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BYU Football: Top 10 Cougar wins of all time

By Shaun Gordon

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Isaiah Kaufusi #53 of the BYU Cougars celebrates with teammates after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. BYU won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Isaiah Kaufusi #53 of the BYU Cougars celebrates with teammates after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. BYU won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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No. 3

1980 – No. 14 BYU 46, No. 19 SMU 45

After a season-opening loss to New Mexico in 1980, BYU won their last 11 regular-season games, all by 18 points or more.

There was still one hurdle to jump, though. Up to the, the Cougars had never won a bowl game, and this one wasn’t going to be easy. They were slated to take on No. 19 SMU in the Holiday Bowl, and this was pre-death penalty, best-team-money-can-buy SMU.

The Mustangs featured a one-two running duo of Eric Dickerson and Craig James, and the two ran all over BYU’s defense. They combined for 345 rushing yards and five of SMU’s six touchdowns, and midway through the fourth quarter the Mustangs led 45-25.

Then came the miracle.

Jim McMahon hit Matt Braga for a 15-yard touchdown, then the Cougars recovered an onside kick and cut the SMU lead to six on Scott Phillips’ touchdown run. After a failed onside kick, BYU held SMU and blocked the Mustangs’ punt, giving McMahon a final-play hail mary opportunity. Clay Brown cam down with it, giving the Cougars the 46-45 win.

Not only was it BYU’s first-ever bowl win, but it put Cougar football on the map. BYU became a household name with the win, and that season kicked off the most successful decade for Cougar football.

No. 2

1984 – No. 1 BYU 24, Michigan 17

It may be strange on the surface that a win over an unranked team would be the second biggest win in BYU Football history, but it is.

For one, it capped off an undefeated 1984 season and clinched the national championship.

Also, it required a surprising injury return and an come-from-behind win to clinch the title.

In the first quarter Robbie Bosco went down with an ugly-looking knee injury, but he was able to return to the game. Even with Bosco back, the Cougars trailed the Wolverines 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, but Bosco led BYU on two touchdown drives, one a touchdown pass to Glen Kozlowski and the other a touchdown throw to Kelly Smith.

With the 24-17 win, the Cougars capped off their only undefeated season and clinched the National Championship.

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