The 43rd edition of the Cotton Bowl Classic, played on January 1, 1979, was memorable for the cold weather as much as it was for the fantastic play on the field. The 11th-ranked University of Houston Cougars faced the number 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Dan Devine was the head coach of the Irish, while Bill Yeoman led the Cougar sideline. The temperatures outside in the Dallas area were cold and Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana awoke with a touch of the flu. These elements added to the legend of this game. Houston was up by 34-12 as the fourth quarter started. It may have been some magic in the chicken soup that Montana was fed at halftime, and he led the Irish to 23 unanswered points in the last quarter, including a game-tying TD pass to Kris Haines and the PAT kick with zeroes on the clock to win the game! ESPN ranked this as the 30th Greatest College Game ever.
1979 Cotton Bowl
FOOTBALL HISTORY: 1979 Cotton Bowl - Joe Montana
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The game of American football is filled with strategy, legendary figures, great teams, and amazing events that have created euphoria in fandom. We celebrate the game and its people. Here are some items of interest that capture the spirit of the gridiron.
1979 Cotton Bowl #10 Notre Dame vs. #9 Houston
The 43rd Cotton Bowl Classic, played on January 1, 1979, in frigid Dallas, Texas, will forever be etched in college football lore. The 9th-ranked Houston Cougars, led by legendary coach Bill Yeoman, squared off against the 10th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, coached by Dan Devine. The biting cold, which dipped below freezing, proved to be a formidable opponent for both teams. However, it was Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana, battling a touch of the flu, who faced the most adversity.
Despite the frigid conditions, Houston dominated the first three quarters, building a commanding 34-12 lead. However, fueled by some "magic" chicken soup at halftime, Montana ignited a furious Irish comeback in the fourth quarter. He orchestrated a series of breathtaking drives, culminating in a dramatic game-tying touchdown pass to Kris Haines with mere seconds remaining on the clock. The ensuing extra point kick sailed through the uprights as time expired, delivering a stunning victory to Notre Dame.
This unforgettable game, ranked 30th on ESPN's list of the Greatest College Games, epitomized the resilience and determination of true champions. It showcased the brilliance of Joe Montana, who overcame adversity to lead his team to a miraculous comeback. The 1979 Cotton Bowl Classic remains a testament to the enduring power of sports and the unpredictable nature of competition.
Despite the frigid conditions, Houston dominated the first three quarters, building a commanding 34-12 lead. However, fueled by some "magic" chicken soup at halftime, Montana ignited a furious Irish comeback in the fourth quarter. He orchestrated a series of breathtaking drives, culminating in a dramatic game-tying touchdown pass to Kris Haines with mere seconds remaining on the clock. The ensuing extra point kick sailed through the uprights as time expired, delivering a stunning victory to Notre Dame.
This unforgettable game, ranked 30th on ESPN's list of the Greatest College Games, epitomized the resilience and determination of true champions. It showcased the brilliance of Joe Montana, who overcame adversity to lead his team to a miraculous comeback. The 1979 Cotton Bowl Classic remains a testament to the enduring power of sports and the unpredictable nature of competition.
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