Throwback Thursday: Fighting Irish clinch victory at the 1994 Cotton Bowl

Notre Dame on Saturday will take on No. 2 Clemson in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. That prompts memories of the Irish victory over Texas A&M in the 1994 Cotton Bowl. The two schools entered the game with identical 10-1 records, and Notre Dame was led by coach Lou Holtz. Lee Becton ran for 138 yards and Marc Edwards and Ray Zellars each scored from two yards out. The Irish defense played strong in the second half, with Kevin Pendergast kicking a 31-yard field goal with two minutes remaining, helping Notre Dame to a 24-21 win. The 11-1 Irish (the loss was to Boston College) were vying for a national title, but were voted the No. 2 team for the season, behind Florida State, a team Notre Dame had beaten in November. This gallery, drawn from the Tribune's photo archives, chronicles highlights of that game. To see the full photo gallery, click here.