College Football Career
Phelan is fondly remembered for his efforts on November 23, 1984, in which his Eagles traveled to the Orange Bowl for a showdown against the University of Miami. In that game, often cited among the greatest college football games of all time, Phelan caught 11 of quarterback Doug Flutie's 46 pass attempts for an astounding 226 receiving yards.
Even with those numbers, Phelan is best remembered for his final reception - officially a 48-yard game-winning Hail Mary touchdown that cemented Phelan as a legend in Boston College lore. With possession on the Miami 48-yard line, Boston College trailed Miami 45-41 with just 6 seconds left, which allowed time for one final shot. A desperation play known as "55 Flood Tip" was signaled, which called for receivers to run toward the end zone and attempt to tip a jump ball to an open receiver. During the play, Miami's defensive backs stopped before the goal line and allowed Phelan to get behind them - most likely because they did not believe Flutie could throw the ball that far. As the game clock expired, Flutie eluded a Miami pass-rusher, scrambled to his right to his own 37-yard line and launched the ball. It traveled an impressive 63 yards, over the Miami defenders and into the arms of an untouched Phelan in the end zone. The catch gave Boston College a 47-45 victory. To this day, it is considered one of the greatest offensive plays in college football history.
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