As the clock wound down, BC found themselves trailing by two points. With seconds remaining, Flutie scrambled to his right, evading defenders before launching a Hail Mary pass towards the end zone. The ball hung in the air, seemingly forever, before landing in the hands of Gerard Phelan amidst a crowd of players. The improbable catch sent shockwaves through the football world.
CBS announcer Brent Musburger's iconic call, "I don't believe it!" perfectly captured the disbelief and excitement of the moment. This miraculous play propelled Boston College to victory and cemented Flutie's legacy as one of college football's greatest players. The victory secured BC's spot in the Cotton Bowl and likely sealed Flutie's Heisman Trophy win. This game remains one of the most memorable in college football history, a testament to the power of a Hail Mary pass and the magic of the sport.