College Audacity on Repeat
Imagine the underdog, the overlooked, and the underestimated, all wrapped into one, stepping onto the grand stage of college football’s Fiesta Bowl. Now, picture them executing one of the most audacious plays in the history of the sport—a play that would forever etch itself into the annals of college football lore. This is the story of Boise State and their Statue of Liberty play, a moment of pure sporting theatre that transcends time and continues to inspire debates and admiration.
The Build-Up to the Play
It was January 1, 2007, at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Boise State, a team from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), was facing the mighty Oklahoma Sooners, a powerhouse with a storied history in college football. The Broncos were undefeated that season but were still viewed as the underdogs against a team like Oklahoma, which hailed from the prestigious Big 12 Conference.
Could Boise State really stand toe-to-toe with college football royalty?
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, filled with as much drama as a Hollywood blockbuster. Each team traded blows like heavyweight fighters, neither willing to back down. As the game progressed, it became clear that Boise State was not just there to participate; they were there to compete, and more importantly, to win.
The Statue of Liberty Play Unveiled
Fast forward to the game’s climax. The score was tied 28-28, and Boise State had just pushed the game into overtime with a gutsy hook-and-ladder play in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, after Oklahoma scored and took a seven-point lead, Boise State responded with a touchdown. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game, Boise State’s coach, Chris Petersen, decided to go for a two-point conversion—a bold move that would win the game or lose it all.
What came next was nothing short of miraculous. Boise State lined up in a seemingly normal formation. Quarterback Jared Zabransky looked to his right, signaling a pass, but instead, he deftly handed the ball behind his back to running back Ian Johnson, who dashed to the left side into the end zone, untouched. The Statue of Liberty play—a play as old as football itself, yet so unexpected in that moment—had just clinched one of the most stunning upsets in college football history.
Who could have predicted such audacity?
The execution was flawless, the timing impeccable, and the result, unforgettable. This play was not just a trick; it was a statement. Boise State had outsmarted and outplayed one of the giants of college football on the biggest stage possible.
The Lasting Impact on College Football
The Statue of Liberty play did more than just win a game; it changed perceptions. It showed that innovation and courage on the football field could level the playing field, regardless of the size or reputation of the school. Boise State’s victory was a victory for all smaller programs battling for recognition and respect in the landscape dominated by traditional powerhouses.
This play also sparked discussions about the role of trick plays in football. Some purists argue that football should be about strength and strategy, not deception. However, others see trick plays as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport, where mental acuity can triumph over physical dominance.
More than a decade later, the echoes of that night in Glendale still resonate through college football stadiums across the country. Coaches in pressure situations now ask themselves, “What would Chris Petersen do?” The audacity of Boise State on that fateful night has inspired countless teams to believe that with the right mix of courage and creativity, David can indeed beat Goliath.
Explore more about Boise State’s innovative strategies at ESPN College Football.
The Legacy of Boise State’s Trickery
The Statue of Liberty play remains not just a highlight reel favorite but a symbol of hope and daring in sports. It reminds fans and players alike that sometimes, the greatest moments come from the willingness to embrace the unexpected and the courage to take a chance when it matters most.
Boise State’s audacious play in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl will forever be remembered as a testament to the magic of college football, where dreams are pursued fiercely and victories are savored deeply, not just for the win but for the spirit in which it was achieved.
