last-minute pass

In America’s two greatest college football rivalry games, a last-minute pass spun through the autumn air, carrying with it the fortunes and fates of iconic institutions.

When Army’s quarterback launched a last-minute pass, Mr. Bellino stepped in front the receiver at the goal line to make an interception and a 45-yard return that saved the game for Navy.

Had Steve Smith held onto Flacco’s last-minute pass in the end zone, Baltimore might have walked away with a win.

Had Steve Smith held onto Flacco's last-minute pass in the end zone, Baltimore might have walked away with a win.

More appropriate, perhaps, is the 27-20 win by the 49ers in November, a game decided only when Smith blocked Eli Manning's last-minute pass deep in San Francisco territory.