In case you were on the east coast and slept through the Fiesta Bowl last night, I suggest you find a friend who recorded it or find out when ESPN Classic re-airs the game. The reason being, that from this point on, any discussion you have about great games will be embarrassingly lacking if you are unable to reference the Boise State-Oklahoma game. Remember last year’s ND-USC, USC-Texas, & Michigan-Penn State or this year’s Michigan-Ohio State? Well after watching the Oklahoma-Boise State game, I don’t even know if I can put those games on the same level. Many classic games have two or three plays that you can really define as gutsy. However, this game redefined fortitude.The cameras could hardly keep up with the play calling of Chris Peterson’s (Boise State) staff. While every team seems to have the option pass in their repertoire, when was the last time you saw a game with this many trick plays and unorthodox formations. From the hook and ladder to the Statue of Liberty, I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun watching a game. By the time the game ended, I was convinced that I just witnessed the best Tecmo Bowl ever.

Peterson’s play calling was matched by the never say die attitude of Bob Stoops’ Sooners. Whatever Stoops told his team after being down by 18 late in the 3^rd should be distributed to all coaches in every sport. A team that looked so over matched the majority of the game suddenly put on their capes and got to work taming the Broncos. Sparked by the running of Adrian Peterson, the Sooners all of a sudden took on the form of Goliath.

Unfortunately for the Sooners, the appropriately named Broncos could not be broken. By the time Chris Peterson decided to go for two, I no longer had the ability to pass effectively pass judgment on his decisions. Everything was happening to fast for me. I couldn’t imagine what the Oklahoma defensive staff was thinking at this point. On the previous play, they just watched Jared Zabransky (QB) go into the slot position and Vinny Perretta (RB) take the snap from center. (Oh, by the way, it was 4^th down!) When Ian Johnson scurried to the left side for the winning conversion, I wasn’t sure what just happened. Did Chris Peterson really just call the State of Liberty play?

While there are many classic games of greater magnitude, one day this game will be known as the one that brought a playoff system to college football. I’m even starting to rethink my stance on a college football playoff. Prior to this game, many college fans simply referred to Boise State as the team with the blue turf. Now, they may become bigger than Gonzaga. My only regret is not seeing more of their games this year. However, I’m sure that will change in the years to come.

Photo provided by cnnsi.com