Watch highlights from the first game of BYU’s historic 1984 national title season

The Sept. 1, 1984, matchup between BYU and Pitt marked ESPN’s first live college football regular-season broadcast and proved to be a pivotal moment for both teams

Published: Dec 28, 2024, 10:09 a.m. MST

BYU football's team embarked on an improbable journey to the national title on Sept. 1, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pa. — playing the Pitt Panthers. A new Deseret News video shares highlights of that historic game. Screenshot from YouTube

Sarah Jane Weaver is editor of the Deseret News.

In 1984 BYU embarked on an improbable football journey that climaxed with a national championship.

The journey began in Pittsburgh, Pa., against the Pitt Panthers. The Associated Press ranked Pitt No. 3 to open the year. Their matchup at Pitt Stadium marked ESPN’s first live college football regular-season broadcast and proved to be a pivotal moment for both teams.

In 1984, BYU became the first ‘outsider’ from the West to win a national championship. The game would never be the same again

Under the steady, stoic influence of coach LaVell Edwards, BYU overcame early mistakes to beat Pitt and launch an undefeated season and National Championship.

See highlights of that historic game in this Deseret News video, titled “BYU 1984: BYU vs. Pitt — Sept. 1, 1984.”

View Comments

Deseret News has created a commemorative magazine to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BYU’s remarkable season. Buy your copy here.

Looking for comments?

Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.