If it wasn't for all the controversy, the 1990 Colorado team would've been forgotten. They played the toughest schedule in the country, won 3 straight B8 Titles (89-91), and were the best team in the country. Missouri wasn't good, and their field was worse. CU would've beaten them by 50 on a better field.
I was there that day, low in the stands at about the opposite goal line, and I knew the game was over as soon as the ball was spiked. I ran from the stands onto the field and made my way to the Mizzou bench, where by this time the 5th down had been run, and some of the players I knew asked what was going on, and I explained that CU had used 5 downs. At about that time the head ref came over (you can see him walk by the AD, Joe Castiglione) and got on the phone behind the bench - in this video you can just see me in the white shirt jumping up and down in the right corner at the 2:49 mark. To my recollection I was screaming at the ref that they had 5 downs. Then the ref gets on the phone, and in my head he's calling up to the press box, and they're going to get this straightened out. At the 3:09 mark, I'm in front of the ref and demonstrating that the ball was spiked on 4th down. But alas, my graphic analysis apparently had no bearing. Crazy game, funny to find this video out here.
Ha! Found this in another article - the Referee apparently never reached anyone on the phone. He just stood there with the phone to his ear ignoring me and my analysis. "Louderback went to a sideline phone to call the Big Eight observer in the press box, but nobody answered because the observer had been on an elevator to the field during the whole five-down sequence. The liaison to the TV booth was no help, either, because the broadcast was over and he had packed up his headset. Louderback was on his own. The ref never called the press box because he says it wasn't protocol. But if he had, he would've received some colorful responses. Writers and sports information directors seemed to be on top of the mistake; Colorado's Dave Plati had shouted an F-bomb when Johnson spiked the ball on the real fourth down. And when Buffaloes offensive coordinator Gerry DiNardo stopped by the CU radio booth, where Plati was sitting, the coach asked, "How many plays did we just run there?" "I think five," Plati said."
To be fair, not running the clock down is more egregious. Because if CU would have known that it was 3rd down after the timeout, they would have called a different play, and thrown it. Not saying they would have been successful, but they called a running play because they thought it was 2nd down. Also, Johnson of course wasn't in. Not even close. I have never liked Mizzou - but this and the flea kicker, I feel bad for them
When ever a cop pulls you over, NEVER get out of your vehicle unless he tells you to step out of your vehicle! It's just pure common sense! 😂 But I don't think any cop will tell you to remain in the vehicle because you should know that and have your license and registration ready for him to see. This state trooper don't look like he's messing around! He'll tase and arrest anyone who get's in his way! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That running back for Colorado is Future Washington Commanders (Hate that name) Coach Eric Bieniemy. He won 2 Super Bowls as Andy Reid's OC for the Kansas City Chiefs, and created arguably the greatest Quarterback of All Time, Patrick Mahomes II.
I think Johnson did get in... Colorado has to be the luckiest National Championship team ever. A loss to Illinois, a tie against Tennessee, this game, a clipping penalty called on Rocket's punt return in the Orange Bowl... At least they had to share the title with Georgia Tech.
Wow, so glad to find this. I've always wanted to hear what he had to say. But like rreasons, I can't believe it happened. And his explanation for not calling time out is really unperssuasive.
An interesting aspect of this that rarely gets mentioned, and didn't get mentioned in this 20-year anniversary lookback, was that Charles Johnson, the Colorado QB, didn't get the ball across the goal line on the fifth down. If you watch up-close replays, he got hit before the goal line, and he immediately went down, which was when it was ruled a touchdown, b/c he reached the ball over the line. The problem was, when he was hit, his body folded backward, so he hit the ground w/ his back, and he was on the ground well before reaching the ball toward the goal line. The worst part of this was that Colorado shared in the National Championship w/ GaTech. Colorado had one other loss and a tie, and this regardless of how the refs ruled it, should've been considered a loss by poll voters. They lost this game but were given credit for the win, and it was later dismissed, and they won a share of an undeserved national title.
A loss, a tie, 5th down, Johnson not getting in... Aaaaaaand that clipping penalty in the Orange Bowl during Rocket's punt return. They did play a tough schedule and bad officiating happens, but they were gifted two wins that year.
By the same token, I don't know if overturning the outcome would have been a good idea. That could have set an awful precident because bad calls happen in every sport. But Georgia Tech deserved to be undisputed.
The way the cop calls Jack “Lucky Lou” @ 2:21 is simply HILARIOUS, with his southern drawl. I keep ROFLMAO at it, my laughter dwindling to silent giggles. :)
Just tonight, in the NFL, the AFC Championship game featured a 5th down. The Chiefs got a 5th down vs. the Bengals. Eric Bieniemy was a Colorado Buffalo RB back then, and he is currently the Offensive Coordinator of the Chiefs. Hmmmm!!!!! Charles Johnson, QB of the Buffaloes died by suicide back in July, 2022. May he RIP.
Both team have sucked for years. I'm glad Mizzou is in the Sec they ate a punching bag lol. And by the way Mizzou was going nowhere that year so why even be mad
Keep crying, Mizzou fans 😂 I like how you’re so preoccupied with the 5th down to ignore that sorry ass state you left your field in. It’s almost like your attempt at cheating got offset by the terrible officiating 🤣
A young Fred Hickman! I was born in 1973 in Seattle, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. I remember watching Fred Hickman on CNN Sports! Van Earl Wright, too! Great memories. 1989-1991 was a VERY happy time of my life.
@@thud9797 I also looked him up on Wikipedia less than a year ago, wondering what he was up to. I came across the unwelcome news that he had passed away. Great man. I loved Fred Hickman.
“The down marker correctly showed second down…” *Hi-lights video showing down marker CLEARLY displaying 3rd down.. Lol!! I dont think ANYONE, including the narrator or ref’s know whats going on with these plays!
