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Brad Rock: The day Jimmy Mac went scoreboard

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Spencer | 2:33 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
In spite of McMahon being a ding-bat, I really liked his style of football! I can't think of anyone with a greater competitive fire. His leadership on the field was electric, and he made everyone else on the field better. My greatest football memory is McMahon's Miracle Bowl. (Dang close is "Beck to Harlene," though. My wife and I were screaming! [She screamed like a girl, and I screamed like a....ummm...really excited guy.])

BYU by 1.
Norge Coug | 3:51 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I remember seeing McMahon do the same thing against Air Force in a 1981 home game. He was jawing with an AFA LB after yet another touchdown and I saw him point to the scoreboard
McMahon | 5:56 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
There is no doubt that Jim is one of the greats. We were lucky to have him at BYU.
Comments continue below
Thanks Jim | 7:25 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I'll never forget the Miracle Bowl of 1980, the first bowl game I attended; and yes, I stayed until the end.

You were one of a kind and BYU was lucky to have you play for them.

As the song goes, "you did it your way."
Invented the head-butt? | 7:37 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I'm a McMahon fan, but to claim he invented either the head-butt or pointing to the scoreboard is ridiculous.

No one had ever pointed out that their team is winning when the other team was taunting them before the BYU-Utah game in 1980??

That's like claiming the McMahon invented the Hail Mary pass or breaking BYU's honor code. Sure he did it and was good at it, but he didn't invent it.
Ute | 8:01 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Jimmy Mac was one of a kind and super competitive. With Bronco now at the helm it's doubtful we'll see these types of players in cougarville again.
Jumbo Slice | 8:02 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Jim McMahon hated the Utes.
butting heads | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
as the article states:

"NOBODY KNOWS FOR SURE whether McMahon was the first to use "scoreboard" as a taunt. But some who were at the 1980 Utah-BYU game claim that's the case."

So unless you have proof of someone else using "scoreboard" prior to McMahon using it in that 1980 BYU/Utah game, then to emphatically claim that McMahon didn't invent it is just as ridiculous.

It's not at all like claiming your other examples, since we already KNOW that Jim didn't invent those.
McMahon Sr. | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
What's with McMahon Sr.? Why is he so bent on talking up his son and making sure he gets BYU to bend their rules to let him into the Hall of Fame adn making sure he gets credit for everything from "Scoreboard" to the wearing of headbands. Was Jim the first to do that too?

C'mon, man give it up. Your boy had a great run at BYU, learned a lot, has said as much, and then had a great career in the NFL that now allows him to bum around, play golf and bag on the college that got him there.

Enough already. Every serious college football fan knows what Jim McMahon meant for BYU football and knows what a great QB he was. Give it up and stop the constant pushing of his greatness. We get it and now it is just becoming a whining deal.
McMahon's Mistake... | 8:56 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
...was going to BYU.

Imagine if he had gone to Utah:

* No honor code hassles
* No hours-long meetings between Lavell and administration officials after the latest McMahon antic
* No charges of hypocrisy by Lavell and the administration
* No sweat over over him marrying a sweet Mormon girl
What the Heck | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Are you kidding me?
McEgo | 9:13 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
McMahon Sr. thinks his Jimmy invented 'Helmet-Butting'. We did it before every game in the 60's on my HS team. Did he also invent the forward pass?
Y Fan | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
There was a sidebar in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated about Jim McMahon and BYU. I thought it was an interesting read, especially when he said that BYU used him, and he used BYU. Also how BYU lied to get him to go there, very interesting...
Hollywood | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Well, one thing Jimmy Mac did invent was bad-mouthing your school the first chance you get after finishing your college career.

Whether he agreed with the honor code or not, McMahon enrolled at BYU. No one twisted his arm. He wasn't forced to attend. Yes, he was a great QB and one heck of a competitor. I, too, will never forget the Miracle Bowl.

But instead of showing contempt for BYU, couldn't he have just said that while he thought a lot of the rules were silly, he was grateful to Coach Edwards and the school for giving him the opportunity to be the starting QB and parlay that into being drafted by the Bears.

His father can campaign all he wants, but until Jimmy changes his attitude towards BYU, McMahon will not be in the school's HOF - which probably means never.
Mistake? | 9:34 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
"Imagine if he had gone to Utah:"

*And a lousy team that would have killed any chances of McMahon having outstanding college and NFL careers.
Dead End | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
To: McMahon's Mistake

Imagine if McMahon had gone to Utah:

*No NCAA records
*No conference championships
*No draft into the NFL
*No Super-Bowl

Yep, Jimmy Mac really blew that choice.

