It has been called one of the greatest finishes in college football history. I remember watching this game on television in my bedroom at my parents’ home after I had just returned from my tour in Greenland. In Greenland, we never saw the games live but usually two weeks later so it was a treat to see the game on live television for the first time in a year. What a game I witnessed in this November 23, 1984 contest at the Orange Bowl in Miami.
Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie hurled up a last-second 64-yard pass that landed in the hands of Gerard Phelan for a 47-45 win over Miami.
The game was not a defensive battle to say the least. Miami racked up 655 yards of offense while Boston College had 627 yards.
With 28 seconds left, Miami’s Melvin Bratton scored on a one-yard run that appeared to have given the Hurricanes a 45-41 win. Starting at their own 20 after the score, Boston College got to the Miami 48 in time for the final play.
Boston College finished the season at 10-2 and a win over Houston in the Cotton Bowl. They finished #5 in the final poll. Miami finished 8-5 and lost to UCLA in the Fiesta Bowl. They finished #18 in the final poll.
The Hurricanes were beaten by Maryland a week prior to their game against Boston College. Maryland overcame a 31-0 deficit to win 42-40 for the biggest comeback in NCAA history.
See the game winning score below:
