Alumknights
December 21st in Football, MultiMedia by .

EX-KNIGHT’S ROLE IN “PLAY OF THE DECADE”: Tad Miller’s Block Set the Statue of Liberty Free

The Statue of Liberty play that Boise State used to win the Fiesta Bowl three years ago was picked as the #1  College Football Signature Moment of the Decade by SI.com.  Of course the story always centers on the kid who ran the ball into the end zone (untouched) and never really mentions the blocking.

The SI.com article is a good read here.

Now did you ever wonder why it was so easy for the runningback on that play? Take a close look at the role played by #66 for Boise State, offensive guard Tad Miller (BK ’03), on that 2-point conversion.  Other blockers on Tad’s side of the line helped as well, the TE and OT are both in the NFL now.

The cameras were everywhere when Tad lined up for the two point conversion in overtime against Oklahoma. His responsibility on the now famous “statue left” was the key to the play: eliminate the biggest Oklahoma Sooner threat – the defensive tackle on Tad’s outside shoulder. While all eyes followed the ball, Tad quickly maneuvered his man out of the play, shielding him to the inside and creating an easy run into the end zone for the ball carrier. “I was just thinking ‘don’t mess up, don’t be the chump.’ Once I had him walled off I knew we won,” said Tad. “The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and no one will ever forget that game. It was incredible to be part of that.”