QB Marc Wilson had undergone an emergency appendectomy and had lost weight during the week of the game.
The defense carried the offense that was still finding its rhythm with a blocked punt and a goal line stand.
The ailing Wilson drove BYU down the field to score with 52 seconds left to pull within 17–16.
The attempt was converted and BYU put itself in the national spotlight with a major upset.
[14][15] Marc Wilson threw for 374 yards as BYU clinched at least a share of the WAC title and set up a showdown with San Diego State for the following week.