Game Info:
A bowl game setting up a team that just missed the mark and a Group-of-5 looking to make their mark on the slate. Oklahoma (11-2) had just won the Big 12 Championship against Missouri and were wanting a BCS Bowl win under their belt. And for Boise State (12-0), they had just flown through their conference and wanted to build their first undefeated season. Many thought a win by Oklahoma would prove them to be a powerhouse in the decade, but everyone overlooked a talented Boise State team.
The game was scheduled for a New Year blast, the game was set on January 1st, 2007 and was the final game of both teams. Starting off at 8:30 PM ET, the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona was ready to go. Fans filled in from places all over the United States, but we sure got a shock with the classic we were provided with.
Summary:
Oklahoma was to receive the opening ball, but failed many with a 5 play drive that did nothing to Boise. A hungry Boise State team with some great passing and an eventual 49 yard touchdown pass from Jared Zabransky. BSU-7 OU-0. Oklahoma then had the ball returned, but gave it all up to Boise with an interception on the first play. This set up Boise State with a perfect opportunity for a 2 yard rushing touchdown from Ian Johnson. BSU-14 OU-0. Oklahoma wasn’t going to be quickly discouraged by a two touchdown deficit and responded quite well. And on a 8 yard touchdown pass from Paul Thompson, the Sooners got on the board. BSU-14 OU-7.
Then it was the Broncos turn to try anything else, but they failed to produce anything and punted. This proved to be a worthy cause as the Sooners threw another interception the next drive. Boise State, however, wasted this opportunity and punted once again. The Sooners didn’t waste this chance to score and managed to land a 31 yard field goal. BSU-14 OU-10. Two punts followed the game from each team. Then it was Boise State’s turn and with a dot from 32 yards out to Drisan James, the Broncos scored big. BSU-21 OU-10. This list of events led us into half as Oklahoma decided to run out the clock.
When the second half ensued, we got a very bland boring first 7 minutes. We had two punts by Boise State and two interceptions by Oklahoma, one of which led to a pick-six by the Broncos. BSU-28 OU-10. Oklahoma produced a good drive after this and forced to punt, but a drop by Boise led Oklahoma to a 8 yard rushing touchdown by Adrian Peterson. BSU-28 OU-17. A Boise punt followed and then Oklahoma kicked a 28 yard field goal to score. BSU-28 OU-20. Fumbles and punts troubled both sides until the final 3 minutes of the game. Oklahoma created some fire and scored a touchdown followed by a two point conversion. BSU-28 OU-28.
Boise State didn’t want to blow the once big lead they had. They forced a bad pass that Oklahoma capitalized on a had a pick-six scored on them. BSU-28 OU-35. And with 7 seconds left, Jared Zarbransky threw a direct pass from 35 yards out to tie the game and take it to overtime. BSU-35 OU-35. Oklahoma had the ball first play of overtime and a beast mode run by Adrian Peterson put them up. BSU-35 OU-42. Boise State was looking to be defeated then something amazing happened. A pass that seemed to short was then flipped to Derek Schouman for a touchdown. Then Ian Johnson pushed his way into the endzone on a run that gave Boise State the two point conversion and the win. BSU-43 OU-42.
Key Players:
Boise State
Jared Zabransky, QB (19-29, 262 Passing Yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT)
No one saw Zarbransky has a serious threat all season through all the Boise State games. He was extremely talented and this showed within this game and many more. Zarbransky was not drafted, but was picked up by the Houston Texans on waivers and then later on passed to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also played QB for a Canadian Football team in the Edmonton Eskimos and now does civilian work.
Oklahoma
Adrian Peterson, RB (20 Carries, 77 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs)
Adrian Peterson was a beast for the Sooners and bashed many of their records at the time. He played a great game and set up Oklahoma to win many times, but they could not do it. Adrian Peterson was then drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, where he had an amazing NFL career as well. Peterson now is a running back for the Washington Redskins where he is still impressing people today.
What Happened After?
Boise State: The Broncos ended off the 2007 season undefeated for the first time in school history. So in other terms, this was very hard to follow. However, Boise State did exactly what no one expected them to do and went 12-0. They did, however, lose their bowl game by a single point to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl. Boise State has always been a Top-25 caliber team almost every year.
Oklahoma: I think the Oklahoma team felt bad for the fans and went all out in their 2008 season. They did lose by 10 to their rival in Texas, but played so well in the other games that they were invited to the BCS National Championship. In that game, they lost in an absolute classic to Florida by 10 in a team backed by Tim Tebow. Needless to say, they improved on their 2007 season.
Photo Credits:
Cinderella Men: The 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
