The longest game in major college history ended with a daring gamble that backfired, giving the Bears a 56-55 win Saturday.
"Even though this is a devastating feeling, someday someone will say that's the greatest college football game ever played," said Arizona coach Dick Tomey, who gambled and lost. "I guess it's better than both teams walking off the field talking to themselves."
The Wildcats had just scored a touchdown and needed an extra point to send the game into a fifth overtime. Tomey went for broke and decided the game would end right there.
Arizona lined up for the extra point, but holder Ryan Hesson took the snap and flipped it over his head to kicker Matt Peyton, who was tackled immediately by Andre Rhodes to end the game.
"It took guts," said Arizona quarterback Keith Smith, who threw five TD passes and ran for two more scores. "We make the play and we all go crazy."