In its 1979 Cotton Bowl appearance prior to this one, Joe Montana overcame hypothermia and a 34-12 Houston Cougars lead to win 35-34 with a touchdown on the game's final play.
Source:[5] The game commenced with a notable performance by Brown, who returned the opening kickoff for 37 yards, aiding Notre Dame in securing an early lead as quarterback Terry Andrysiak connected with his All-America receiver for a 17-yard scoring pass.
Seizing the opportunity, the Aggies launched a relentless assault on the Notre Dame defense, effortlessly traversing 80 yards in a mere six plays to level the score.
Four plays later, freshman running back Larry Horton rushed for a two-yard touchdown, supplemented by a successful two-point conversion, propelling the Aggies to an 18-10 halftime lead.
Texas A&M maintained their momentum in the second half, with quarterback Bucky Richardson, another talented freshman, securing two additional touchdowns and Slater contributing another successful field goal.
The A&M "Wrecking Crew," featuring linebackers Adam Bob, Aaron Wallace, Dana Batiste, and John Roper, alongside noseguard Sammy O'Brient, stifled the Notre Dame attack.