In the first quarter, the Cowboys took a 10–0 lead on an Ernest Anderson touchdown run and a field goal.
Jimmie Williams and Gary Kubiak connected for two touchdown catches of 50 and 38 yards to give the Aggies a 20–10 halftime lead.
[1] Wilson was fired after the season by the Aggies due to the administration not being pleased with his 21-19 record in four years.
They hired Jackie Sherrill, who reached three consecutive Cotton Bowl Classics in his seven-year tenure.
The Cowboys reached one more bowl game under Johnson, and four more before the end of the decade.