It's the first game of the 2009 season. It couldn't be on a bigger stage, the first ever college football game played in Jerry Jones' brand new billion dollar stadium affectionately coined Jerry's World. It couldn't be against a bigger opponent, #3 ranked Oklahoma, who played in the BCS championship game last year and returns last year's Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. Oh, and don't forget that this one is nationally televised on ESPN in prime time. This is a big one.
I've been looking forward to this game since the final whistle of last year's bowl game. Still I have to temper my expectations. After all, this is Oklahoma. On top of having the reigning Heisman winner under center, they've got DeMarco Murray in the backfield, tons of speed at receiver, and a defense that couldn't be any more stingy. They are legit. Too legit.
But you know what? The Cougars aren't a slouch of a team either. Max Hall, Dennis Pitta, Andrew George, and Harve Unga (not playing in this game) on offense. Jan Jorgensen, Colby Clawson, and Jordan Pendleton on defense. This is a solid BYU team. If ever we had a good chance to win a huge game on a big stage, this is it.
From the opening kickoff it's clear that the Cougars have come to play, and we aren't going to let the Sooners get out to a big lead. BYU goes toe to toe with Oklahoma in the first half, with the defenses dictating the flow of the game. Sam Bradford goes down with a shoulder injury in the second quarter, complements of a hard but clean hit from Colby Clawson. The Sooners hit a field goal as time runs out in the half to give them a 10-7 lead at the break.
As the teams head in to the locker rooms, an ESPN camera follows Cougar signal caller Max Hall to the tunnel. As he passes a crowd of BYU fans he can be heard shouting "We're gonna win! We're gonna win!" to the blue clad spectators. I love the confidence.
The third quarter features more stout defense. Nether team scores and the offenses jockey for field position. In the weaning moments of the third however, the Sooners mount a drive into the red zone.
The 4th starts with the Sooners threatening to score, on the door step of the goal line. The Cougar defense is determined though, they aren't going to let the ball break the plane, turning in one of the most impressive goal line stands in program history. The Sooners get 6 shots at the end zone, and are turned away every time settling for a field goal and a 13-7 lead.
The Cougars get the ball and it's clear, it's now or never. They resound by putting together an iconic drive, chewing up time and even converting on 4th down. With 3:03 left Max Hall finds McKay Jacobson open in the end zone for the go ahead score. After the PAT we're up 14-13. At this point I start experiencing some real anxiety. We left too much time on the board. I've seen this happen too many times to my Cougars. The Sooners are going to put together a winning drive...it's how it always happens.
Sure enough, they move the ball down the field to the extreme edge of their kickers range. Finally the defense makes a stand. The Sooners are going to have to try a long field goal of they want to win this one. I'm a wreck. I know he is going to hit it. Here comes the snap, the hold, the kick...He missed it! HE MISSED IT! WE WON! We won! I can't belive it! I have been waiting for this moment my whole life as a BYU fan and it's finally happened! We finally won a big game against a big team! Thank you BYU! Thank you!
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