McMahon was looking for a high-octane offense where he could show off his QB prowess, not a sub-par program where all he did was hand off to Pepper Rodgers or whoever was back there. His second choice after BYU was Notre Dame (he was Catholic).
Salute | 9:54 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I bet Jimmy Mac would like to give Brad Rock the one finger salute.
I like McMahon | 10:02 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I keep trying to win his sweepstakes, but he hasn't shown up at my door with one of those giant checks yet. Too bad he had his house foreclosed.
casual fan | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
My grandpa invented the flea-flicker and the statue of liberty play.
McMahon was great | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I really enjoyed every year Jim played at BYU. I know he was unorthodox and Ute fans will rail on his antics. I think he was just a rebel and liked the notoriety. I really enjoyed watching BYU throw on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down all through games. The problem he created for the defense was leaving them on the field too long because he scored so quickly. I remember his touchdown drives that would go for less than a minute all through a game. Everybody always had lots of TOP; more than BYU. But we usually won the game.
Jim could finish his BYU degree on-line, but is so much of a rebel he probably won't. I'd sure like to see him in BYU's HOF because he was one of the greatest. Of all the things he did, I think he was probably tame compared to some of the guys under Crowton. It's funny that Ute fans hate him so much when he was the most like their players in personality. Goooooooo BYU! BYU 38 - Utah 3.
sob | 10:36 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
it is interesting that although jim set 70 or so ncaa records, the why? never made any real effort to promote him for the heisman, but because ty d showed "the proper attitude" by becoming a convert, they went nuts promoting him. of course he received a congratulation reception in hawaii shortly there after.
RE: McMahon's Mistake | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Hahaha... You really think that he would have chosen a school with a super tough religious profile if the party school just up the road had had anything to offer? Let me see... nah, the one thing McMahon wasn't was an idiot and only an idiot would have chosen Utah over BYU in the end of the 70s.
RED Man | 11:08 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
The score board could be broken by the end of the game. Utah will pound BYU into oblivion. COUNT ON IT!!!
Hey | 11:11 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Jim was never here to cause any trouble he just showed to do the supper bowl shuffle.
HSFAN | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I can remember the Utes big and only win over the Y in 78......It wa even more intriquing after the game to witness the celebration by the big tough Yests players following the game at the fifty yard line.......the yewt players formed a circle and pierced each other ear's!! Nope not lying....no doubt these players had a unique affection for each other not uncommonly found in SLC today! ....very sexy?? Come to think of it one of those yewt players even wore his moms apron!......LOL!
Long time BYU fan | 11:31 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I too went to BYU during McMahon era. I loved watching the team during those years. My biggest memory of Jimmy boy---- Walking down the upstairs hall of the Richards PE building, being 9 months pregnant and having to move out of Jim's way as he strutted down the hall.( BYU Hall of Fame I hope not!)
Ken | 11:33 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Isn't it kind of immature to care so much about getting credit for a 9th grade taunt?
cadence | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
4th, 18, 49, hut, hut

Rivalry week - gotta love it

I hope to hear Max use the cadence above when he comes to the line of scrimmage on Saturday.

Jim definitely would have done something like that.
BLUE Man | 11:42 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
"The score board could be broken by the end of the game."

That'll be Utah's excuse anyway... but, at least that will save them the embarrassment of seeing the final score as the clock winds down to 0:00.
Possible Wildcat? | 11:48 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Jim wanted to go to Weber St, not BYU or Utah. Weber didn't offer him a scholarship.
He was lucky....
He would spend his weekends in Ogden when he didn't want to be in Provo.

Now, if you talk to his Dad long enough we may find out that Jim invented the wave too. Or maybe the internet.
McKay | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I recently watched an NFL Films special on the 1985 Bears team and they also suggested that McMahon was the player who started the headbutt or at least made it popular. The narrator for that show said that the NFL has no other footage of it being done before... Doesn't mean it wasn't done but according to NFL Films it hadn't been caught on film
BYU memories | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I attended BYU during the time McMahon was the quarterback. One year the Beach Boys came to campus and the students were told to form a line at the football stadium. At the time the leaders were counseling the girls to not wear skirts with long slits up the side.

