CBS held the rights to airing the Cotton Bowl Classic beginning in 1958.
CBS would thus be guaranteed two national championship game matchups, with the Sugar Bowl airing on ABC.
During the 1980 game, CBS announcer Lindsey Nelson was stricken with laryngitis and had to leave the telecast after the first quarter.
Sideline reporter Frank Glieber took over the play-by-play for the remainder of the game.
CBS Sports took over the television contract in 2007 and held the rights for four years.