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In 1980, the bowl season was just starting to explore the idea of expansion. For decades the postseason had been centered on New Year's weekend and the big four bowls of Cotton, Sugar, Orange and Rose. But by 1980 the list of bowl games was up to 15, reaching all the way back to mid-December. One of those early games was San Diego's Holiday Bowl, being played for just the third time and on Dec. 19. BYU had played in all three, facing Navy and Indiana in the first two editions. This year's opponent was a little tougher and they wanted to make sure the Cougars knew it.

When it came time for the pregame luncheon for the two teams -- standard operating procedure at most bowl games -- the massive and mighty SMU Mustangs purposely arrived late, ensuring that they could put on a cold-stare muscle parade for BYU, who had already arrived and taken their seats.

"I think at some level it startled many of us. There was sort of a hush in the room," BYU wide receiver Ryan Tibbitts recalls in his new book about the game, "Hail Mary." "It so happened that the NFL's San Diego Chargers were hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers the following Monday night in San Diego Stadium. Coach [LaVell] Edwards, who can always come up with a funny comment to break the tension, stood up, grabbed the microphone and said, 'I'm sorry, you must have the wrong hotel. The Steelers' hotel is the next street over.'" http://espn.go.com/college-football/bow ... al-players

I was at that game...I still think the officials won that game for byu.

I still refuse to watch the replay of that game

Since we were winning, my parents made me go to bed.

Digetydog wrote:Since we were winning, my parents made me go to bed.

Mine tried to do the same but I said " I am 30 years old, dammit, leave me alone".

Still in shock today and still hate them.

I would love to know if that story is true. Somebody on here had to have been in the room.

Ponyte was in that game. He can answer any questions. Just do not get him talking about the pitch or you will never get him back to the subject.

I get sick watching the Super Bowl Shuffle.

It was crushing.

I don't recall showing up late to any even. The planning and timeframes were pretty well set and we either made the bus or missed the event. I sure don't remember parading in front of BYU and I don't recall Levall having anything of interest to say. He pretty much read his speech (literally) and had no ad lib capability.

Now individual things might have been different. I know I did my level best to fornicate with BYU players heads during the awards banquet. But that was purely a solo effort (and I'm afraid I also got inside our kickers heads'). But we were on time and that was during the buffet line period.

Fornicating? That will get this thread nuked.

ponyte wrote:I don't recall showing up late to any even. The planning and timeframes were pretty well set and we either made the bus or missed the event. I sure don't remember parading in front of BYU and I don't recall Levall having anything of interest to say. He pretty much read his speech (literally) and had no ad lib capability.

Now individual things might have been different. I know I did my level best to fornicate with BYU players heads during the awards banquet. But that was purely a solo effort (and I'm afraid I also got inside our kickers heads'). But we were on time and that was during the buffet line period.

Shouldn't you have targeted the BYU Cheerleaders for ...?

I literally heard a ref in that game say....what are you complaining aboiy? You have this won.

mrydel wrote:

Digetydog wrote:Since we were winning, my parents made me go to bed.

Mine tried to do the same but I said " I am 30 years old, dammit, leave me alone".

And make me some meatloaf mom!!!!!

ponyte wrote:I don't recall showing up late to any even. The planning and timeframes were pretty well set and we either made the bus or missed the event. I sure don't remember parading in front of BYU and I don't recall Levall having anything of interest to say. He pretty much read his speech (literally) and had no ad lib capability.

Now individual things might have been different. I know I did my level best to fornicate with BYU players heads during the awards banquet. But that was purely a solo effort (and I'm afraid I also got inside our kickers heads'). But we were on time and that was during the buffet line period.

Ponyte, could you please link me a video of the pitch? I searched YouTube with that tag line but couldn't find it