Notre Dame dominated the 1978 Cotton Bowl game as they leapfrogged from number five in the polls to become the National Champions after this impressive victory. Undefeated Texas entered the game ranked number one in the country and was led by Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell. Notre Dame turned down many bowl invitations to face the Longhorns for a chance at wining the national champion. Two top rushers, Jerome Heavens and Vagas Ferguson, complemented future NFL legend Joe Montana's passing game.