The 1985 Fiesta Bowl was an electrifying shootout as UCLA and Miami combined for 827 yards in total offense, 76 points and six lead changes. When the smoke finally cleared, the Bruins pulled off the upset, 39-37, over the stunned Hurricanes.
UCLA place kicker John Lee kicked the winning field goal, a 23-yard chip shot, for the Bruins with only 55 seconds remaining in the game. The game-winner capped a 10-play drive that took 2:07 off the clock.
Miami Heisman Trophy candidate Bernie Kosar took the field, hoping for a miracle. But after getting the ball to midfield, Kosar was sacked by Terry Tumey and Eric Smith recovered the fumble, preserving the upset for the Bruins.
There were several heroes on both teams. UCLA freshman Gaston Green earned Offensive Player of the Game honors, rushing for 144 yards on 21 carries. Including the game-winner, Lee scored 13 points for UCLA on the day with three field goals and four PATs.
Kosar led the Hurricanes with 31 completions in 44 attempts for 294 yards and two scores.
Trailing 36-24 in the fourth quarter, Miami put on one of its patented comebacks. Melvin Bratton, who had nine receptions in the game, scored on a 19-yard run midway through the final frame. The two-point conversion attempt was intercepted in the end zone, and Miami pulled within 36-30.
The Hurricanes then forced a punt and utilized an eight play, 79-yard drive that culminated in a three-yard touchdown pass from Kosar to Bratton.
UCLA then went on the winning drive, as Bruin quarterback Steve Bono completed all three pass attempts before Lee kicked the game-winner.
