Demontre Hurst replays Griffin's game-winner
Published: 11/23/2011 9:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/23/2011 9:22 AM
After Terrance Williams caught Robert Griffin's 34-yard pass to beat Oklahoma last week, the first Sooner ABC's camera found was Demontre Hurst.
The OU cornerback stood in the back corner of the end zone, a few feet from where Williams and Baylor teammates were celebrating. Hurst had tried to break up the catch. Now, he just stood there, hands on hips, the picture of stunned disbelief.
"I don't know how to explain it," he said after practice two nights later. "I saw the ball thrown and I saw my teammate right there. I was hoping he would make the play."
That was Sam Proctor, the deep safety on the field in place of the injured Javon Harris. Proctor had locked on to Williams all the way to the end zone, but lost him for a split second, which happened to be the moment Griffin unleashed his pass.
"I saw the ball thrown," Hurst continued. "I ran back there (he was on the Baylor 10, near short receiver Tevin Reese, when he saw Griffin set up to throw) and it pretty much fell right into (Williams') hands. I pushed him thinking he'll drop it or he might fumble it. But he caught it. I was upset. I couldn't believe it."
Monday, Hurst had to relive the moment all over again.
"Watching film today, I was sick to my stomach he made a great pass like that," he said. "It was just an amazing throw. He did well."
Griffin did so well he appears to be the new frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy race. He'd probably get the vote of a few OU defensive backs.
"He did that the whole game," Hurst said. "He runs out of the pocket and just puts it right on the spot. That was a beautiful throw from what I saw today on film.
"I just wish I could have been there just a hair earlier to knock it down and give ourselves a chance. But it was a perfect throw, a perfect catch, just a great moment for them."
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
