#100 12/28/74 – BYU's first Bowl game: Oklahoma St. - 16, #17 BYU – 6

            When the BYU Cougars (7-3-1) started the 1974 season with a 0-3-1 record, nobody would have guessed that they’d come back and win the WAC. However, since their 3 losses were against non-conference schools, they successfully won the conference title with a 6-0-1 record by knocking off two ranked teams (Arizona & Arizona State). As the winner of the WAC, the Cougars were invited to their first bowl game, to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-5) of the Big 8 in the fourth annual Fiesta Bowl.

            In the first quarter, the Cougar D corralled the Cowboys, forcing punts on each of the Cowboys first 5 possessions. The Cougar offense, meanwhile, moved the ball well early on. Senior QB Gary Sheide led the Cougars to the Cowboy 13, where Mark Uselman booted a 30-yard field goal. Although they punted on their second possession, the Cougars took advantage of good field position to march into FG position again, taking a 6-0 lead on a successful 43-yard kick. Sheide was injured on the drive, and forced to the sideline with a dislocated shoulder. Since the offense was designed around Sheide, and his spectacular arm, the blow spelled disaster for the Cougars.

In the second quarter, the Cowboys took advantage of an interception, thrown by Mark Giles (Sheide’s replacement), to cap a short 26-yard drive with a 12-yard TD rush by Kenny Walker. It was their longest “drive” of the quarter, but the Cowboys entered the locker room with a 7-6 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, the Cougars immediately turned the ball over with another interception. Although the Cowboys started their drive at the Cougar 17, they failed to score when the Cougar D stopped them on fourth down at their 2-yard line. Unfortunately, with their backs to the wall, the Cougars only managed one yard on the ensuing possession and had to punt the ball away. It wasn’t a great punt, and the Cowboys started their next possession at the Cougar 38. Once again, the Cougar D kept OSU out of the end zone, but Daigle booted a 41-yard FG to extend the OSU lead. A Cougar fumble at midfield ended a promising drive and the Cowboys started their third consecutive possession in Cougar territory. They drove to the Cougar 8, but once again the Cougar D stopped them on fourth down. Still, Oklahoma State held a 10-6 lead through three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, BYU organized its longest drive of the day, marching 70 yards before turning the ball over on downs. In response, the Cowboys organized their longest drive of the day, capping a 72-yard drive with a trick play. OSU QB Charlie Weatherbie pitched to RB Leonard Thompson, who threw to Gerald Bain for a 40-yard score. The extra point attempt failed, making the score 16-6 with only 1:14 remaining. BYU quickly moved the ball into Cowboy territory before a desperation pass resulted in interception #3. It was game over.

Despite the score, the Cougars actually outgained the Cowboys 301 yards to 218. They were done in by turnovers and Sheide’s injury. Nevertheless, BYU finished the season with a 7-4-1 record. Considering their first ever national ranking, and second ever conference championship, it was arguably their best season in program history. It would also jump start a string of 26 consecutive regular seasons with a winning record. Gary Sheide was honored as WAC Offensive Player of the Year and finished his collegiate career as the Cougars’ all-time leader with: 6.54 yards/play, 362 completions, and a .604 completion %.