Fifth Time's The Charm

1990: Refs' blunder bumps Buffs to title

One of the most controversial blunders in history helped the Buffaloes win a share of the 1990 national title. Colorado trailed Missouri 31-27 in the final minute. Tight end Jon Boman caught a pass for a first down and slipped just short of the Tigers' end zone. The Buffaloes failed to score on two runs, and quarterback Charles Johnson spiked the football twice to stop the clock. But officials mistakenly gave Colorado a fifth down, and Johnson wiggled into the end zone for a 33-31 victory on the final play. -- Schlabach