets consideration for the title? The answer: NO
Best game ever? Let's not go that far. HOne of the best games I have ever seen? No doubt.
Look at the NCAA basketball tournament. It is wildly popular because of all the upsets and Cinderella stories. Can you imagine the interest if Boise State was playing USC next week in the next round of the playoffs? The NCAA is missing the boat by not having a playoff.
Not THE greatest bowl game ever, certainly one of the best. Definitely one of the best and most exciting finishes ever. I was a little disappointed that some TV analysts blamed the loss on OU. The TOs were even and points off TOs were even (14). BSU got knocked for using gimmick plays. I felt that the last OU drive for a TD in regulation was a gimmick also. They lucked out with an injury to the BSU secondary and got a couple of favorable interference calls. OU maybe the better team. OU is bigger, faster, and stronger. But OU was outcoached. BSU wanted it more and never gave up. BSU deserved the win. I doubt Ohio State will lose. Even if they do, I doubt BSU will be the national champs. I think BSU should finish the season ranked #2 if OSU wins, and ranked #3 if Florida wins.
It was an amazing and fantastic game, but it did not carry the importance of a National Championship. I think that I have to go with the person that said the greatest bowl game that did not have championship implications.
I don't know how people can say it was better than the Texas/USC game last year. Considering how much hype that game had, if that hadn't been an incredible game then people would have been disappointed. This game had no expectations and thus makes people think that it was greater than it was.
Boise deserves it!!!! I live in Boise, ans they are an amazing team!!!!!!!!
And to all the broadcasters that were talking smack about BSU at the begining of the game... IN YOUR FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't mess around with the Broncos!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BSU and the WAC conference have shown that they belong. NO QUESTION this was the best game of the year. Until college football comes up with a true championship formula matching the best against the best we will forever ponder the question of who deserves the national championship. BSU beat some very good WAC teams including Hawaii and Nevada who represented their conferences proudly during this football season. College basketall has it right! The Gonzaga's, George Mason's, and maybe Nevada this year have the chance to win it all. This just makes sense!
Best Game ever was the USC-Notre Dame Game which finished with the "Bush Push". I will forever remember watching that game with my (then 4 year old) son. We were so excited that we cried.
While I think, this was an excellent game, and definitely the bowl game to watch thus far in the bowl season.....it was not the best ever. In fact, I think this question is ridiculous. For a BSU fan, it definitely was the best ever; for an OU fan, I think they would probably say countless games vs. Nebraska, or possibly the 2001 Orange Bowl vs. FSU, was the best game they ever saw.
Media hype is killing this sport, and all sports in general. Can we just enjoy the game for what it was:
An excellent bowl game, with tough, gritty gamers that refused to lose.........it just happens that someone has to.
i turned the tv on right as boise state made the two point conversion and i was like that was the coolest play i have ever seen. Then i watched sportcenter to see what else happened in the game and i saw that crazy play on 4th and 18, and thought that that was the coolest play i have ever seen! boise state deserves a shot at the national championship, no matter what happens in the florida ohio state game, any one who goes undefeated deserves a chance, this was the most exciting game i havhe ever seen!
Having watched Boise State's undefeated 2006 season - and witnessed a few other "close calls" along the way - I'd say that this one was pretty damn good. Whether it proves out to be among the 'Greatest Games Ever' or changes the BCS' approach to determining a national champ is something for time and the history books... But it certainly does give us another great story about a great group of players with tons of heart and hunger, and that, ultimately, seems to be what's most memorable about any sport.
This was the best game ever, and for reasons other then the unbelievable ending, the "upset", and all that other stuff.
The reason that this is the best game I can remember is that this game was well played by both teams, well coached by both teams, well officiated for the most part, and just an all around good football experience. It is how the game should be played, guys making big plays all over the field. OU has nothing to be ashamed about, they played a good game.
Still doesn't beat Texas-USC for me. For one thing, OU wasn't the great team everyone believed they were this year. If Boise State had beaten Michigan, Florida, USC, or the likes of them, then I'd agree. This might have been the wildest game I've ever seen but it doesn't compare to Texas' win over SC.
Whether this was the greatest game ever is irrelevant. What IS relevant is that Boise State is here to stay and the BCS needs to find ways to recognize and accomodate that.
bosie state- Congrats on a big win, BUT, let's not get carried away with the schedule crap!
Using your logic ("Look at USC who spanked Michigan(OSU's signature win) then think back a few weeks... USC lost to Oregon St, who lost to... You got it... Boise State. ")
OSU killed a Texas team that easily defeated OU, the team that took you 2 overtimes to beat...
Beyond the amazing play calling and execution, beyond the Hollywood coda of the marriage proposal afterward, beyond the high drama to the very end of regulation and beyond, here is why it ranks higher than USC-TX and OSU-MIA:
While those two games were for just another national championship, of which there is one every year, this game could very well cause a complete restructuring of the I-A championship process. The Broncos weren't just playing for their own pride, or even for the pride of all "mid-majors", but for a playoff system to finally replace the BCS sham. There is no greater evidence that fundamental reform is needed than this game. It's hard to imagine the stakes being any higher for any other college football game.
If you watch any BSU football at all you expect the kind of focus and determination that you saw last night. It was an incredible game and I admit that sitting here in Boise last night, I almost gave up when Zabransky threw his big interception. Then I remembered, this is BSU and they never give up! I hung on and almost had 4 heart attacks till the finish. Yes, it is ranks as one of the greatest games ever. The NFL and NBA should try to playing with their hearts like BSU did. I might start watching again.
One of the greatest contests in the history of the earth's existence.
Absolutely totally awesome. This should rank in the college football annals as one of the greatest games ever.
Nice to see the WAC-style play calling come up huge. Nice to see a former 1-AA school beat one of the greatest footbal universities around. And nice to see the wedding proposal at the end.
Johnson's game-winning catch and proposal to his would-be wife on the same field moments later has got to be one of the best moments anyone could ever script for themselves. And he got to live it.
Boise State and OU showed what college athletics is all about; 18-22 year old young adults playing a game they love, universities beaming with pride showcasing their academic histories, their school bands and cheerleaders, and communities in love with their football team. The marriage proposal between the star football player and the head cheerleader just kept you asking for more.
This is by far the greatest non-national championship game ever and personally (i am a boise state fan) I think this was the best football game ever played either pro or college. By far this was the best game I've ever seen.
Last year's Rose Bowl is still head and shoulders the best because 1.) the stakes 2.) it was a close game from beginning to end 3.) there was no ridiculous 'inning-style' overtime to settle it 4.) it involved 3 (and maybe more) future SUPERSTARS of the game, and 5.) Vince Young.
As an upset by an underdog team playing their heart out, this ranks with the US Olympic hockey team beating the Russians in 1980. Also, it proves the national ranking system is slanted towards the traditional powers and should be changed to let smaller schools in other conferences have a chance to show what they can do. This game should change the dynamics of choosing the national champion. Whomever wins the national championship is going to have to live with, "Yeah, but how would they do against BSU?"
It's not about the holding calls that weren't made on OU's final 8 pts. It's about how you respond and how you perform after the missed calls and the possibly devastating interception. It's about everyone - the coaches and ALL the players - and their indomitable spirit. Believing against the unbelievable and persevering against the challenges, and then, then choosing to win or lose rather than tie, those are the things that define excellence and beg admiration.
There is no way Boise State should be ranked no. 2 at the end of the season. They would get their ass kicked by a team like Rutgers. This game definitely doesn't beat last year's Texas-USC.
The game wasn't the greatest game ever player, but it was one of the most entertaining games to watch. Great job by the Boise State coaching staff. They came up with the plays when they needed them. Nice to see a team that is up against all odds come up with something to give themselves a chance to win. I am an NIU alum and wish our coaching staff could have come up with some plays that would have made our bowl game more interesting than running Garret Wolfe up the middle every play.
Great game, nice story but best ever needs two quality teams and Oklahoma was very good but certainly no USC, Florida or Ohio State.Boise should be a top five team in the final polls.
omg... no way does boise state deserve the national championships game. usc sucked when they played oregon (fumbles and stuff), people who say boise states schedule is harder than osu's are just stupid. bs is an awesome team, but there not on par with the other top teams (osu, florida, michigan, usc) oaklahoma hasnt been great for 2 years now, good, but not great, and boise barely beat them. bsu played crap teams all season (oregon included) and barely beat a dying oaklahoma team in overtime with trick plays.
I've never been a Boise State fan, and I can't stand Oklahoma so I was thrilled to see the Broncos give it to them. Definitely THE best Bowl game I've EVER seen...amazing. Boise State, you put Idaho on the map in my book...
To discount this game since no NC at stake is a mistake. This is the greatest game as BSU knew they were playing strictly for the W and for love of the game. "Trick plays" are imaginative offense if done by some teams but not by others. Announcers were marveling at the fake by Stocco and David Greene ran that same play for years at UGA. Stafford used it to beat Va Tech so is it great offensive play calling or "trickeration" depending on who is running the play? It's legal, it worked, BSU won the game. Great job Broncos.
Hollywood wouldn't write a story like this because it would be too unbelievable for them. Hollywood would get rid of 3 tries for 2 points and the star of the game marrying the head cheerleader. He would be marrying the girl who was just a friend of his that he never noticed.
I started watching the game with very little voice due to a case of bronchitis. I ended the game with NO voice and a severe case of BRONCOitis!! Boise State deserves consideration for the #1 spot if for no other reason than it has more heart and soul than any other team playing right now. They epitomize what all college teams should aspire to be: great competitors and a real class act. GO ORANGE, GO BIG BLUE, FIGHT, FIGHT, BSU!!
