92 days until kickoff: Marc Swenson 92-yd fumble return vs UTEP
This happened in 1977, before cameras existed. I’ll have to just describe how the play probably went down.*
We’re in El Paso. It’s the 4th quarter and BYU is leading 61-13. UTEP runs the triple option and pitches the ball to their running back. He has poor ball security and is stripped of the ball at the 8.
DB Marc Swenson scoops up the ball and begins sprinting the other way. His mesh jersey is flowing and his shoulder pads are huge. There’s no one within 20 yards of him as he cruises into the end zone.
Swenson goes for a patented goofy, old-timey celebration. He throws both hands straight up in the air. A teammate soon joins him in the end zone and gives him just the closest hug you’ll ever see. They begin hopping up and down as they embrace.
Cut to audio of the play-by-play commentator — “Wow, that’s just a super run by Swenson.”
*I actually expect to obtain film of this play sometime in the near future. I’ll update it with the footage when I receive it.