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...of struggles. 65,185 fans roared as the Giants took a 3-0 lead in the opening quarter on a 36-yard field goal by Pat Sumerall.
But three points wouldn't hold up against the Colts. The fans knew it, and so did the Giants.
One could almost feel the tension on the field and in the stands.
Then the Colts broke the scoring ice and pushed over a pair of touchdowns in the second stanza to walk off the field with a 14-3 halftime advantage.
As the third period got underway, the Giants found themselves with their backs to the wall.
The Colts were on a one-yard line. But Colt fullback Alan Amici was dropped for a loss, and the Giants took possession on their own five.
Five plays, 95 yards later, and the Giants were back in the game.
Fullback Mel Triplett lunged over from the one to climax the drive.
And Kyle Rote had hauled in a pass from Charlie Connery. Fumbled it, the ball was picked up by teammate Alex Webster, and he was finally brought down on the one.
Triplett then went over. On a second play of the final quarter, Connery connected to Gifford, who raised 16 yards down the sidelines for a touchdown.
The stadium rocked with cheers as the scoreboard showed the Giants ahead 17-14.
Burt Reischauer attempted to even the score with a field goal, but the 46-yard shy was short and wide.
With only two minutes and 25 seconds left, the Giants missed by inches on a first down and had to punt.
Baltimore took over on its own 16. The Colts were 84 yards away from victory, but time was running out.
Gana United missed on a pass, then another. Finally he connected to Lenny Moore, then Ray Berry.
The tide had turned for the Colts. In seconds they brought the Giants 16. No time for a huddle.
The Giants rushed George Shaw and Steve Myra. Shaw to hold. Myra to try for the field goal. The clock showed only seven seconds left.
The ball was placed on the 20. I'll be back in 60. The staff from center, the kick, good. The gun sounded.
The bitterly fought contest had ended in a 17-17 tie, forcing the first sudden death playoff in league history.
But there was a sequel to this saga. The Giants won the toss, but couldn't get a dry start.
Baltimore took over and in 12 plays marched 80 yards. Amici went to final yard, slicing off tackle for the clincher.
The Colts were the 1958 National Football League champions, tying the struggle in the final seven seconds and winning in overtime.