Entering the game with identical 10-1 records, Notre Dame and Texas A&M met in the 1994 Cotton Bowl. Unlike the game in the previous season, this one came down to the wire. Lee Becton (‘95) ran for 138 yards and Marc Edwards (’97) and Ray Zellars (‘95) each scored from two yards out. The Irish defense came up big in the second half, and Kevin Pendergast (’94) kicked a 31-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining, helping Notre Dame to a 24-21 win. The victory capped off a memorable season, as the Irish made a case for the national title. In this ‘Strong and True’ moment, look back on the game through highlights and images from the University of Notre Dame Archives.

The 1994 Cotton Bowl featured #4 Notre Dame (10-1-0) and #7 Texas A&M (10-1-0) in a rematch of the previous year’s game.

Mike Miller breaks free on a key punt return late in the game. Miller’s run put the Irish in position for the game-winning field goal.

Oliver Gibson, Thomas Knight, and Bryant Young celebrate after sacking Texas A&M quarterback Corey Pullig.

Lee Becton running with the ball while Marc Edwards and Lance Johnson block.