Boise State University defeated Oklahoma University in overtime Monday night to win the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
Leading up to the game in Glendale, AZ, Boise State was continuously reminded just how little chance they had against football powerhouse Oklahoma. Having won more games than any other college football team in history, Oklahoma was heavily favored to win. The Boise State Broncos, under matched in size and strength by the much bigger Sooners, proved they had what it took to run with the big dogs in their stunning 43-42 victory.
Boise State showed just how far they were willing to go in their dramatic overtime finish. The Broncos came out firing early on, with wide receiver Drisan James scoring the first touchdown off a 49 yard pass from quarterback Jared Zabransky six minutes into the first quarter. They were able to quickly follow with another by running back Ian Johnson. The OU Sooners countered shortly before the end of the first quarter with a touchdown of their own by Manuel Johnson.
The first half finished with the Broncos up 21-10, although the Sooners led in possession time. Yellow flags were thrown again and again by the referees as the game became more physical and rough by the minute. The Sooners seemed surprised as they fell behind and by the third quarter already had three interceptions against them. The Broncos were able to convert one of these interceptions, as safety Marty Tadman returned for a 27-yard touchdown halfway through the third quarter.
Oklahoma soon gained momentum as a punt by the Broncos became live after bouncing off the leg of a Boise State player but into the hands of running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson, playing in his first game since breaking his collarbone in October, ran the ball 8 yards to make the Sooners’ second touchdown with 4:29 left in the third.
Tension rose as Oklahoma started the fourth quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley. Oklahoma, after trailing for almost the entire game, was now only eight points behind. For the first time, Oklahoma’s presence as Goliath seemed to dawn on the Boise State team and fans.
The Broncos seemed tired as the fourth quarter progressed, losing yardage on lateral passes and simply trying to run the clock by limiting their passing. The Sooners were then able to tie the game with a touchdown by wide receiver Quentin Chaney.
Zebransky moments later then seemed to crush the dreams of Bronco fans everywhere when, for the third year in a row, he threw an interception to put the opposing team ahead. Oklahoma center back Marcus Walker was then able to return the interception for a 33-yard touchdown to put the Sooners up 35-28 with two minutes left in the game.
The Broncos got a break that then seemed to make all the difference as Oklahoma was forced to use their last time out when twelve players ended up on the field by mistake. With Oklahoma unable to stop play, Zabransky was given the opportunity to redeem himself. Zabransky then passed to James, who threw to wide receiver Jerard Rabb who ran it into the end zone with seven seconds left in regulation play.
The miraculous game was not over as the two teams headed into overtime. After Boise State opted to begin on defense after winning the toss, Oklahoma began the period with an air of dominance. In their first play, Peterson ran for 25 yards to score the first touchdown of the overtime. The Broncos, however, needed six plays to score.
After tight end Derek Schouman scored off a five-yard pass from wide receiver Vinny Perretta, Ian Johnson took the chance of a lifetime and rushed into the end zone to win the game in the first overtime period. The play was a response to the Sooners’ overtime touchdown, which came off a 25 yard run by Peterson in the first play of the period.
As the stadium exploded in celebration, Johnson capped off the dramatic win by proposing to his Bronco cheerleader girlfriend. For Johnson, the win was a statement to all of Boise State’s doubters.
“Just because you don’t look like a football player doesn’t mean you might not be a great football player,” Johnson said.
-Courtney Thornton and Stephanie Thornton
Hi Ladies,
ReplyDeleteVery nice work. The second paragraph was a nice idea. It was a nice lead in to set of the drama of the story. Also, good use of descriptors (i.e. tension, crushed dreams, air of dominance)
I particularly liked that you ended the story with an inspiring quote from one of the key players in the game.
~Melissa