Flashback: Brigham Young Cougars 50, Washington State Cougars 36 (1990)

September 15, 1990-Twenty years ago, today, the Brigham Young Cougars made one of the greatest comebacks in school history. Ty Detmer had led BYU to an impressive upset of the then #1 ranked Miami Hurricanes just one week before. BYU had moved into the top 5 of the AP poll, but in the first half of this game it was the Cougars from Washington State that looked like the elite football team. It was a classic case of a let down after a huge win.

BYU was down 29-7 at halftime. In the thrid quarter, the BYU defense held Washington State scoreless, but the offense still didn't have much life, managing only 7 points. Still down 15, with 15 minutes to play, Ty Detmer did what Heisman Trophy winners are supposed to do: he took control. He guided BYU to three more touchdowns for a 36-29 lead. The lead did not last long as Washington State quickly tied the score with a 7-yard touchdown pass. Detmer was unfazed. He took BYU down the field to regain the lead on a Peter Tuipulotu 22-yard run, and then for insurance, BYU tacked on 7 more with a Stacey Corley 5-yard run. In the final quarter, BYU scored as many points as Washington State did the entire game.

Detmer ended the day 32-50 (64%), for 448 yards, with 5 TD passes. Running back Matt Bellini had 121 yards receiving on 10 reception, and Andy Boyce added 113 yards on 6 receptions. BYU overcame three turnovers.

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