For those of you who are not die hard Boise fans, you might not know that Zabransky has not been the most liked quarterback we have had. Two years in a row he had thrown game ending interceptions in our bowl games, first against Louisville and then against B.C so when he threw that interception with a minute to play he instantly became the most hated man in Idaho, for 45 seconds anyway. Then he pulled out the impossible. Best bowl game ever? Maybe, at least top 3. Boise deserve a shot at the national champion? Sure, it would be a fun game to watch to say the least. Unfortunaly it wont happen but that doesnt take away from what Boise did.
Boise St.'s win was significant. I agree that this should help bring about a real championship tournament. Boise St.'s schedule was tough--thry beat San Jose St., which won its bowl game, it beat our Hawai"i team, which won its bowl game, and early in the season it beat Oregon St., which won its bowl game in addition to beating USC, which crushed a MIchigan team that had fought Ohio St. to the bitter end. With the exception of Michigan, which now doesn't look that good,did Ohio St. play any teams that were much better than those on Boise St."s schedule? Remember, Ohio St. did not play Wisconsin, which was just about the only other Big Ten team that was above mediocre. Penn St. had a decent record and won a bowl game, but was it a better team than Oregon St.? Until there is a real tournament, like those in the other NCAA football divisions, where all post season games matter, "national championships" will be the the subject of argument and conjecture. This morning on TV, Skip Bayless, who had predicted that Boise St. would be crushed, downplayed the win by saying that that Oklahoma would have won if it had been a real playoff game and not just a bowl game with nothing at stake, thus proving the point.
Undoubtedly the greatest game ever not played for a national championship. More importantly, it's a reflection of the broken BCS system. Mid-majors are now 2 for 2 in BCS appearances, but they will never get a shot a national championship (i.e., Utah 2004). It's an abomination for Boise State to beat a perennial powerhouse like Oklahoma and not have the same opportunity given to a 1 loss Florida team. I'm not saying that Boise State could pull it off - it's just too bad that we'll never know.
Great game, great heart. But let's be realistic, they beat a two-loss team with a wide receiver playing QB... And they needed every trick play in the book to do it. Give them a spot near the top but don't declare them co-champs.
I played against Boise St. the first year they moved to Div. I-A 11 years ago, and to see them beat OU in a BCS Bowl thrilled me to no end. It was like watching a child grow up and graduate college. Is it me, or did this game mirror EVERY sports movie ever made (complete with the hero getting the girl in the end)?
Absolutely amazing game!! I was on pins-and-needles for the entire last 5 minutes or so (although the first, second, and third quarters were great too!). As a Texas fan, I loved last year's. But that game last night--WOW!!! might be the best ever!!!
To anonymous at 1:42, if there was instant replay, it wouldn't have even gone to overtime, because they would have called a completed pass by Ohio State that would of had the clock ran out. Miami wouldn't have gotten the ball back.
Also the Big 12 said the official made the right call.
I graduated from the University of Georgia and have been a Bulldog fan for over thirty years, but I must admit this Boise State win over Oklahoma is probably the best and most dramatic college football game I've ever seen. Boise State had every reason to give up twice and they refused to do so. Yes, I think Boise State should be considered as a legitimate #1.
Boise Fans, Puhlease...Oklahoma was not even a good team. Man, I wish you all played a OSU or USC team. They would of put you guys in your place. I'll admit the play was pretty cool, but any Junior College could of pull off that play. You want to be a big shot...put better teams on your schedule. Stop cheating your way to a BCS team...we all know San Jose State can whip your booty any day!!
Fun game to watch to say the least. However, to make the statement that it is the best bowl game ever is an overstatement. I love college football, though I could not make myself stay up any later to watch overtime. Something I would have done if the game meant anything. That is what makes the other games stick out-- the pressure to perform when expected and when something big was on the line. Now to say it was the most exciting bowl game finish? That I could see.
My wife and I both watched the game. She is a true SEC fan, I'm a Big 12 fan. We both agreed this win legitimized Boise State as a football school, and maybe showed that 12-0 is 12-0, regardless of the conference. The only true way to settle this is with a play-off, just like in Div. II.
Everyone has such a short term memory. Was this game better than the 2005 Rose Bowl when Vince Young basically carried Texas to the victory or the game last year when he did the same act against USC? All this "instant classic" status of games is ridiculous. They beat a very good Oklahoma team. However would you take Oklahoma over USC or even Florida? Boise State is a good team, but in order for the game to be the best ever it has to stand for something grand. Grand meaning championship. People wake up...
It was the greatest since USC/Wisc. in '62 Rose Bowl. I'm rooting for Fla. Go Boise State!! The sixth game of the '75 WS wasn't the championship game either but it is still considered the best ever, "Go Bucks"
Greatest game ever? Hardly. Most exciting finish ever? Probably. Nothing about the first 3 and half quarters of this game make it worthy of the greatest game moniker. Paul Thompson turned the ball over 4 times (3 INTs and 1 fumble). No game that included that type of performance can be considered the greatest ever.
Those calls didn't take as much guts as given credit for. What did Boise have to lose? They weren't expected to win the game, or even be competitive, so the playoff wanting media (ESPN) would be glorifying them even if they didn't make the two point conversion. A 2 point conversion is converted like, two-thirds of the time, so the odds were with Boise. This is not the best game ever, not even close. USC-Texas, OSU-Miami, NU-Miami (1983), NU-OU (Game of the Century), Cal-Stanford..the list goes on. It was a good game, but a fluke. If Boise wants to play with the big boys, then do it during the regular season and prove you belong. How bad was that shalacking they got vs. Georgia last year? Ohh yea..
This was one of the greatest bowl games ever. It strongly supports the need for some type of playoff system. For now, with the system that in place, second guessing is always going to be prevalent when things don't go as scripted or planned. Notwithstanding Boise State undefeated season, if Florida beats Ohio State, they are the rightful champions...nobody else. That's the current BCS system (one of judgement based on several factors). If you don't like it (like most fans), we should push for a playoff system.
It was a great win for BSU and I can understand the fans of BSU being excited but as noted its not even the first time a "Non-BCS" school won a BCS bowl game. It was exciting but the only way I can see thinking its the best ever is if you are a BSU fan. Best of the 2006 bowl season so far absolutely but not best ever.
I am pissed because I am soft and went to bed early (at halftime). I was still a bit hungover from new year's eve and had to work this morning. When I read about the game's events this morning I was ashamed by my display of manhood. I still havent even seen the highlights yet but I can only imagine...
It can definitely be mentioned in the top ten games or so but lets not kid ourselves. There is a reason they keep scores in games and why there are winners and losers.
In reality this game meant nothing so it cannot compare to Texas/USC, Ohio State/Miami, Miami/Nebraska from the 80's, Notre Dame/Michigan St from 1966 because nothing was on the line. All the above games were championship games and that is what is all about.
I have been a BSU fan for years, I am so proud of them! They do not care what the odds say, they just go and play with their whole hearts! They deserve to play Ohio state. Maybe now the BCS will play fair! And I live in SEC territory!
Why was this a great game? An underdog playing a "superpower" stuck to their game plan, maintained their offensive composure and their confidence and perseverance in the face of crushing bad events. I have spent 30 years coaching high school football here in Idaho and although a former Vandal, have sent many players to Boise State. The maturity and execution of those Broncos was unsurpassed. They have great players, but that also was great coaching.
This is better then a championship game, because there was a true underdog here, a team by all stats should have lost. Lets take a look at the amount of talent that a school like OU can recruite compared to BSU. This was a game of sure will and execute by a true team. The meaning of the word team has more meaning in this victory then any other. This shows everyone that you don't need 20 highly recruited talented players to win in football, you just need Heart, desire, and execution. Hats off to BSU, one of the greatest games I have every seen in my life.
I always thought the most exciting game I would ever see was BC vs Miami (Flutie's Hail Mary pass). This one may have topped it for pure drama and outrageous comebacks. Glad to see Boise lived up to its BCS bid. However, to the one message left about about #4-11 Big 10 teams being "not much better than the WAC", that's just simply off the mark. #4 (Penn State) just beat Tennesee soundly. Even perennial celler-dwellers Indiana and Illinois were playing well in the 2nd half of the season. When your #8 (Iowa) loses to Texas by 2 points after leading in the 4th quarter, that's a sign to me that the bottom of the conference is pretty strong. The BCS team that really doesn't belong is Notre Dame. I'm sick of this exception for them that if they're ranked high enough, they're guaranteed a BCS game. Nobody else gets that. Ask Wisconsin how they feel about that exception. They're going to finish somewhere between 3rd and 5th in the nation and didn't get to play in a BCS game!
Boise State came into the New Years with one thing on their mind, a BCS victory. The victory shows the College Football Nation that a small non BCS school can run with the big boys of division one A. As a George Mason basketball team shocked many teams as well as the NCAA in 2006 in the final four, Boise State is the first team to show they can play in 2007 with an undefeated season. The victory came at maybe one of the best BCS games of all time. Personally for me I thought last year Vince Young showed everyone he can dish it out, and a few years back watching Ohio State beat Miami were great BCS upset but NOTHING tops this prestigious win and upset like how Boise State beat Oklahoma. Regardless of what people say about Boise State and playing in the WAC, any division one conference is good enough to roll with any team and they showed for it. This is a great victory for the state of Idaho and the city of Boise and their fans. At least ¾ of the stadium were all Boise State fans. Believe it or not people take great pride in their teams up in west. Show some love to a great Bronco season and the great game that was played!