The line formed hours before we could get the tickets and we all sat in the stands while the football players were goofing around on the field. A girl walked down the track with a long slit in her dress. The kids started chanting, sew up the slit. McMahon noticed it all and decided to give us a better lesson in modesty. He casually walked over to (I think) Clay Brown; walking up behind him as he was talking to another player. He came up to him and pants him in front of the crowd.
Good for McMahon Sr. | 1:16 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I for one think it's great that his dad stands up for him, talks well of his son, and is proud of what he accomplished in his career. Anyone who thinks otherwise probably is embarrased by their children or don't really love them like they should. What other explanation is there for someone who thinks talking well of your children is wrong? Go Utes, the Quest for perfection continues, thanks for the great idea Bronco!
Devon McKay Young | 1:34 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I also remember the Miracle bowl, watching with my eternal companion, crying and screaming like a little girl. It was special, and super sweet.
Now I know the Y will win, having atoned for their ways after TCU and back on the path to rightousness.
Wrong | 2:23 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Red Man is full of Red Bull. I think I just invented that!
Re: Red Man | 2:52 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Wouldn't you hate to be Red man and have to be with Red woman...haha
Utah Man | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
How would it be to be a Utah coed and have to sing "I am a Utah Man"?

At least, each one's a shining star,

but, how do they feel about that jolliest gang of men in the muss?

dear sob | 3:39 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
He was promoted for the Heisman, heavily as a second tier program could in those days. Detmer did not win the Heisman because he joined the "church". He won it with 15,000 total yards before getting shelled in his final two games. Young was a "meber", but if you recall, he didn't win the heisman either. Same for Wilson, Scheide etal. What most won the Heisman for Detmer was the long line of snubs of the preceeding QB's at the Y by the downtown athletic club. You must be a little young to get your history straight.
huh ? | 3:45 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
BYU memories, "pants him" ?
ediddy | 3:48 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
@ HSFAN:
You are, indeed, pathetic.
Henry Drummond | 4:03 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I remember Jim doing the scoreboard pointing thing on several occasions. I never saw it as a taunt. I remember him doing it mostly in response to trash talking by opposing players not to the fans. My guess is that former KSL sportscaster Paul James will remember every detail of every incident including the opposing player's name, the score at the time, how many yards Jim had thrown for up to that minute, etc. :-) Give him a call Brad.
Jim McMahon | 4:08 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I contribute all my success to living right- on and off the field. Austin your my hero!
HSFAN | 4:10 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
@ediddy

Hmmmm......want a fudgescicle?
Sissy Boys | 4:25 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
BYU players are sissy boys. If you don't believe me ask their tougher than nails girls.
Alex Trebek | 4:31 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
RE: McMahon's Mistake,

"* No honor code hassles
* No hours-long meetings between Lavell and administration officials after the latest McMahon antic
* No charges of hypocrisy by Lavell and the administration
* No sweat over over him marrying a sweet Mormon girl"

Lol, and no wins either!
hmmm | 5:16 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Wow this really puts what the kittens are saying into persective. Here's some arguments made for the Y and some made against the U by the kittens. Interesting how it's ok for thier own team but not U fans.

-"Utes aren't ute fans they're BYU haters". So it's a knock on the U fans to hate the Y but it's ok for the Y's own stars to hate the school?

_"Utes don't live right and don't follow the honor code"- Well again neither do all of your players so what's the problem?

_"Y fans won't swear or taunt other teams or thier fans"- Well it looks like your all star had no problem doing any of those things.

_"The Y would be able to recruit better players but they only take LDS kids with high standards"- Obviously a load of crap...


Here, ladies and gentelmen is what we call hypocrisy. Way to go BYU. Practice what you preach or shut up.
hmmm. | 5:24 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Dude, that made not sense.
Who was the greatest Ute QB? | 6:17 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
This article really begs the question, "Who was the greatest Ute QB of all time?"

I'm guessing most Ute fans would say, "yeah, it's that guy who played with that Florida coach when he was here.....yeah, that guy."

Looks like next year is another stay-at-home year for Ute fans.
Aggie Onlooker | 7:27 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Utah will win in resplendent style!
sob | 8:43 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
re to sob

what is a meber
regarding history
the why admitted years ago that they did not promote
jim, who by the way was the greatest qb ever at the college level.

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