What Is 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl

Overview

The 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl was a postseason National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college football game played on January 1, 1986. It matched the Indiana Hoosiers from the Big Ten Conference against the Boston College Eagles of the independent ranks, drawing national attention due to Boston College's star quarterback Doug Flutie.

Hosted at Tampa Stadium in Florida, the game was part of the 1985 college football season's bowl lineup. The Hall of Fame Bowl, later renamed the Outback Bowl, was in its fifth edition and aimed to feature competitive matchups between major conference and at-large teams.

• Boston College won the game 38–35 in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest that showcased strong offensive performances from both teams.
• Doug Flutie, the 1984 Heisman Trophy winner, threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, leading Boston College's offense effectively.
• Indiana quarterback Tim Clifford passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns, nearly leading the Hoosiers to victory despite the loss.
• The game was played at Tampa Stadium, which had a capacity of over 72,000 and hosted the Hall of Fame Bowl from 1986 to 1995.
• Attendance was 55,459, reflecting solid regional interest and the draw of Flutie’s star power following his Heisman win.

Game Details

The game featured several pivotal moments, including late lead changes and strong quarterback play. Boston College built a lead in the second half, but Indiana rallied to tie the score before the Eagles secured the win with a final touchdown drive.

• First quarter: Boston College scored first with a field goal, but Indiana responded with a touchdown pass from Clifford to tie the game.
• Second quarter: Flutie threw two touchdown passes, helping the Eagles build a 24–14 halftime lead despite Indiana’s offensive efforts.
• Third quarter: Indiana narrowed the gap with a touchdown pass, making the score 31–28 in favor of Boston College entering the fourth quarter.
• Fourth quarter: A touchdown run by Boston College’s Gerard Phelan gave the Eagles a 38–35 lead, which proved to be the final score.
• Defensive plays: Indiana forced two turnovers, including a fumble recovery, but could not convert them into enough points to win.
• Time of possession: Indiana held the ball for 33 minutes and 12 seconds, slightly more than Boston College’s 26 minutes and 48 seconds.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between the two teams in the 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl:

The statistical similarity between the teams underscores how close the game was. Both teams passed effectively, and neither dominated in time of possession or turnover margin, making it one of the more competitive Hall of Fame Bowl matchups of the era.

Why It Matters

The 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl is remembered for its exciting finish and the continued spotlight on Doug Flutie, who was concluding his college career. It also marked Indiana’s first bowl appearance since 1968, highlighting a resurgence under head coach Bill Mallory.

• Indiana’s return to prominence: The appearance was the Hoosiers’ first bowl game in 17 years, signaling a turnaround for the program.
• Doug Flutie’s legacy: The game was one of Flutie’s final collegiate performances, adding to his Heisman-winning legacy and NFL draft profile.
• Bowl game evolution: The Hall of Fame Bowl later became the Outback Bowl, one of the most prominent non-New Year’s Six bowls.
• Television exposure: The game was televised nationally, increasing visibility for both programs and the bowl itself.
• Offensive showcase: With over 800 combined yards, the game demonstrated the growing trend of pass-heavy college football in the 1980s.
• Regional impact: Tampa benefited economically and culturally from hosting the game, helping establish the city as a bowl destination.

The 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl remains a notable chapter in college football history due to its competitive nature, star power, and significance for both participating programs.