The bestand most competitive game in college football history. These had the big memorable plays by the stars of college football or some other element that make them some of the most entertaining the collegiate gridiron has ever witnessed.
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Greatest College Games Hail Flutie The Miraculous Finish of 1984 Miami Miracle
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Hail Flutie The Miraculous Finish of the 1984 "Miami Miracle"
Thirty years later, it still ranks as not only the greatest play in Boston College football history, but as one of the top plays in all of college football h... — www.youtube.com
The 1984 college football season witnessed a moment etched forever in sports lore: the "Hail Flutie" game between the Boston College Eagles and the Miami Hurricanes. This wasn't just a game on November 23, 1984; it was a heart-stopping display of resilience, desperation, and a last-second miracle that defied all odds.
The stage was set in the hostile Orange Bowl, with the defending national champions, Miami, favored to win. Both teams boasted prolific offenses, led by quarterbacks Doug Flutie for Boston College and Bernie Kosar for Miami. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with multiple lead changes and a constant offensive threat.
Late in the fourth quarter, Miami surged ahead with a touchdown, placing them up 45-41. Dejected Boston College fans braced for defeat. But then, the magic happened. With just 28 seconds remaining, the Eagles launched a desperate three-play drive, gaining 32 yards and positioning themselves on Miami's 48-yard line. With six seconds left, Flutie, scrambling under pressure, unleashed a Hail Mary pass towards the end zone.
The play, called "55 Flood Tip," designed for receivers to run straight routes and tip the ball to another teammate, unfolded in a chaotic ballet. Miami defenders converged, while Boston College receivers fought for position. Amidst the chaos, Gerard Phelan, a reserve wide receiver, miraculously emerged with the ball, cradling it just before it hit the ground in the end zone. Pandemonium erupted. Boston College had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-second, 48-yard touchdown pass.
The "Hail Flutie" play wasn't just a game-winner; it became a cultural phenomenon. It was a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, a single play can rewrite history. Flutie's name became synonymous with clutch plays and miraculous finishes. The "Hail Flutie" game transcended the realm of sports, becoming a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of believing until the very end.
There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Boston College football history.
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Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
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