IT WAS LATE November 1984, and Boston College had just made history.
The play is iconic. Doug Flutie has one last shot to beat defending champion Miami at the old Orange Bowl. He drops back -- zeroes on the clock -- and launches a Hail Mary toward the end zone. The Hurricanes' defensive backs didn't think he had the arm for it, and the pass sails over their heads, landing in the waiting arms of Eagles receiver Gerard Phelan for a touchdown. The moment instantly becomes part of college football lore.
When BC's plane lands at Logan International Airport a few hours later, a crowd of hundreds of Eagles fans are waiting.