Best Bowl Game of my time: Sugar Bowl 1979. 'Bama 14 - PSU 7. Game known as 'The Stand'. Legend Bear Bryant's 'Tide stops Legend-to-Be JoPa's Nittany Lions four times from inside the 8. Final plunge from the 1-foot line resulted in a memorable picture that made the cover of SI).
The only real issue I have with Boise St. is that their schedule was not very difficult, thus their 12-0 record was largely a record over quite weak teams. A true test would have been if they had played more teams like Texas during the regular season and not simply in a bowl games. In fact, their weak schedule is precisely what kept them out of BCS title contention.
Some day the conferences that want a playoff and they don't have a conference championship game, better find one. The ACC showed how to work it among college Presidents, fixing a balanced conference to have a Championship football game.
Then some day in the future when BCS bowl winners stand proud, the playoff can start among 8 teams as the process begins.
The efforts have to be on the field and not in the polls. Teams that risk a Championship game are "punished" by losing when teams not playing stay in their place.
Michigan is the example this season. They can't get Norte Dame in the Big 11, so they should find someone else. Take Iowa State from the Big 12. Rename the Conference Great Lakes 12.
Big 12 can add Colorado State as example. The Pac 10 becomes 12.
Something good should come from Boise St. winning. A playoff. But the conferences have to fix themselves first.
Among the great games ever, let it be that. The Texas Tech comeback against Minnnesota wasn't a BCS game but what a game that should never be forgotten.
Boise State's schedule was harder than Ohio State's?????? The Buckeyes have already beaten two teams this year which were ranked #2 in the country at the time. No team has EVER beat three teams ranked #2 in a season. It has NEVER happened. However, it will happen in a week. How is that a week schedule? Should they play the #2 ranked team every week of the year? Boise State has NEVER beaten a team ranked that highly (let alone two in the same year)
Best bowl game ever??? It meant NOTHING. Remember Jan. 4, 2003, remember that Fiesta Bowl?? It was between 2 undefeated teams for the national title, and it went two overtimes. Those teams won around 50 games in a row combined going into that game. Boise State?? Give me a break.
I was glad to see Boise State win this game as I was in 2004 when Alex Smith and Utah stomped Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl. I also sympathized for Oklahoma, who has lost its last 3 BCS games. That lateral play was amazing.
No, Boise State-Oklahoma was not the best game ever. If you take the quality of the game times the stakes that the teams are playing for, then both Texas-USC and Miami-OSU were better games. But BS-Okla was a great game!
The best thing about the game is that we're having this discussion at all about a mid-major team with only eleven years of 1A experience from the outskirts of football civilization. The BCS isn't the answer, playoffs of 4-8-16 games aren't the answer... the best part about college football is the ability for all of us aficianoados to debate this very topic. Should Boise be national champions? I bleed orange and blue, but no, hell, no, they aren't the best team in the country. Should they be allowed to compete for the right to be called national champions? Of course! Is that likely to happen? Not in my lifetime -- the bowls are too important historically and financially. Was this the best bowl game ever? Not outside of Idaho, but it's got to be on the short list (VY last year, Clarett four years ago, Nebraska going for two two decades ago...). The point is, isn't it fun to be able to debate about it?
Last year's Texas-USC was a better game than Boise St.-OU (albeit it was amazing).
The Texas-USC game had been hyped for weeks; USC was considered by many (i.e ESPN) the greatest football team ever assembled; Vince Young/Texas had been questioned as being untested and it was the National Championship game. The stakes were larger last year.
To be sure, this year's Oklahoma team was not Goliath. Although OU won the Big XII they don't conjure up notions of dominance the way they did five years ago. The Big XII was mediocre at best this season. Had Boise St. beat either Michigan or USC this year then a more compelling argument could have been made.
I was excited for Boise St. I am happy they won what should be called, "the best game ever by a mid-major"; however, it was not as exciting as the Texas-USC last January.
Best bowl game ever ... no. Best 2 minutes in a bowl game ... dam straight. From absolutely crushed by a pick in the last minute-thirty to winning on the two point conversion ... no game I've ever seen has had that kind of up and down emotion. Add to that it was BSU pulling it off against power house Oklahoma ... that makes it the best.
what made last year's Rose Bowl great was the number of great players on both teams. In 10 years will anyone be able to name more than 1 player that played in the Fiesta Bowl?
Boise gets thumbs up from me!! The game was great!!! Go Boise! Ian, he's got Texas blood in him...he came in like a cowboy, took out the bad guys(okie)& rode off with his lady into the sunset...a real hero...
Boise gets thumbs up from me!! The game was great!!! Go Boise! Ian, he's got Texas blood in him...he came in like a cowboy, took out the bad guys(okie)& rode off with his lady into the sunset...a real hero...
The stunning ending makes this game one of the best ever. In the final seconds AND in overtime, Boise State (the underdog) faced three do-or-die downs. They succeeded (to the Max) on each one.
I think that all the turnovers tainted the rest of the game. But the drama of the comebacks - one by Oklahoma and two by Boise State - still made this game a great one to watch. Coach Peterson put it all on the line going for two. Making it, and the way they made it should make highlight reels for years. I am glad I saw it, and it sure makes my collection of best games ever!
I hate florida, but I doubt many people think Boise could have gone through the SEC without a loss. Boise is a great team, but being able to stroll through your conference takes away from the 1 or 2 big games you play all year in my opinion. It's hard to show up every week.
If OSU loses, then Boise State certainly deserves the National Title. Florida has no business playing OSU to begin with. Florida's strength of schedule is a joke. Now we know Michigan had no business being there. USC had an embarrassing loss against Cal, so where does that leave us???
Even if it was for a championship, I still would say that Texas-USC was the greatest bowl game ever. Yet, I still think the Boise St.-Oklahoma game was awesome.
First, This game doesnt come close to last years USC-Texas. You have to be out of your mind to think that.
Lastly, Boise state doesn't deserve to be in the title game nor do they deserve to be ranked in the top 3 for pre-season next year. Everyone gets lucky now and again.
When I think of the hundreds of college football games I've watched with my friends, only 3 stick in my mind: OSU/Miami b/c we watched the underdog, hometown Buckeyes win in a dramatic upset, USC/Texas b/c we all hated Leinart and Carroll, and Vince-sanity had the greatest individual performance ever, and last night. The difference about the game last night is that we all felt like we were living and dying with Boise St. Not even when my Buckeyes overtook Miami or when the Steelers finally won a Super Bowl in my lifetime was I so emotionally vested in a football game. I screamed, yelled, and laughed about almost every play after the muffed punt, and so did everybody else. After every play we were citing the times we had tried those same trick plays in the backyard and how Boise was the true everyman's team. When they went for 2, everyone in the room recognized the statue right away, and we were jumping up and down like madmen. You really couldn't find a better way to script a game like this going down.
no doubt about it this was the best game in history. it had everything you could ever want it was a cinderella story. it was the david and goliath story it will certainly be made into a hollywood movie in 10-20 years.
I think it was a great game but i prefer games that are close the whole game and not just when the final score appears. just like with a few other bowls this year, including one featuring the great Georgia Bulldogs, this game featured a team that went up by a lot and played great defense while the other team struggled for most of a half and then in the second half the two teams flip-flopped. they both played great but neither team played a great complete game of football. i like games where the teams play well the entire game and keep it neck and neck throughout the entire game like Texas-USC or USC-Notre Dame last year or OSU-Michigan this year. Maybe this game had one of the greatest endings but keeping the whole game in perspective versus some other big games in recent memory, this game didn't quite match those.
here are some other things to look at: BSU was up by 18 midway through the 3rd qtr and then went 23 minutes without another score only to let OU comeback to tie. also, where was the big game herculean, go down in history athlete of the game? Zabransky played well but Thompson was pitiful in the first half. Ian Johnson ran for 101 yards and 2 TDs which is solid but not earth shattering and no one else on BSU ran for over 10 yards. Adrian Peterson also got 2 scores but only ran for 77 yds averaging 3.9 per carry. Not exactly super human. Where was the Vince Young, or Matt Leinart? Where was the Reggie Bush or Troy Smith of the game? no where to be found.
bottom line, it was a good, maybe even great game, but with the inconsistency of the play of both teams and without any really standout performances, i don't see how this can be called the greatest game ever.
No its not the best...its not even the second best. I would rate the Miami-Nebraska 84 Orange Bowl as number 1 and the Texas-USC game as number 2...but I never thought I'd say that Boise St. was involved in the 3rd best game. Gotta love college football!
What I will say is that is this might have been the greatest 30 minutes of a game but 30 minutes doesn't make a game.
For the record, the Ohio St-Miami game should never have been brought up in this conversation simply because of the terrible level of execution throughout the game especially on the part of Miami. Also, any “best game ever" should never EVER come down to some ref throwing a flag on what could have (and probably should have) been the final play of the game. It should be decided on the field with great players making great plays like the 84 Orange Bowl, the 06 Rose, or last night’s game.
Something to keep in mind is this though…if down the line this game is remembered as the landmark game that helps bring about a playoff to college football then yes it should be considered the greatest game of all time.
I dont think this game was the best ever just think 2002 Sweet 16 the Indiana Hoosiers beat the Duke Blue Devils 74-73 nobody thought that was possible and IU were like 20 pt underdogs and then they pull of an amazing comeback down 13 and comeback and win. Then move to the final game. GO IU
"Boise State's schedule was harder than Ohio State's..."
Come on, nothing against Boise State (it's nice to see a team for a second tier conference win a game like this and get some respect), but they only played one ranked team the entire season, their Bowl Game. You can't compare their schedule to Ohio State or Florida's.
BSU vs. Oklahoma brings in the new year with already the best game of the year. With only one day into this year i can't wait for the rest of the year in sports! Watch out for Florida upsetting Ohio State urban myer coached the undefeated utes in the bcs game a few years ago, you better believe he knows how to coach the big game! Say florida wins, what does that make Boise state? The only undefeated team! maybe share the national championship with florida?
It was actually Miami that got cheated against Ohio State. The phantom holding call on Miami that kept Ohio State alive in ot taints the status of the game being called one of the best. And for anyone to take away from the Boise win because they used "trick plays" is absurd. There are no "trick plays",just legal and illegal plays. Boise's choice of plays and execution of them only punctuated the final result that the best team on the field was Boise State.
What makes the best game ever?? It seems like the media wants to suddenly mark any game (especially ESPN) with that title as soon as the clock reaches 0:00. Really... Was the Michigan / Ohio State game the instant classic that they are trying to sell you?? A game that Ohio State controlled from the beginning, and it was only their sloppy play that allowed Michigan to have a chance. It seems like ESPN is really just promoting the replay over and over and over again of that game on ESPN Classic so MAYBE someone will watch it again.
I don't know that last night was the best ever...but certainly it deserves to be ranked up there. I will name a few games that I can think of off the top of my head...granted all 4 are Nebraska games...and I'm an alum...but they all 4 prove my point. I would rank a well played, solid game over any 1 point win, any day.
Here they are: 1971 - Nebraska / Oklahoma: Nebraska wins 35-31 in the original "game of the century" 1983 - Nebraska / Miami: Miami wins 31-30 in the game that came down to the final possession for a National Championship 1993 - Nebraska / Florida State: FSU wins 18-16 in the '94 Orange Bowl for the National Championship 1994 - Nebraska / Miami: Nebraska wins 24-17 for the National Championship
Again...they're all Nebraska games...and I'm not saying these are the greatest ever...they just have several things in common that I think exhibit qualities and meet criteria that I have for "greatest game" recognition.
1) All 4 had major National Championship implications (Neb. / OU was a match-up of 1 vs. 2 in the last game of the regular season...the other 3 were for the National Championship) 2) All four were well played on both sides of the ball. They weren't sloppy. The shift in momentum between the 2 teams went back and forth (along with the score). Both teams would move the ball and mount a drive before the defense stopped it (there was both good offensive and defensive play). 3) All of the games were in question until the clock reached 0:00 (even though the Neb. / Miami game in '94 was dominated by Nebraska late....Miami dominated the game early).
I'm a 67-year old Florida female who loves college football and, specifically, the Miami Hurricanes first, Gators second, and then those Seminoles.
Of all the games I've watched in my lifetime, I enjoyed the Boise State and Oklahoma game the most. Boise State deserves to be pitted against the top team in the Nation. SUPER GAME, well coached team, and excellent/exciting football. I could watch that game again anytime..........
This just wasnt Oklahoma's year, seemed like everybody was against them this year. after so many jumped on the Texas bandwagon , having your QB kicked off, the debacle at Oregon, and injured adrian peterson. After the big 12 championship game it finally seemed like they would triumph after all of their struggle but unfortunately for their last game they had almost the entire nation rooting against them , but if anything I dont think Oklahoma is a team I'd want to see on my favorite teams schedule next year, they be out for some revenge
TEXAS-USC was the best game ever by far. It was the two longest win streaks in the country, the only two undefeated team, two heisman winners and the game had all 3 heisman finalists. Plus, it was at the Granddaddy of them all and was for the national chapionship. In addition, Vince Young had the best single game bowl preformance ever (200 rushing, 267 passing and the game winning touchdown).
Boise State, had an undefeated season, but was playing an Oklahoma team with a couple of losses. This game was not for the title and was only for a feel good cindarella story.
When did Oklahoma become a "Goliath" or "giant" this year? There were games this year against "lesser" opponents(which Boise could probaly beat) that they barely made it out of with a win. Name one person that plays for them besides Adrian Peterson. There was no talk of them during the season as being a great team. Don't label Oklahoma a giant because Boise State won.
All this game will accomplish is a spot on future EA sports NCAA football video games as one of the greatest games you can replay in the final minutes.
Statistically, it WAS the best bowl game ever. We can go on and on about the BCS, but the bottom line is, we need collegiate playoffs like basketball's Final Four. Good job BSU, even though I am a Vandal, you did Idaho proud yesterday.
How much fun could a game possibly be? THIS fun! You could write this as a movie script, but the best part of watching this game is the ultimate ending wasn't Hollywood, it was REAL. And Boise deserved that win. Wonderful game.
Great game, but not the best over. OU ain't all that. Playoff or no playoff system, I'd like to see a team like Boise take on USC or OSU sometime in the future.
in order to even be CONSIDERED for greatest game its gotta be a TITLE game and the last time I checked the Fiesta Bowl was NOT the championship game. Thus, indefinitely eliminating any further talk of whether or not it was one of the greatest games ever. The Ohio State-Miami and USC-Texas games are both good examples of games that CAN be CONSIDERED for greatest game ever. Sure its a good story Boise St. beat the Sooners but it wasn't Vince Young beating USC on a 4th and Goal with under a minute left for the CHAMPIONSHIP. It wasn't Ohio State and Miami laying everything on the line for 4quarters plus 3 OT's for the CHAMPIONSHIP. You know what?... It wasn't USC annihilating Jason White and the Sooners. Get the picture? It's about championships. Only about Championships! Love the story, hate the comparison. Shouldn't even be considered.
Good game .... espn classic material .... just not the best of all time. It's blows my mind how people say Ohio State's schedule is weak ...... don't forget they are playing to be the only team ever to knock off their 3rd, second ranked team in the same season. Hopefully Florida can hang in the game until halftime before Tressel buries them.
Great game, but nothing can beat the show Mr.Vince Young out on in the 2005-06 Rose Bowl. Boise St. did however put on a excellent display of courage and got the success to show for the effort.
I wish all the best teams would play for the national title in a play-off system designed around the bowl system.
Utah two years ago and Boise State this year are 2-0 versus BCS teams in bowl games, and both teams could have played well against any team in the country.
When Florida beats Ohio State, then who is the best team this year?
Just give it the Gators, but I enjoyed the Fiesta bowl so much that I would love to see Urban Meyer coach against this dude at Boise State.
Great teams are great teams, let them keep playing to see who is best.
I wish Utah had a shot two years ago and Boise State could not be stopped this year.
The game last night could have gone to Oklahoma, they sure played back into it. The finish was fun to watch and one reason College football will always be my favorite game.
great game----both teams stink----boise qb has no arm and their running game would be crushed by good team---ou just stinks----these 2 teams could not beat rutgers or many other non-bcs teams--however,it was a very exciting game
Not the greatest game ever, that would be last year. The 2005-06 Rose Bowl between USC and Texas. Vince Young beat the odds when nobody outside Texas gave him or the team a chance. One of the greatest performance ever in all sports.
Boise St Vs Oklahoma a top 5 game! Nobody can say that "Statue Of Liberty" 2pt Conversion wasn't nice.
Destroy the B.C.S it should have been Boise St. Vs The Ohio St. Two undefeated teams the real #1 and #2 of the year.
If what the Boise State - Oklahoma outcome tells us, in combination with so many other victories by MWC and WAC teams, is that the rankings of college football teams bears a greater resemblance to figure skating judging than it does to science. Long live the little guys! :)
Much respect to Boise State, but what's with the talk about how their schedule was tougher than Ohio State's?
Yeah, Michigan got blown out by USC, after they LOST their shot at the national championship leaving it all on the field against Ohio State. Did no one else except me expect michigan to phone it in against USC? Guess not.
If the Three Number Two teams Ohio State has a chance to beat were/are overrated, it's not OSU's fault. They are still playing games with the #1 target on their back all year, against teams which, regardless of their exact rank, everyone can agree are major college football powerhouses who when they played Ohio State were playing for the number one spot.
Who else can say that? No other team in history, that's who. If OSU can't get respect this year, then I guess they'll have to forget respect and enjoy victory.
Don't know if it was the greatest game ever... but is sure was fun to watch! I'm just glad it wasn't on ESPN... so I didn't have to listen to the three wise-asxs all night long :-).
it was one of the top 5 games ever, but i still think florida is more deserving. The gators only loss was to a very good auburn team and they beat nine bowl teams, won the toughest conference, and they did it with style
hah....boise state's schedule harder than THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY'S? oh puhleese, wake up. get your head out of the clouds. and about the OSU-Miami game being rigged by the refs? Yeah Right, so many people just hate the buckeyes, im sorry, not everyone can be as good as us...so stop complaining, the better team won. and don't worry about Ohio State losing to Florida, psshhhh NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
We deserve the chance at the big boys, I know we proved that last night with the greatest comeback anyone could ask for. The so-called small colleges deserve the recognition for their accomplishments. Go Broncos, we are #1 no matter what others may think or say.
Champions? YOU BET WE ARE. After a nailbiting conclusion to what will be talked about for years to come, we proved we are capable of fighting with the big boys. GO BRONCOS!!!!
Boise State-Ou was a great game, but I still don't think it was as good as Texas-USC last year
Vince Young willed Texas to a National Title
It come close to the Miami-Ohio State game, but in the end Ohio State's 3OT championship drama trumps it
There are other great bowl games in history, but this is up there as one of the best. I'd say top 10 bowl game EVER at the very least. 3rd best since the turn of the millenium.
We have been lucky the last two years to see both this game and texas-usc.
those two had to be best ever in the last 20 years. the only other game that is up there is Miami-Nebraska in '94. (all the others were boring/too slow/ or had very suspect officiating.) yes, bsu-ok also had suspect officiating, but it didn't weigh down the game and prevent the undeniable broncos from tellin OU to: "HAVE SOME"!
As a BSU fan, it was the most exiting up and down game ever. Feeling the lows from the muffed punt touch, the PI on the 2pt conversion and the pick 6, to the highs of the amazing comebacks. Watching Zabransky after that pick was heart breaking. But to have the composure and skills to come back says a lot. Now, for right now, it was the most exciting game ever. But last years USC/Texas game WOW, the 2002 National Championship was probably the best ever because of the stakes.
BUT let's at least give the BSU/OU game the best storyline ever. Starting out fast when everyone asks "can they play with the Big Dogs?", starting to fall apart, then winning after twice looking impossible (on 4th down in both instances) for a team everyone said couldn't hang.
As far as do they deserve a co-championship? If Florida wins maybe. I do have to laugh at those that say they couldn't win. That's what they said before the OU game when OU should have been in the Natl Championship (except for the stupid Pac 10 refs, they should have). BSU crushed Oregon State, who beat USC, who crushed Michigan, who barely lost to Ohio State. I am not trying to say it is a math problem and BSU beats Ohio State, but don't say they couldn't handle it. They did. They deserve a shot. They might lose but they deserve a shot.
The whole concept that it can't be a the best game because it was not for the championship is just wrong. No one will let them play for the chamionship and this game just proved that they should have the chance. I don't know if it is the best game in history, but it was by far the most entertaining. There were so many moments when you felt the game was over, regardless of which team you where for, but then 3 plays later the tables had turned. I also think it is more than just the underdog winning. The Oklahoma players where trash talking, provoking and disrispecting the BSU player beacausse they felt insulted to have to play them. It is always more enjoyable to see the good(not underdog) guys win.
Congrats to Boise State -- they've had a great run the past couple years and rode the wave of "underdog" to its win over Oklahoma.
We need to realize, however, that this has been happening for decades. There have been non-BCS schools having tremendous success over a two/three-year period for a long time. People forget their history, or even more so, don't know their history. Miami (Ohio) went 32-1-1 during the early 70s and won three Tangerine Bowl games against SEC schools. Toledo had a great run, as well, during that time. I could go on with numerous examples. It was actually more impressive for schools to accomplish this prior to the 85-person scholarship cap, which has leveled I-A football even more.
There's no doubt it was a great game. But it would be hard to beat the 2006 national championship game, and for what was at stake.
Also, to the blogger who said Boise State's schedule was harder than Ohio State, think again. Penn State handles Tennessee, Wisconsin beats Arkansas, Iowa (2-6 in the Big Ten!) nearly knocks off Texas in its back yard. The Big Ten has nothing to apologize for.
great game...I live in japan and it was the first game I have seen in over a year...if I did not hear about strength of record etc. yada, yada, I would have thought Boise State was truly a great team...speedy, physical, poised and lots of heart...put in a playoff...come on!
For all those people who think that Boise State deserves a National Title if Florida wins are stupid. Yes Boise State beat Oregon State who beat USC who beat Michigan but what you forget is that the best team in the Big 12 was not even playing in that game. The game was won on two trick plays and the gods smiled down on Boise State to allow them to upset Oklahoma, but who did Oklahoma get beaten by earlier this year, Texas who beat them easily. Don't forget easily that Ohio State easily defeated Texas. Florida and Ohio State had some of the toughest schedules according to the BCS computers that determine schedule strength. Put Oklahoma on the field against either team playing for the National Title and there is no shot. UCLA also beat USC this year but then got handled very easily by Florida State. You can't compare two teams by going through a list of how each team is related to a team they didn't play. You look at the talent on the team and how badly the team wants it. There is no way anyone besides possibly Michigan or USC would be able to beat Ohio State or Florida so don't believe the hype that a team from the WAC which has what other team besides Boise State(I can't think of anyone decent)should be legimitely talked about for a national championship.
They should start the games earler or have the games on in the daytime or weekend so fans can stay up and watch the games. Just to many bowl games and the go
Hhmmm, can only be BGE if the NC is on the line? Perhaps those people should stop sniffing glue. BSU beat OU in the Fiesta and that's that. Might not be BGE but definitely is in my top 3. Now then, bring on a playoff so all this "who should be NC" can finally be done on the field where it really counts. Not the opinion of a coach or clueless sports writer. Play it, decide it, and leave it on the field baby!
The arguments that Boise State's schedule is somehow tougher than Ohio State's are misguided and not logical. Applying the 'BSU beat Oregon State who beat USC who beat Michigan' logic... Ohio State beat Penn State who beat Tennessee who crushed Cal who crushed Oregon State (BSU's landmark regular season win). Further, Ohio State beat Texas who beat Oklahoma (BSU's landmark win). Ohio State's SOS is not great, 40th, but is certainly better than BSU's, 100 (Sagarin).
I was at the game and the thing that made it so unbelieveable was the "little guy" coming back. Coming back with a little chip on their shoulder, a little razzle dazzle, and a little running back who quietly put up more yards than Adrian Peterson. Way to go Ian Johnson #41. And Congratulations. Congratulations on getting engaged! Congratulations on scoring the most touch downs in college football! Congratulations on scoring the winning 2 points in the biggest game in BSU history!
If it wasn't the greatest, it was at least the most American game ever - the essence of the kids from nowhere who take it all. Perfect example of why, if a national championship system can't claim to find the best players in the nation, then it can't truly claim to be a national championship. Gotta change.
I attend college at UNR (for those of you who've never heard of us, that would be University of Nevada Reno) and Boise had to beat us to make it to the BCS bowl. Despite the fact that UNR did not play to the best of their ability against BSU last month, I have to say that I am extremely proud of BSU for winning this game! I am glad that Boise took the opportunity they earned and beat Oklahoma. The UNR game against UM pissed a lot of people off over here in NV and the officials obviously looked to screw UNR with a few of the calls that later came back to haunt us. I am glad that these two WAC teams went out and showed college football fans that the WAC can compete with some of the bigger college teams out there!
This was the best college game finish I've seen since BC-Miami when Flutie hit Phelan on that famous Hail Mary; that was another back and forth match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Put aside the innovative plays for a moment. Boise State dominated the line play for most of the game. Let's not forget that except for the 25-yard run in overtime, Boise's defense shut Adrian Peterson down all night long. OU comes from a tough conference with rich traditions. Boise did to OU what many "higher quality" programs could not do.
The game was tremendous and was, in my opinion, the best bowl game of all time.
i'd give BSu a goose's chance during hunting season with the best hunters in the world all wielding fast action S-500 rifles and completely famished due to lack of game in previous weeks, to beat the university of florida. foooorrrrrrrr!!!! F-L-O-R-I-D-A!!!!!!!!
I'm not sure about the greatest, but it was certainly the most entertaining bowl game -- or any game -- I can remember watching. Anything that can lead to a high-five from my tee-age son is nothing short of amazing. How soon before we start seeing colored turf in stadiums throughout the country?
Greatest game ever? ... maybe. Does it matter? ... NOT ONE BIT! It's ironic really. The NFL is boldly and unappollogetically commercial - playing for the sake of the dollar. And yet, every year they crown a true champion - undisputed and unquestioned. But, in College ball which pretends to be above such things, the BCS worships reverently at the altar of the almighty dollar and the result is a muddled mess every year where champions are chosen by computers rather than on the field. If OSU prevails in their game, they should take on BSU and prove once and for all who the true national champion is - even if the BCS doesn't get a dime from the game.
Don't get me wrong the end of the fourth quarter and overtime was a great finish to a game but by no means a great overall game. As for sharing or outright owning the National Championship, let's think about it. Strength of schedule has to mean something because otherwise lets just load our open weeks we puff teams and watch our rankings rise. Boise State can definately compete but they were playing the likes of Fresno, Utah state, Nevada, Idaho, San Jose St. They played Sacramento State which took me some time to find out what level of football they even competed at. (I think they might be an 8-man team) The point is they are playing in a weak conference where the wins are coming against weak opponents and the losses are coming against weak opponents. Had Boise played a schedule like anyone in the SEC, or BIG 10 then they would have some bragging rights. I hate that Boise has to be punished for a stupid system but then we need to change the system, not punish those whose get through undefeated or with one loss on a very difficult schedule.
And furthermore this winning by proxy logic has to go. Boise beat Oregon State, Oregon State beat USC, therefore Boise could beat USC. NO it doesn't work that way. With that logic Boise beat Wyoming by 7 this year so therefore Wyoming should be able to compete with USC or the Sooners. That sounds about right.
BCS prayed for their miracle and God gave it to them. Its the best game...yes... It's the best game I've seen since SMU almost upset Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl in the late forties.That day nobody ever sat down during the entire game. SMU was the underdog with a moral victory. Today BCS had the victory. Who says prayer won't change things?
Now wait a minute. . . The logic that since USC lost to Oregon State, who were in fact thumped by Boise State, then USC would rank lower than Boise State is flawed in many ways. First of all, I can argue that the Oregon State team that lost to Boise State was a very different team than the one that beat USC, Hawaii, and Missouri. It was much earlier in the season, and I have to admit that I think Boise State wanted the win a lot more than OSU did. Second, the USC team that showed up against Michigan in the Rose Bowl was an infinitely superior team than the one that showed up in Corvallis, and should that game be played again I am pretty sure that the outcome would be very different. Not that I am a USC fan - I still think that they are way overrated and a cocky bunch of guys to boot (did you see when Dwayne Jarrett caught the pass and then handed the ball to the Michigan defender that he had just brutalized? That was cold, man) , but facts are facts. Strength of schedule is what will kill BSU's national title hopes, and fair or not, there is a BCS system that endorses a national championship game. Yes, a playoff is ultimately more fair, but honestly, BSU is not the only team that perceives themselves as being cheated. Every year we see some school make that same complaint, and this will continue to happen as long as the BCS system is in place. So sorry BSU - you played a great game and deserve a lot of recognition - but not the national championship.
I do agree that this was a game to be remembered. I am proud of Boise State.
My best game ever was Herchel Walkers first game when he ran over the Tennessee defenders. I watched Herchel excell in high school and then to see him excell in college, thats my best. It just depends on the ocasion.
I've been watching football for over 45 years now, and in my youth I played my share as well. When we think about everything this sport is supposed to be and everything the competitors should bring to the field - grit, personal character, determination, technical execution under pressure, the ability to stare adversity in the face without flinching, unselfish teamwork, excellent coaching, riveting entertainment for the fans, and so on - I can't think of any game that has displayed these qualities better than Boise State-Oklahoma 2007. America was given a very special gift last night.
How do you know that Boise State isn't good enough for a national title because they played a "weak" schedule as a result of being in a mid-major conference?
Boise St. has been a consistent winner since moving up to Division I-A; this was not their first year being a ranked team. UNLV was a perennially ranked team in college basketball in the 90's despite the fact that most of their schedule was "weak" as a consequence of their membership in the Big West conference at the time; that didn't change no matter how many non-conference games they played against schools from better conferences. Their NCAA tournament win allowed them to prove that they were a legitimate contender for the national title regardless of how weak their (conference) schedule was.
You can't judge a team by strength of schedule alone, especially when they have no control over most of their schedule because of conference affiliation. Boise St. went through their schedule undefeated; they should have the chance to show whether they really have "what it takes" to win a national championship.
Also, the argument that the BCS conferences should just extend a membership to any non-BCS school that mangages to crash their party is bunk, because there is no way the BCS conferences can know in advance which of the many non-BCS teams nationwide is going to have a phenomenal season. No, what the BCS schools usually do is just "steal" the non-BCS school's coach (case in point: two years ago, Urban Meyer led Utah to the first BCS bowl win by a non BCS school; two years later, he's going to be coaching Florida in the national championship game).
Last year's Cotton Bowl was better. It didn't have defenses being fooled by JV trick plays three times in 10 plays, nor QBs making rediculously bad throws in the last minute and a half on their own 25. This game was filled with mistakes, it wasn't even that well played. This game featured absolutely no defense.
Last year I was zonked out on painkillers after surgery...but I celebrated a Texas victory the best I could. Still, the Boise State victory beats Vince's heroics. Go Broncos!!!
I grew up in Boise for the first 18 years of my life. I went to every home football game that BSU played. My dad was BSU's first sports information director.
This win made me prouder than I can possibly express in words.
Was it the greatest bowl game of all time? I don't think so. It was definitely top 5. Was it the greatest ending of any bowl game of all time? Absolutely. The hook and lateral, flanker pass, and Statue of Liberty calls were the three gutsiest calls made by any coach in the clutch EVER. Can you imagine any other coach calling those plays in those situations in such a huge game? Me either. Chris Peterson has absolute cantaloupes. Not onions but cantaloupes.
My Sooners lost...Boise State epitomizes what it means to be an American. National Title for BSU? No. They would have had to beat the Sooners by 3 scores or better. Remember, OU was ranked 10th in the BCS, not in the top 3.
As Floridian now living in Boise, I loved that game. The expectations, the pundits, the fans... no one really gave lil'ol BSU a shot. IT was the nice story of a little school coming up a GIANT. To most, if BSU could have stayed close, it was a "morale" victory.
Let's not forget, but for one blown call by blind officials in Oregon, this OU team would be in Glendale. Not last night, but next week. This was an OU team that has run, punished and bruised its way to 8 consecutive wins. It was the Big-12 Champ.
And, lil ol BSU was every bit as physical. Every bit as fast. And, every bit as good. For 49 mins, they were two heavey weights exchanging body blows. Ahhhhhhh..... then, like the greatest, Ali, they came up with the magic. From somewhere in the depths of their will, their heart, they summoned the plays that won the game.
A quarterback that had been bood and ridiculed for blowing games, not with his arm but his head. he tossed up what would have been rememberd as the biggest quackers in history. From somewhere, he dug himself out of it. and then led his team to victory.
BSU exudes TEAM. not stars. Ask adrian peterson what this game will mean to him in a year? two years? 10 years? not much.
Ask any BSU player, BSU fan, or any one that loves sports, and they will tell you they were there the night David slew Goliath.
If "great" means drama then BSU-OU is at the top. What happened was absolutely amazing. I could not believe what was happening before my eyes. It was not just the end to a football game.
If you want to say that a game is greater because of drama and what's at stake that's fine, but let's not be so narrow-minded to only pick games from the past four years. For example: the 1994 Orange Bow. FSU wins their 1st National Championship by beating Nebraska on a field goal with 21 seconds left. The game ends with Nebraska missing a field goal with no time left on the clock. That game was just as dramatic if not more so than the OSU-UM game. I'm sure there are other such games through college football history and in ten years people will no more remember the OSU-Miami game than they do FSU-Nebraska.
But with such an unbelievable ending I'm sure that BSU-OU will live on in poeple's memories and on ESPN highlight shows for decades.
It was entertainment, drama, and even romance. It had the underdog rising against final seemingly insurmountable odds to triumph. It was a rare feat, and the reason we watch sports. Was it the best bowl game ever? How do you quantify, best? That is too subjective a task. What it was, was damn fine, heart rendering sports entertainment.
I am from Idaho and I have been a Huge fan of Boise State since the Poky Allen era and I just want to say congrats to the Boise State players and coaches, to Boise as a whole and to all the underdogs that think the deserve a shot. This was a great way to start off the new year. Go Broncos!
This game was spectacular from start to finish. BSU dominated throughout with the exception of the last two minutes of the game. The trickery showed both polish and ingenuity on the part of BSU coaching staff.
I dont think there is a "Best Game Ever" in colledge bowl games. There are too many great games played over the years. Each with it's own distinctive flair and personalities but This game has to have the mark of the best second half of Any bowl game. OU played like a great team in the third and fourth quarter making an 18 point comeback to tie the game and then take the lead on a bad pass/interception. But to see BSU come out on the field and move the ball down field and struggle on 3 straight plays and then execute to perfection one of the most amazing plays in "Football" history to tie the game with just seconds left in the game was un believable.
I bet 99.9% of everyone watching the game had written off BSU after the interception and with 4th and 18 (yes I wrote them off) and then they execute the perfect play to tie the game (it is not a trick play, every team has this play in ther books)and OU did not defend it. BSU could have gone for the win but they went for the tie instead.
Over time was unbelieavable, 1 play and 25 yards for Petersen (one of his few good runs for the night)and OU was us 6 and a PAT to make it seven (OU could have gone for the kill and 2 points) BSU once again moved the ball with good success but still had a 4th and 2 and they pulled it off. And the two point conversion in overtime was executed to perfection even with the fake throw to the side to throw off the defenders (actually called by the backup quarterback) and run the ball to the left side for the win.
BSU had nothing to lose and everything to gain. No one gave them a chance to win... and they did. They went for the kill. Win with a great call or loose with a bad call, BSU wanted to prove they can play with the best of them.
Sure it was not USC or Ohio or even FL, but They would have eagerly played any one of those teams given the oppturnity and who know who might have one but BSU would have gave it ther all.
Being from a so called "WEAK" conference (WAC) and from the west (yes ther is still an east coast bias in colledge sports) BSU has not gotten the respect they have "Earned" until last night. Utah had the same issue when they beat up Pitt 2 years ago (by the way, there coah (urban Myers) bailed on Utah since all of a sudden he was a good coach and now he plays for some "East coast" school Hint... does FL ring a bell? Good luck to BSU and hopefully a top 3 final ranking (Utah ranked 4th).
As for the Best Game ever? There can never be a best game ever but it will be one of my all time top 3 games in colledge bowl games.
The entire CF ranking system is completely circuitous and flawed. The most influential factor in a team's ranking is their current rank and this favors the major programs. Only teams like Notre Dame, Michigan, and USC can lose multiple games and still remain ranked. The "major" conferences are only major because somebody once said so. Only a few teams in each of those conferences are top quality teams anyway and the same is true of the so called "mid-majors".
Rankings and conference affiliation drive television contracts and coverage. "Major" conferences keep their elite status by voting primarily for each other. This is a vicious cycle that must be broken.
If ever there was discrimination in America, it is in the College Football ranking and bowl system!
