Boise State celebrates 20-year anniversary of 2007 Fiesta Bowl

Boise State University is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of its victory against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, bringing back about 30 members of that roster to Albertsons Stadium this weekend, idahostatesman.com reported.

The Fourth-and-18 Play Call That Defined the Fiesta Bowl

Boise State led the Sooners for about 54 of the first 60 minutes, building an 18-point advantage at 28-10 during the third quarter. Oklahoma mounted a comeback with a touchdown, a field goal, and another touchdown to tie the game at 28. With just a minute left in regulation, fifth-year quarterback Jared Zabransky threw an interception returned for a touchdown, putting Oklahoma ahead 35-28.

Facing a fourth-and-18 at the 50-yard line with only 18 seconds remaining, then-head coach Chris Petersen called a trick play known as Circus. The hook-and-ladder play required multiple lateral pitches between players. While practiced every Friday in practice, it had never been used in a live game and had never resulted in a touchdown.

Defensive players on the sideline groaned when the play was sent in. Wide receiver Drisan James recalled looking at Zabransky in confusion before lining up on the left boundary.

Statue of Liberty Play Wins Game for Boise State

Zabransky threw the hook to Rabb on the right side, and Rabb pitched the ball to James. James used downfield blockers to advance toward the end zone, converting the improbable fourth-down play and keeping the Broncos alive.

The game eventually reached overtime. Following an Oklahoma touchdown in the extra period, Boise State ran the famous Statue of Liberty play, in which Zabransky handed the ball behind his back to running back Ian Johnson for the game-winning two-point conversion.

I think I’m the only one who was thinking this is really the right play. Chris Petersen