Boise State is gearing up for a historic moment as they prepare for their first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. The Broncos will face off against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the program, as they become the first non-power conference champion to make it to the playoff.
Looking Back at a Historic Upset
While this playoff appearance is monumental, it’s not the first time Boise State has captured the national spotlight. Nearly 17 years ago, the Broncos stunned the college football world with a thrilling 43-42 upset victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. That game was a rollercoaster, featuring a wild fourth quarter that ultimately led to overtime.
What made the victory even more memorable was the iconic play call by then-head coach Chris Petersen. The “Statue of Liberty” play on Boise State’s two-point conversion attempt in overtime became a legendary moment in college football history.
The Statue of Liberty Play Explained
So, what exactly is the Statue of Liberty play? At its core, it’s a trick play designed to deceive the defense. The quarterback simulates throwing a pass while actually handing the ball off behind his back to a running back or receiver. This misdirection can easily fool the opposing team, allowing the runner to break free for a big gain or a touchdown.
The play has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, originally used as a fake punt. Over the years, it has evolved into various forms, but the essence remains the same: creating confusion and exploiting defensive misalignments.
How Boise State Shocked Oklahoma
In that unforgettable 2007 Fiesta Bowl, Oklahoma took the lead in overtime with a 25-yard touchdown run by Adrian Peterson, putting them ahead 42-35. But Boise State wasn’t done yet. Facing a crucial 4th-and-2, running back Vinny Perretta took a direct snap and connected with receiver Derek Schouman for a touchdown, bringing the score to 42-41.
Instead of opting for the extra point to force a second overtime, the Broncos decided to go for the win. Quarterback Jared Zabransky executed the Statue of Liberty play flawlessly, faking a pass before handing the ball off to running back Ian Johnson, who dashed into the end zone untouched.
Memories from the Players
The players still reminisce about that fateful moment. Zabransky recalled, “We hadn’t talked about going for two until we scored. But knowing the play we had in our back pocket, it was a no-brainer.”
Safety Marty Tadman shared his disbelief at how well the play worked, saying, “The Statue of Liberty never worked like that ever in practice. They might have gained a few yards, but it never worked like that where there were no defenders there.”
The offensive unit had confidence in the play, as Zabransky noted, “The scout team would pick up on it after two or three times seeing it. They never picked up on that play.” The execution was perfect, and the celebration that followed was a testament to their hard work and preparation.
Ian Johnson’s Fiesta Bowl Performance
Ian Johnson was a standout in that game, earning the title of Fiesta Bowl MVP. His performance was crucial, not just for the two-point conversion but throughout the game. Here’s a look at his impressive stats:
| Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Rec | Yards |
| 23 | 101 | 4.4 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Johnson also made headlines for proposing to his Boise State cheerleader girlfriend on national television right after the victory, adding a personal touch to an already unforgettable night.
Jared Zabransky’s Key Contributions
Quarterback Jared Zabransky also had a standout performance during the Fiesta Bowl, showcasing his skills throughout the game. His stats reflect a solid outing:
| Comp-Att | Yards | TD | INT | Rush Yards |
| 19-29 | 262 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
Zabransky’s ability to manage the game and make crucial plays under pressure was instrumental in Boise State’s historic win.
The Legacy of the Statue of Liberty Play
Since that iconic moment in 2007, the Statue of Liberty play has been revisited in various forms across football. The New England Patriots utilized a version in the 2007 playoffs, and Boise State successfully employed it again in 2016 against Wyoming and Arizona, with Jay Ajayi scoring touchdowns on both occasions. Even the New York Giants ran it during their 2023 wildcard victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
As Boise State prepares for their upcoming playoff game against Penn State, the echoes of that legendary Fiesta Bowl victory and the brilliance of the Statue of Liberty play will undoubtedly inspire the team. The Broncos have proven they can rise to the occasion, and fans are eager to see how they will perform on this new stage.
