Scott Slater kicked two field goals for the Aggies contrasted with Jim Karsatos's touchdown run.

Vince Workman capped Ohio State's drive with his 8-yard run midway through the third quarter for a 21–6 Buckeyes' lead.

In the fourth quarter, Aggie Roger Vick scored from two yards out, but the two-point conversion attempt was ruled out of bounds, and the Ohio State lead was 21–12 with nine minutes to go.

When A&M tried to drive with three minutes to go, linebacker Michael Kee intercepted and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown to seal the win.

In that game, Michigan State trailed 41–21 in the fourth quarter, then scored 21 unanswered points to pull off a stunning one-point win, the largest comeback in Cotton Bowl history.