The Miracle Bowl
December 19, 1980 - One of the most dramatic comebacks in college football history happened on this day.
The third annual Holiday Bowl was a matchup between Southern Methodist University and Brigham Young University. For the first 56 minutes of the game, SMU dominated with their "Pony Express" offense which included future NFL superstar Eric Dickerson. The Mustangs were killing the Cougars, 45 to 25.
With time running out, BYU found itself in a 4th and long situation. As the punting team took to the field, the BYU quarterback (and future Superbowl champion), Jim McMahon started yelling at them that the game wasn't over yet. He then threw a touchdown pass and BYU recovered the on-side kick.
BYU blazed its way down the field for another touchdown that cut the lead to 6. The revitalized Mustang defense then forced SMU to punt on 4th down. They blocked it with 13 seconds left in the game!
With the final seconds ticking away, Jim McMahon threw a Hail Mary into the end zone that somehow, miraculously wound up in Clay Brown's hands. The extra point gave BYU its 46-45 victory.
