Story Created:
Sep 5, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 5, 2009
As Oklahoma's miracle 54-yard field goal fell hopelessly short, Max Hall grabbed his head with both hands and uttered the same phrase multiple times in astonishment.
"Oh, my gosh," said the BYU quarterback.
What a great exclamation to the most phenomenal accomplishment in the history of BYU athletics. Maybe the only thing more appropriate would be "Oh, my flippin' gosh."
It was that unbelievable.
Nobody, and don't we mean nobody, expected BYU to beat the powerful Oklahoma Sooners, as the Cougars did by a score of 14-13 Saturday at new Jerry Jones temple outside of Dallas.
Judging by Hall's reaction, neither did he. And admit it, neither did you.
I certainly didn't. For sure, I thought the Cougars could cover the spread, which was three touchdowns.
In my mind, this would be a fairly high scoring affair. But it wasn't even close.
BYU's defense refused to allow Oklahoma to breathe. When the Sooners did try to breathe, it must have felt like each player suffered from a pack of broken ribs.
Each of the three units - the line, linebackers and secondary - was sensational. From Jan Jorgensen up front to Andrew Rich on the back line, they not only competed with OU's vaunted offense, they dominated it.
Don't even bother with the excuse that Sam Bradford got hurt late in the first half on Coleby Clawson's punishing tackle. When the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback was healthy for nearly two quarters, BYU's defense made it look like he was injured.
The NFL's supposed No. 1 pick was supposed to devour Brandon Bradley and Brian Logan. The two cornerbacks are right in wondering about all the fuss.
Is that all you got, Sammy? You should be making money instead of throwing that weak stuff against us.
Bronco Mendenhall said the last month that his cornerbacks were unproven, but capable. We'll never doubt you again, brother.
And praise be to Hall, who answered all of his critics with a brilliant drive late in the fourth quarter for the clinching touchdown. Like the assembly line of great BYU quarterbacks, the nephew of Danny White has his defining moment.
Hall can make the big play in clutch situations - just ask OU's defense, the one that was supposed to be the nation's best. Yeah, sure, OU was missing its quarterback and tight end, who didn't play at all, but the defense had no excuses.
With the game on the line, BYU was better than the No. 3-ranked team. For the time being, BYU is the biggest story in college football.
Oh, my gosh. I can't believe it.
