40 years later, taking another look at BYU’s national championship-winning season

As sports fans know, few moments are as electrifying as a perfect season ending in a championship win — especially when it happens to a team of underdogs like the 1984 BYU Cougar football team.
From the August 1984 opener against No. 3-ranked Pittsburgh to the epic Holiday Bowl that December, everything about that season remains unforgettable — even now, 40 years later.
These memorable moments are exactly what inspired the editorial team at the Deseret News to create “1984: The Year BYU Was Second to None,” a special-edition magazine commemorating the 40th anniversary of BYU’s incredible 1984 championship season.
“For 174 years, the Deseret News has provided insightful news and commentary about the issues that matter most to our readers,” says Deseret News senior vice president of revenue Trent Eyre. “We’re doing it again with this commemorative magazine which tells some of the untold stories behind one of the most captivating college football seasons of all time.”
“1984: The Year BYU Was Second to None” takes readers directly inside the locker room during this epic season with never-before-read stories and classic retellings from legendary players such as Robbie Bosco, Vai Sikahema, Trevor Matich and Blaine Fowler. Plus, get to know another side of BYU head football coach LaVell Edwards through stories told by his wife and children detailing special family game day traditions — and superstitions.
“The idea was to get the best never-before-read stories, as well as some of the classics, and put them together in a commemorative magazine for both old and young,” says Kent Condon, sports editor of the Deseret News.
Packed with exclusive insights, personal stories, game highlights and more, this commemorative issue is a must-have for any college football fan. Available for $14.99, magazines will ship in fall 2024, perfectly timed for the college football season kickoff.
Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic of an unforgettable season — visit deseret.com/1984 to order your copy of “1984: The Year BYU Was Second to None.”