Boise State had a TOUGHER schedule than OHIO STATE.. read on
Im so tired of hearing the "Strength of Schedule" Garbage.. Lets see - Who has Ohio St. beaten this year? An average Texas Team, Michigan who got ROUNTED by USC who lost to Oreg St who BOISE ROUTED, the HUGE POWERHOUSES OF Illinois & Norther Illinois, BARELY beat Northwestern, a 5-8 Indiana team, A 4-8 Mich St team... The list goes on and on.. Boise States opponents and schedule are much tougher, and BSU's SCHEDULED OPPENENTS WOULD win in my opinion in those teams facing eachothers opponents... So lets just toss that "Strength of Schedule" Right where it belongs... If OSU loses to Florida BOISE ST DESERVES AT LEAST a share of the national championship.. they proved it last night in the Fiesta Bowl -The Greatest College Football game ever.. Boise State Shocked the world last night.. They should have won the game easily had it not been for the botched Punt Return that let OU back in the game.. Boise St controlled both sides of the line... But being a bronco fan i wouldnt have had it any other way... That game was College Football in its PUREST form, Drive, Determination, Heart.. it was all there.. Jimmy u really need to reconsder your post.. I do believe that Oregon St IS IN THE PAC-10 and BSU TROUNCED them 42-14?? another Pac-10 Team AZ St got beat by Hawaii... as far as strength of schedule goes? Who has Ohio State Beat? Northwestern, Illinois, Bowling Green, a sub-par Texas team.. Michigan who got beat by USC who lost to that same Oregon State team... You gotta give credit where credit is due.. Just going 13-0 in ANY sport is amazing by itself..
Being a huge OU fan and from Oklahoma, I was at first very upset with the outcome of the game. After looking back at how Boise performed and took advantage of the OU mistakes, and capitalized it with 3 of the biggest plays ever at a crucial time, I say it was bigger than any game I have ever witnessed.
BSU's schedule was tougher than OSU's? Are you being serious? That is crazy! BSU plays in the WAC conference which is exactly how it sounds WAC! Anybody ever heard of the big ten? Do you honestly think Boise State could beat even Michigan let alone OSU or Wisconsin? I mean really, lets all be honest with ourselves here. Michigan and OSU would embarass them on the field. furthermore do you think Boise could even hang around with USC, LSU or Florida? NO WAY. I will say this I think Boise State could beat Notre Dame, they are highly overated. I mean Boise State could beat them with thier ranking alone ND cant beat a ranked team! I think we should leave it like it is with Boise State having a Great Year and playing in a great game before another game actually happens with florida, OSU, or USC and they get embarrased!
I see all these sportswriters writing "What a great game" "Boise State deserves" "BCS is in turmoil", etc etc. Words aside, I hope the AP voters back up their words, buck the system and vote Boise State #1 if Florida beats OSU. If they are calling for a championship game if OSU wins, why wouldn't BSU be deserving of the National Championship if OSU loses?
My point, though, is that anyone who says that Miami-OSU in 2002 was better should think again. I don't care if it was for a National Championship, or that it went three overtimes. That wasn't what stood out to me. What stood out to me was that OSU's collective behinds were saved by a bullsh*t pass interference call on 4th down in overtime when down by a touchdown!
Also, I'm not sure I buy the claim that BSU had a harder schedule. Sure, it was pretty tough, especially after adding Oklahoma at the end, with Hawaii and Oregon State already there. I'm really not a believer in the "A defeated B, B defeated C," so A should get something over C. Of course, in this case, A is Boise, B is Oregon State, and C is USC. I would like to see Boise play USC, Michigan, or Ohio State, but I don't see a playoff happening anytime soon. However, because they were such a huge underdog, and they had a reasonably tough schedule (Hawaii, Oregon State, Oklahoma), I think that there's a possibility that the media polls will give Boise some love.
HOLLYWOOD COULDN'T HAVE PRODUCED A BETTER ENDING. This will be the most memorable game for a long time to come, unlike the Cal/Stan game you won't see the same play over and over year after year, you can't because it was trick play after trick play I believe 5 out of the last 6 plays were trick ones and all but one worked that is why the argument will stay alive of the best game ever. The 4th down plays, the penalties on both teams, the "hook and ladder" I can see him getting a first down but a touchdown where were the goal line defenders. We all relate to this game because it was good old "Turkey Bowl" sand lot plays that won the game for Boise. Share of the National Championship Don't push it Oklahoma isn't Florida, or Ohio State. I say playoffs to find the truth.
I fell asleep during the game, Im waiting for a real football Game on the 8th. If you think Boise should be #1 than I suggest you wake up. They couldnt compete in a real league. Get Real and wake up
The guy below that thinks that BSU schedule was harder than OSU is a moron. All you have to know is that OSU played two #2 teams and one of those on the road. That alone puts thier schedule much better than BSU.
During my entire lifetime as a sports fan, I have only had such raw emotion during a sporting event three times: 1) When my son was pitching in the final innings of his high school state championship, 2) When I watched the "Miracle on Ice", and 3) When I watched BSU beat OU in the Fiesta Bowl.
I don't call myself a compassionate guy...in fact, I think I'm like most men that watch sports. I have my favorites and then I just hope for a good game. However, two nights ago I felt connected to the BSU players. I screamed at my TV like I haven't done for years. I felt alive for the first time this century.
And, at the end of the game, I felt like a proud father realizing his boy is now a man.
The question isn't, "Is this one of the best football games ever?". Simply put, this is one of the best sporting events ever played.
If a group of guys I don't know can make me as proud as the day I saw my own son become a man, you have my vote.
This was one of the greatest, most enjoyable games ever to watch; but the ending surpasses all others in how it was won! 1) 4th & 18: Hook & Later(al) to send the game to OT. 2) OT: 4th & 2: Sophmore wide receiver throws a touchdown. 3) OT 2 pt conversion: behind-the-back Statue of Liberty play. These were designed, practiced and well executed plays, not just a Hail Mary. Outstanding coaching, play calling and exsecution won the game and thus makes it the best by a power of 3!
I don't think it was the greatest bowl game ever cause it was Boise St. vs. a two-loss team. The game was great, top ten or top twenty yeah but greatest ever, no. Texas-USC was better, the game was bigger with TITLE IMPLICATIONS. That was a better game, it was official.
It's pretty lofty to say this is the "best" (although to we BSU fans, it IS the best), a friend who is a USC grad, watched them play Texas at the Championship last year, said this is even better. I thought it may be a dream, but who could think up such a convoluted storyline?
Things are just crazy here - the main street blocks were packed with 500+ fans after the game, and I'm proud to say they wre very well-behaved, with firecrackers and Roman candles being the most wild activities. Over 3500 fans showed up to greet the team bus yesterday afternoon. Calls are pouring in from tons of interview interests, from Jim Rome's ESPN show to People Magazine. Wow.
We Bronco fans have watched them go from a good I-AA team to a sad, mediocre team with a coach dying from cancer to a I-A team with promise to, well, one of the most exciting Bowl teams in history. We all knew they were bound for greatness; now everybody knows we ARE what we say we are.
There is a reason Boise State doesn't play #2 ranked teams in the country, if you are good enough to be ranked high, you don't schedule them. For you non conference games you schedule the likes of Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. The ranking assures that good teams will not schedule games against good mid major teams. For them it is a no win situation. If they win, it isn't a big win, if the lose, it is a huge loss. Actually OSU got it right this year playing a bad Texas team, and a vastly over rated Michigan team. Both huge wins, if they had lost it would of been a good loss.
I keep hearing the term "trick play". Aren't all plays basically trick plays ??
"Misdirection"__passing routes that lead the defenders away and leave one open receiver__play action pass
All basically sleight of hand.
The truth is Boise State demonstrated that they are an extremely well coached team. The players seemed to understand football and each did precisely their role in most plays. They played as a team. They won as a team. They deserve a great deal of credit.
We have too many self appointed "experts" today.
The polls, the pundits, the BCS are all basically bullshit.
It was one of the most entertaining games I have ever enjoyed. I'm sure I'll watch it again at some future date and once more be dazzled.
The purist can criticize the game and try to pick it apart but no one can diminish the joy and excitement it brought to many viewers.
You guys can say all you want about Boise State being in a weak conference and they don't play anybody, but put this into perspective, Oklahoma and Boise State have the best record in Div 1-A since 1999, Boise doesn't get probably a 1/10 of the scholarship money and recruitment that Oklahoma gets, and they kicked the crap out of Oregon State(42-14)who beat USC and won their bowl game who probably gets more money and recruitment than Oklahoma, USC kicked the crap out of Michigan who supposedly got snubbed out of the national championship game(they really proved worthy of that didn't they?), If Florida beats OSU, BSU will be the only unbeaten team in the country and should be the national champions rightfully so. Oh they have a weak schedule though, who cares? they went undefeated and nobody else did. That makes them the best team in the country. This was by far the best game i have ever watched, pro or college in any sport, that was just insane play calling and perfect execution. Consider this also, they did all of this with a brand new coach. who cares if it was a championship game or not. The question was "Was this the best GAME ever?" not was this the best national championship game ever? Maybe some of the people that are saying this wasn't the national championship should get their eyes checked. Yeah Boise State used trick plays to beat Oklahoma, but if they are such a powerhouse why didn't their defense stop them? Oklahoma was outplayed, outcoached, and ousted by a better team. Its just too bad there's not a playoff system so they could get the chance to prove the whole nation wrong and legitimately claim the national title, GO ORANGE AND BLUE! Now we have something besides potatoes, finally!
most exciting, dramatic, "we- never-give-up" college-level football game I've seen in 25 years. Up here in Broncoland there are lots of fans wearing tee-shirts entitled "it's not attitude-we really ARE that good...... pretty well sums it up for me.
Agreed!!! This was one of the top bowl games ever. I can't say it was best though. We have the Joe Montana / Notre Dame's win over Houston in the Cotton Bowl and Dan Marino and Pitt over Hershel / Georgia in the Sugar Bowl...but it is in the TOP 5 all-time.
In the end none of this matters because THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY will be the National Champions. It is a shame that they are not the California or Flordia team to get all the media and all the calls, blah blah blah, quit crying....OSU is the National Champion come January 8th.
