Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 21, 2024.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

It’s amazing to think about the changes in college football since Dec. 21, 1984.

The 1984 Holiday Bowl, contested on this day at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, pitted the unranked Michigan Wolverines against the top-ranked BYU Cougars. Despite six turnovers and being down by seven in the fourth quarter, BYU rallied and won the game, 24–17.

The attendance of 61,248 was a record for Jack Murphy Stadium at that time. It’s safe to say many more Cougars fans claim they were there for the game.

In truth, the was not even front-page news at the time. The Deseret News gave great coverage to previewing the bowl game and recapping the win, but it wasn’t until voters made it official and named the Cougars national champions that the impact reached its zenith.

Also, Utahns were in a somber mood overall, as rescue and recovery efforts at the Wilberg Mine in Emery County were ongoing. The Deseret News focused much of its attention on that tragic local incident.

In San Diego, the Cougars didn’t play particularly well, but played well enough and capped their season undefeated.

In January, BYU was named the national champion. And college football has been working on the system ever since.

The Deseret News has revisited those eventful days and that dream season many times through the years, no more so than this year, the 40th 9now 41st) anniversary. Several of those reporters who covered the Cougars that season helped contribute commentary, which is collected below.

Also, the Deseret News created a commemorative magazine about the dream season. Details on how to purchase the issue are available as well:

“1984 Holiday Bowl: BYU 24, Michigan 17″

“10 years later, title still binds team of 1984″

“National champs: Cougars finished on top after going 13-0 in 1984″

“Video: BYU 1984 — the legacy of LaVell Edwards”

“1984 revisited: Trevor Matich’s championship moment was tempered by family crisis”

“1984 revisited: BYU’s QB factory laid foundation for Robbie Bosco to lead Cougars to national title”

“BYU’s 1984 Holiday Bowl win transcended football for linebacker Leon White”

“LaVell Edwards’ family has fond memories of ‘magical’ 1984 season. Here are a few of the best”

“Top 10 BYU victories in the LaVell Edwards era”

“Looking back at some of BYU’s best bowl performances”

“1984 vs. 2004: This year’s game like 20 years ago, but opposite”

“Relive BYU’s most epic season”