The game is famous due to a furious fourth quarter rally—including a last-second "miracle" touchdown—that gave BYU a 46–45 victory over SMU.
BYU had overwhelmed most opponents with a high-powered pass-oriented offense led by future NFL quarterback Jim McMahon.
The Mustangs entered the game with an 8–3 record, impressive considering they played in the tough Southwest Conference (SWC).
The Cougars quickly marched down the field, ending the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Scott Phillips.
After throwing two incomplete passes, McMahon launched a Hail Mary into the end zone as time expired.
With the score tied, BYU's Kurt Gunther kicked the winning extra point to give the Cougars a 46–45 victory.
In the 2004 edition, the challenge begins with the player as BYU, incorrectly trailing 45–25 attempting a PAT with 2:33 left, when the actual game had BYU attempting a two point conversion after just scoring a touchdown with 2:33 left to make the game 45-31, making the challenge much more difficult than in real life with most players having to convert two onside kicks to complete it.
SMU defensive lineman Michael Carter played nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers winning three Super Bowls.
Backup quarterback for BYU, Steve Young, who didn't play that season, would go on to a Hall of Fame career winning three Super Bowls, one without Joe Montana, all with the 49ers.