In their third year under head coach Lou Holtz, the Razorbacks compiled a 10–2 record (7–1 against SWC opponents), finished in a tie with Houston for the SWC championship, and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 284 to 132.
The team advanced to the 1980 Sugar Bowl, losing to undefeated national champion Alabama by a 24–9 score.
[3] Placekicker Ish Ordonez led the nation in field goals with 18 and lead the Southwest Conference in scoring for the second year in a row with 80 points.
All SWC Quarterback Kevin Scanlon was selected the Southwest Conference Player of the Year and honorable mention All American.
Texas' John Goodson missed a 51-yard field goal into a 24-mile per hour wind with 1:29 left to play as Arkansas beat the Longhorns for the first time since 1971.