Day Game (Fair, Dry 70°) (24,500)
Oregon, dubbed the hard-luck club of college football, had lost three consecutive games as the result of opponents' fourth quarter surges, after building up what appeared to be a safe lead.
It happened to the Ducks again, as the Cougars, trailing 16-3 mid-way through the final period, scored two quick touchdowns to win, 17-16.
Jim McMahon came on in relief in the third period, and connected on 10-of-19 for 204 yards and one TD.
With 6:21 left in the game, Jim hit Tod Thompson on a 21-yard scoring pass.
The final drive produced a one-yard plunge by running back Doug Williams, who tied the game at 16-16 with 3:03 remaining. Brent Johnson's PAT was the winning margin.
A Duck field goal attempt failed as time ran out.
On the strength of his performance, Jim McMahon became the Cougars' starting QB for the rest of the season.
Edwards likened the game to that played against New Mexico a week earlier.
Fullback Bill Ring rushed for 67 yards, including a 48-yard sprint.
BYU now 4-2.
