A Ford oil filter will have a pressure relief valve (to allow oil through when the filter's plugged) and an anti-drain-back valve (to keep oil in the filter & prevent dry start-ups). The oil pressure valves (as there are 2 in Fords) I believe are part of the oil pump.
I think there are 2 explanations. If the oil pressure valve <span style="text-decoration: underline">and</span> the oil filter pressure relief bypass valve both failed by sticking shut, then you could have a huge build-up of pressure inside the filter as it filled. I have heard of filters (especially Frams) that will actually explode when this happens, but I've never heard of one that just got bigger. It's possible this could happen with just normal oil pressure and a stuck bypass valve, but most of the oil filters I've seen look like they'd hold 60-75 psi without too much trouble. It may be that you were right on the cusp of a really bad day.
If the PCV valve failed it could allow the crankcase to become highly pressurized as well, which would make it's way back to oil filter. I think this is less likely.