The Last Time

Tears in Heaven was the reigning song of the year; a stamp cost just 29 cents; and a show about “nothing” had just begun to capture the American viewers’ collective attention.  Oh, and BC had recently weakened a nation with a fluttering, once-in-a-lifetime kick that somehow split the north uprights of Notre Dame Stadium.

Each of these events help mark the last time the Irish emerged from a Bowl game as the victors. A 24-21 triumph over undefeated and seventh-ranked Texas A&M was Notre Dame’s fourth bowl victory in its last five trips (with a terrible clipping call on January 1, 1991 serving as the lone blemish). The Irish entered the 1994 Cotton Bowl 11-1, ranked fourth, and had lost just nine of its last 63 games played.  

To honor this momentous occasion, I’ve compiled a highlight video of the game, reflecting an era of Notre Dame football in which running plays generally gained more than five inches, (Editor’s Note: remember to delete “inches” and type “yards”); a time when 9-3 actually wasn’t good enough; and a time when facing a 3^rd and 2 from midfield didn’t require five wide receivers for a shot at keeping the drive alive.

A few quick notes:

After dropping a 28-3 decision to the Irish in the 1993 Cotton Bowl (the 1992 season); A&M came to play, and the final numbers reflect an evenly matched contest:

• 1^st Downs: A&M 20 Notre Dame 19
• Total plays: A&M 68 Notre Dame 66
• Total yards: A&M 341 Notre Dame 311
• Turnovers: A&M 3 (all in the 4^th Quarter) Notre Dame 0
• Presence of Bob Davie per sideline: A&M 1 Notre Dame 0

You know what they say: football’s two greatest equalizers are turnovers and one or two decisions made by Coach Davie over the course of the contest…

The game’s MVP was Irish junior RB Lee Becton, who carried 26 times for 138 yards; the seventh consecutive game in which the one-cut ‘back topped the century mark.

Notre Dame scored three rushing touchdowns, one by QB Kevin McDougal on an option keeper from 19 yards out (he was visibly shaken up at the end of the run, and never quite the same the rest of the day); and two short-yardage plunges out of the T-formation by fullbacks Ray Zellars and Marc Edwards.

(For those of you new to Notre Dame Football, there’s actually no written rule that precludes Irish fullbacks from advancing the ball despite visual evidence to the contrary…)

The block of the game/year occurs late in the 3^rd Quarter (included on the video, along with a replay) by senior OT and Lombardi winner Aaron Taylor (who actually had a tough first half).

Senior K Kevin Pendergast drilled the game-winning FG from 31 yards out with 2:22 remaining. The kick was set up by a 38-yard punt return by WR Mike Miller.

If you want to read more, I’ve actually included my play-by-play notes (and running commentary) from the game, so if you’re looking to avoid work or just pass the time, click here.

Of course, I’d rather show you than tell you, so without further editorializing, enjoy the tape (FYI: the sound is actually relevant during a Lou Holtz interview prior to the 2^nd half, trust me on this).

Editor’s Warning: The video you are about to watch contains blocking at the point of attack, and may not be suitable for younger Irish fans…

ND 24 A&M 21

ND 31 National Champions 24