2007 began with a bang as the Boise State Broncos upset the Oklahoma Sooners 43-42 at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. OU was favored by over a touchdown against the WAC champions, yet struggled just to keep the game competitive. When they finally did take the lead, Boise State retaliated with several remarkable, unforgettable plays.

Even though they were undefeated, the Broncos' regular season success was downplayed because they played in the unheard of Western Atlantic Conference, whereas the Sooners played in the highly touted Big 12. Boise State made everyone believers quickly when they jumped out to 14-0 start, thanks to two big Oklahoma turnovers. By halftime, Boise State was up 21-10.

With eleven minutes left in the third, Oklahoma quarterback Paul Thompson was looking at 3rd and 10. He evaded Boise State defenders and launched the ball deep down the middle of the field, where it was easily picked off by Gerald Alexander. Boise State bailed out Oklahoma with a three-and-out, except Thompson was no better on his next possession. He had a first down pass deflected which was once again intercepted, this time for a touchdown. With 8:05 left in the quarter, Boise State led 28-10.

The Sooners punted on their next set too and were well on their way to losing in a blowout. They then got a huge break as Marty Tadman, who had intercepted Thompson just minutes before, failed to catch the punt and neglected to tell his teammates to back away. The ball hit the leg of a Boise State player and Oklahoma recovered. Two plays later, Adrian Peterson ran 8 yards to the end zone to cut the deficit to 11.

After producing a field goal, Oklahoma trailed 28-20 with 2:40 left in the 4th period and the ball on their own 23. Thompson was excellent on the drive and went 5-5 for 68 yards, capped by a tipped completion to Quentin Cheney to make it 28-26. The Sooners were held up as the went for the 2-point conversion, first by a pass interference call and then by an illegal shift of the offense. With the ball on the 7, Thompson found Juaqin Iglesias in the center of the end zone to knot it at 28.

The Broncos and quarterback Jared Zabransky took over. Zabransky had a big first half but had thrown for just 22 yards in the second stanza. His first pass of the drive drifted behind the intended receiver and was intercepted by Marcus Walker, who tight-roped the sideline for 33 yards and the TD. The Sooners' 35-28 advantage was their first lead of the game and came with just 1:02 left in regulation.

Zabransky regained the ball and drove into Sooner territory before a costly sack set them back. 18 seconds remained and Boise State was looking at 4th and 18 from midfield. In an incredibly gutsy call, Zabransky completed it to Drisan James two yards short of the first. Still on his feet, James lateraled to Jerard Rabb who found the sideline and streaked 35 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

The ensuing punt took up the remaining 7 seconds and the game headed to overtime.

Adrian Peterson opened the extra session with a 25-yard touchdown run on the Sooners' first play. Boise State took over and once again held their life by a thread. Near the goal line on 4th and 2, WR Vinny Perretta took the snap in place of Zabransky, moved towards the right and found TE Derek Schouman for the touchdown. Rather than kick the extra point and send it to double overtime, coach Chris Petersen decided to go for the win. On the 2-point conversion, Zabransky ran a Statue of Liberty play with a fake pass to the outside while dishing it to RB Ian Johnson, who coasted in for the winning score.

After the game, Ian Johnson proposed to his girlfriend/cheerleader Chrissy Popadics who promptly accepted (what a shame to see the Popadics name disappearing). The 13-0 Broncos became another team to finish undefeated and not get a shot at the national title. To be fair, Oklahoma would've never played Boise State if not for the BCS. It's still a shame that a system is in place where a Cinderella has no shot at wining a national title.