discussing the most iconic moments in BYU football history, names like Steve Young, Jim McMahon, and Ty Detmer naturally come to mind
But hidden within the rich tapestry of Cougar lore is a moment that arguably changed the entire trajectory of the program Mike Lacey’s remarkable catch in 1979. Overshadowed for years by high-profile bowl wins and Heisman-level quarterback performances, Lacey’s catch remains a foundational turning point that deserves renewed recognition. Here’s why it might just be the most significant reception in BYU football history.
To appreciate the magnitude of Mike Lacey’s catch, we must first understand the state of BYU football in the late 1970s. Under the guidance of head coach LaVell Edwards, BYU had begun transforming from a regional also-ran to a program of national relevance. Edwards, who took over in 1972, implemented an innovative pass-heavy offense that broke with traditional run-first college football paradigms. His approach laid the groundwork for the quarterback factory BYU would later become.
By 1979, BYU was on the cusp of something special, having won multiple WAC titles. Still, the program was missing a signature moment—a statement of belief that the new identity of Cougar football could result in legendary outcomes. That moment came in the 1979 Holiday Bowl.
On December 21, 1979, BYU faced off against Southern Methodist University (SMU) in the Holiday Bowl. The Mustangs, powered by the infamous “Pony Express” backfield of Craig James and Eric Dickerson, were a formidable opponent. They dominated most of the game, and with four minutes left in the fourth quarter, BYU trailed 45-25. A 20-point deficit in the final minutes against one of the best rushing duos in college football history? The game seemed hopelessly out of reach.
What followed, however, would be etched into BYU lore forever.
In what is now known as The Miracle Bowl, BYU mounted an improbable comeback. Quarterback Jim McMahon led the charge, engineering a rapid sequence of scoring drives that brought the Cougars within striking distance. With seconds remaining, BYU trailed 45-39 but had one final shot at glory a Hail Mary pass.
It was 4th and long. The clock was ticking down. McMahon launched a deep pass toward the end zone as time expired. The ball floated into a crowd of players both BYU and SMU defenders and came down in the hands of none other than wide receiver Mike Lacey.
Lacey’s touchdown catch tied the game at 45, and the extra point sealed a miraculous 46-45 victory for the Cougars. The stadium erupted. Coaches wept. Fans stormed the field. The BYU bench exploded with emotion. What looked like a blowout loss had been turned into an unforgettable triumph. And at the center of it all was Mike Lacey, whose calm focus and secure hands delivered the impossible.
This catch was more than just a game-winner it was symbolic. It validated LaVell Edwards’ system. It gave the team and its fans undeniable belief. It was proof that BYU could not only compete with the nation’s best but could overcome monumental odds on the biggest stages.
In the wake of the 1979 Holiday Bowl, BYU’s football program rocketed to national prominence. The victory served as a launching pad for a decade of dominance:
- Recruitment Surge: The Miracle Bowl win caught the attention of talented high school athletes nationwide. BYU, previously limited mostly to LDS and regional recruits, began attracting a broader pool of players.
- Quarterback Legacy: The passing game continued to evolve, with Jim McMahon setting NCAA records before giving way to Steve Young and later Ty Detmer, who would win the Heisman in 1990.
- Coaching Credibility: LaVell Edwards’ reputation as an offensive mastermind was firmly cemented. His philosophy began influencing coaching trends far beyond Provo.
- National Spotlight: Television networks and media began following BYU more closely. Games were televised more frequently, and BYU was consistently ranked in the Top 25 throughout the 1980s.
Simply put, none of this may have happened without that game and without that catch.
In an era where sports memories often fade amid a constant barrage of highlight reels, Mike Lacey’s moment remains refreshingly pure. It was not manufactured. It wasn’t hyped up with social media teasers or pregame promos. It was an authentic underdog miracle, achieved through grit, determination, and belief.
More importantly, it wasn’t just about a single win. It was the match that lit a fire. BYU’s football program changed course that day. Everything from the Heisman to the national title in 1984 owes a debt to what transpired in San Diego that evening.
It is for this reason that many believe Mike Lacey’s catch isn’t just a great moment it’s the moment.
Though Mike Lacey never became a household name like McMahon or Detmer, his contribution stands as a cornerstone of Cougar football. He didn’t need a long NFL career or national awards to etch his name into history. All he needed was one moment and he delivered when it mattered most.
Today, fans who lived through that game still speak of Lacey’s catch with reverence. For younger generations, it serves as a reminder of what’s possible when belief triumphs over adversity. And for the BYU football program, it stands as the precise second the impossible became inevitable.
In the grand scope of college football, there are hundreds of miraculous plays. But for BYU, Mike Lacey’s 1979 catch is more than just a miracle it’s a turning point, a cultural catalyst, and the birth of a football identity that would come to define a generation.
So when we talk about greatness in Provo, let us not forget the unassuming wide receiver who caught the ball that changed everything. Because on that December night in 1979, Mike Lacey didn’t just win a football game he helped create the legend of BYU football.
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