BYU football: The 10 best wins of the LaVell Edwards era

No. 5: BYU vs Kansas State – 1997 Cotton Bowl

The first New Year’s Day bowl game in BYU football history came in 1997, with the Cougars matching up with the Kansas State Wildcats in the Cotton Bowl. BYU won the game 19-15 behind Sarkisian’s arm and Muirbrook’s stellar defensive effort. Sarkisian passed for 291 yards and two touchdowns and Muirbrook posted 12 tackles and six (yes, six) sacks. The 1996 season was the last truly great year by BYU under Edwards, but he nearly led the Cougars to their second National Championship. If not for an early season loss to Washington, BYU may very well have captured a second title. Instead, the Cougars finished ranked No. 5 and owned a 14-1 record.