I have no bias towards either team. THIS WAS without a doubt one of the pinnacles of sportsmanship.
The underdog didn't give up, didn't give in, and wacked a BCS team that was supposed to be back in championship form because of the return of their star running back.
Coach Peterson should get as much talk as Stoops did for coach of the year, he out smarted, out coached, and out called him all game long.
This was like watching a rocky movie if Rocky were Boise State and Mr. T. was Oklahoma(fans of OSU taking the role of Mr. T's big mouth with all their pre-game trash talk about not getting to face a "worthy opponent".)
It looked like Apollo Creed at the end of the fourth, I actually turned my TV OFF after the interception for a touchdown thinking like everyone else I know that it was a good fight lost and thinking that OSU had redeemed themselves.
By some strange twist of fate(someone sitting on the remote or something) the TV was turned back on and the GREATEST COLLEGE game PERIOD played out as I sat there agape.
Yes, one of the best non-fiction sporting events ever.
Definitely the best & most exciting game (in any sport) I've ever seen...I hope to see Division I-A college football move to a playoff system (which would include @ least the 11 conference champions...while keeping the other "consolation" bowls in place) & wanted nothing more than a Boise State victory in this game. What an unbelievable sequence of events to end regulation...OU's TD / 2-pt conversion, OU's interception returned for a TD (@ which time I thought the game was over & was cursing the TV), followed by BSU's Hook-&-Ladder TD w/less than 10 seconds remaining...then in OT, after OU's 1-play TD & BSU facing 4th down, to call & convert the TD play was amazing & the Statue of Liberty 2-point conversion was even more shocking. Kudos to Oklahoma on completing what I believed was going to be a great comeback win in regulation...unfortunately for OU, Boise State's determination, guts, & never-say-die attitude couldn't be denied.
Boise State this year & Utah in '05 have done their part to show that the "little guys" / Non-Power conference champs can play with & beat the BCS conference champions...how about giving every team in Division I-A football (instead of only a handful of teams) a chance @ competing for the national title by moving to a playoff & including every conference's regular-season champion...w/a 16-team playoff including the 11 conference champs & at-large births awarded to the next 5 highest ranked teams, the playoff would still favor the "Power Conferences", but would give the "little guys" a great opportunity & reason to play the regular season - how great could a tournament that might have included 1st round match-ups of Ohio State (1) vs Troy (16), Boise State (8) vs Auburn (9), USC (5) vs Wake Forest (12), LSU (4) vs BYU (13), Louisville (6) vs Notre Dame, Michigan (3) vs Central Michigan (14), Wisconsin (7) vs Oklahoma (10), & Florida (2) vs Houston (15) have been this season?
The NCAA should get past all the politics, BS polling (there are too many teams w/too few common opponents to have anything close to accurate rankings), & excuses about money and poop-can the BCS in favor of a legit (& kick-a) playoff / tournament.
Congrats to Boise State, absolutly incredible. Here's some free advise, spend your non-conference games playing a couple power house programs so you can get the attention of those arrogant east coast sports writers, ala Gonzaga's Mark Few.
Boise State over Oklahoma, 43-42 in the Fiesta Bowl: 1) 37 points, 2 key penalties, and 2 key two-point conversions in the final 2:40 minutes + OT; 2) three trick plays to win; and, 3) David beats Goliath...how can this not be the greatest college game ever...!
1. TEXAS vs. USC (only because it was for the undisputed National Championship) 2. Boise State vs. Oklahoma - Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog!
This was a great game! However, the only way we will ever truly know if Boise is in a league with Florida or Ohio State is to have a Playoff. This seems so simple to me. Keep the BCS System in place, but make those games mean something. In other words let the winner of the Rose play the winner of the Fiesta . Let the Sugar play the winner of the Orange. 2 weeks later you have your TRUE champion!
Best Ever? You bet it was! The highs and lows were dramatic, the swings of emotions from sideline to sideline more dramatic than any roller coaster ride. Best football game I have seen in 50 years of being a fan(atic) of the game both college and pro.
I'm tired of people complaining about BSU's schedule. It's time to recognize the WAC Conference who went 3-1 in their Bowl games and should of went 4-0.
Boise State plays whoever gets put on their schedule. The so-called "big schools" don't have the guts to play Boise State because they are afraid they might get beat. Let's see Ohio State come and play on the blue and see what happens.
It's time for the NCAA to wake up. There are thousands of outstanding football players in this country and they all don't play for the Big 10, SEC, or Big 12. There are many more Boise States ready to crash the party.
First, I'm a Sooner fan! Second Boise State played like champions. They beat a team that has demonstrated persistence and charatcter all season. They just had more. Congratulations to Boise State, thanks for one of the best games ever.
USC-Texas is the greatest bowl game ever hands down! It was #1 vs #2 in the biggest hyped game ever. It lived up the the hype and then some. Featuring 2 heisman trophy winners and one of the greatest college players ever in Vince Young...its the best fooball game i've ever watched! But Boise State-OU is shure up their...#2 or #3.
Yes, the best finish in football, ever. Yes, they deserve consideration against OSU. Check the schedules and the records this year. Not a lot of difference.
BSU has 7 losses since 2001 and consider the 9 and 4 season a disaster. Not that tiny a David. They man-handled OU the whole game until the fourth. Then they out-thought them.
There were a lot of Mid-Major vs. Major games this year that went to the wire. Ball State, Rutgers and a ton of others. Time to stop the trophy hoarding by the big-money teams.
The teams that go to bowls are picked because they have big dollars, big names and big backers. BSU-OU was what real football is all about- playing the game. How boring is it to have the same teams playing each other in these games year after year? I'd like to see more underdog teams take their place in the spotlight.
And for those that keep saying that BSU couldn't compete in a bigger conference, let's just remember they led the majority of the game.
I think this is the best bowl game ever because it wasn't for an NC- it may mean more when the BCS eventually changes who and how teams get to these games.
If BSU would have missed the two point conversion this game would have been an afterthought. A two paragraph story. But they didn't. The better team won. End of story.
If the results of this game doesn't scream out for a Division 1 playoff systems, then nothing does.
In my opinion, this was the best ending to any football game ever, including the NFL. And the team playing the best football at the end of the season will not be playing for the championship. Go figure.
I agree with the comment below. Let Boise and OSU play at the beginning of next season. Granted, both schools will be without a lot of the players who helped them this season (Troy Smith, Jerad Zebransky), but it would still be fun to watch. I would love to see what Boise could do after they have had a whole off season to prepare for Ohio State. One other comment, I remember staying up until 2:00 in the morning watching OSU and Miami and watching the UT and USC game. I got to where I wanted the the OSU/Miami to finally end and I knew (don't tell me how) that Vince Young would find a way to pull that game off. With Boise, I didn't want the game to end because it was so good. You know that feeling you get when the favorite for a game finally steps on the underdogs neck and says "We are not going to lose because we are not supposed to." and they finally put them away? I got that feeling with the OU Boise game. Then, out of no where, the gutsiest call for a play I have ever seen (the hook and lateral) happened. After that, you got that feeling again of Boise's neck being stepped on with the Adrian Peterson run to start off the OT. Once again, a gutsy call. When I saw Zebransky split out wide I thought, "Okay, you aren't going to strike gold twice with a trick play." But lo and behold they scored. Finally, with what I believe was the best call of the game, they ran a Statue of Liberty play to win with a 2 point conversion. If you don't think that was the greatest game ever played ask yourself these questions? When was the last time you have seen those three plays called by the same team in a season? When was the last time you have seen those three plays in the same play week period? And finally, when was the last time you saw one team execute those plays to the perfection that Boise State did with so much on the line? Great teams + great coaches + great storyline= best game
To me this easily outpaces the Miami / Ohio St. Championship Game. That game would not even make my top 10 list in that it was decided by a flukey pass interference call. Drama is typically great but not when it's generated by a very subjective officiating call.
The Texas / USC game is a tougher call. In one sense that was a championship game and therefore more important but in terms of being a great game I think the added drama of the improbable comeback (if improbable even does it justice), the huge underdog status of Boise State and "statue left" to win it put this one over the top for me.
My #3 game would be Penn State over Miami in 1986 I think it was, also a Fiesta Bowl.
Best bowl game ever! All of BSU's trickery, the David vs Goliath theme, the big lead lost by BSU, just to come back and win it on a couple ridiculously entertaining plays. Boise St deserves a title shot!!!
Boise wouldn't haven even been in that bowl game if they had played a schedule as tought as Oklahoma or Ohio State. Boise won the game all right, and more power to them, but they play in a junior college leauge and until they play real teams week in and week out they don't deserve consideration for a national championship.
It was an awesome game. Just because Boise played on top of their game (after preparing for 2+ weeks) doesn't mean they should have a shot at the national championship. How much longer can the season last anyhow. Just be happy they got a chance to better their team in the future to come.
This game was the second "most entertaining" game on my list. My favorite was the 2001 GMAC Bowl where Marshall came back from a 30 point deficit to beat East Carolina 64-61 in overtime.
Please, sure this was a great game, but let's not lose perspective. This game had no additional ramifications. Had this been a playoff, would OU have come out so flat in the first half? Would Boise State have really gone for that 2pt conversion knowing that missing it would end their season and allow OU to progress? If Florida beats OSU they deserve both titles. BSU played a great game but their opponent wasn't playing for anything. If Florida beats OSU in that pressure cooker situation they deserve it, even if they win on a botched call. I do hope this games leads us to a playoff, because that is what the sport needs. When Utah or BSU beats a big power in a playoff then we can talk about a real upset!
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