Led by fourth-year head coach Dan Devine, the Fighting Irish compiled an overall record of 9–3.
Notre Dame was invited to the Cotton Bowl Classic, where the Irish beat Houston, 35–34, after quarterback Joe Montana rallied the team from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
The September 23 game against Michigan was cited as a possible pathway for Notre Dame to earn the #1 ranking.
[15] Jerome Heavens, who had never seen Knute Rockne, All American, surpassed George Gipp on the school's all-time rushing list.
Heavens passed Gipp on his 24th carry but lost yardage on his 25th before moving past him for good on his 26th attempt.