Historic Aztec Victory, One Year Ago Tonight

Exactly one year ago tonight, the Aztecs came away with a 39-38 overtime upset win at Nevada. Argue if you will, but considering all the circumstances, to me this was No. 1 of them all. I've heard people argue for their choice, and there have been a lot of great ones. But none ever had all the elements of this one. Consider the factors…
 
The Wolf Pack a solid favorite. Undefeated in Mountain West play. Almost unbeatable at home. A sellout crowd. Elevation, 4,400 feet – not Laramie, but high enough to be a factor for visitors.
 
First quarter, QB Ryan Katz broke his ankle. Suddenly Adam Dingwell, with minimal experience, took over. He was cool and steady; kept Aztecs in the game.

Adam Dingwell and the Aztec Offense (photo by Ernie Anderson)

But, led by nation's No. 1 running back, Stefphon Jefferson, Wolf Pack led, 31-21, with only a few minutes left. Led by Dingwell's passing and Adam Muema's running, Aztecs completed a 75-yard drive with a TD; and PAT made it 31-28.

All Nevada had to do was run out the clock. Then came two crucial plays and a great call by Rocky Long. Nevada, driving in Aztec territory, was called for holding. Rather than take the 10-yard penalty, Rocky chose to decline the penalty, convinced time was more important than the 10 yards. Then, on third down, the Aztecs stopped Jefferson short of a first down, forcing Nevada to punt into the end zone.
 
With the ball on their own 20, and only 50 seconds left, the Aztecs quickly moved into Nevada territory and, with three seconds left, Chance Marden kicked a 35-yard FG to tie the game at 31-31, sending it into OT.
 
The Aztecs won the toss; elected to play defense first. The Wolf Pack scored quickly, converted the extra point and led 38-31.
 
That’s where it got very interesting. After a short gain on first down, Dingwell threw a pass in the left flat to Gavin Escobar, who proceeded to bull his way through two defenders and then hurdle over a third into the end zone for a TD. Now the Aztecs were within one point, 38-37. So it was down to a question of win, lose or go on to a second overtime. What would Rocky the Gambler do? After all, we were in Nevada!

The Aztecs lined-up in a two-tight-end set, with Adam Roberts joining Escobar. Running a pattern similar to the one Escobar just scored on, Roberts ended up all alone in the left corner of the end zone and Dingwell made a perfect Adam-to-Adam pass for two points and the Aztecs win, 39-38.

Chance Marden (#43) kicked a FG to tie the game at the end of regulation (photo by Ernie Anderson); Adam Roberts catching the game-winning 2-point conversion

You may disagree, but I cannot recall any Aztec game with as many special challenges to be overcome, right down to the overtime finish, And we came out with a win – the win that really triggered our run to the Mountain West championship.