Folsom500 - A Look Back - November 4, 1989 - University of Colorado Athletics

BOULDER - It was the 48th meeting in one of the game's best rivalries, as the No. 3 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers and the No. 2 Colorado Buffaloes put their undefeated records to the test, in a must-win game for both teams.

A win would mean the inside track to the Big Eight Conference title, and one-step closer to a spot in the Orange Bowl and a chance to play for the National Championship. Everybody knew what was on the line, and the stage was set for an intense day of college football.

The anticipation for this game was enormous; tickets had been sold out for three months. An estimated 52,877 were in attendance making it the second sellout of the season at Folsom Field.

Nebraska wasted no time in scoring, as Bryan Carpenter caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Gerry Gdowski putting the Huskers up 7-0 early.

The Buffs were eager to get even. Colorado scored in the blink of an eye, as J.J Flannigan ran for a 70-yard touchdown on an option play with quarterback Darian Hagan to tie the game at 7-7. Both teams would score touchdown again before the half, but Colorado added a field goal as well and went into halftime with the lead, 17-14.

Midway through the second half, Colorado increased its lead to two possessions at 24-14 when Flannigan ran it in from 2-yards out for his second touchdown of the day. Nebraska would be next to score as Chris Garrett caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Gdowski, cutting Colorado's lead to three, 24-21, as the fourth quarter began.

Colorado would add a field goal to its lead midway through the fourth quarter to extend its lead to six at 27-21 with just a few minutes left to play. As time was running out Nebraska had one last drive to win the game and its claim to a Big Eight title.

On the very last play of the game Gdowski threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone. As the ball hung in the air for what seemed like forever 52,877 fans sat on the edge of their seat, and watched Colorado defensive back Dave McCloughan swat the ball away from Nebraska receivers. McCloughan's swat sealed the game for Colorado and kept the Buffs' perfect season intact.

Colorado had won the game, and the city of Boulder erupted in celebration as fans rushed on the field eager to celebrate with players. Coach Bill McCartney couldn't have been more proud of his team as he was just as excited to win as everybody else, after the game he said "This is the greatest win I have ever been associated with."

As the Buffaloes extended their undefeated record to 9-0, fans couldn't help but look to the future at a possible Orange Bowl appearance against Notre Dame for the national championship. However, nothing was guaranteed because Colorado still had two more games left in the regular season, and a loss in either of those games could mean missing out on the conference title as well.

Colorado would go on to win their final two games of the regular season against Oklahoma State, and Kansas State and win its first of three consecutive conference titles from 1989-91.

Colorado advanced to the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame as the top ranked team in the nation were its perfect 11-0 unbeaten record was put to the test, but the Irish took a 21-6. However, Colorado was able to get their revenge in the national championship just one year later as they defeated the Fighting Irish 10-9.

Colorado University Athletics

Folsom500 - A Look Back - November 4, 1989

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