Ara Parseghian, head football coach at Notre Dame from 1964-74, will be inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame on April 17 at Cotton Bowl Plaza, Fair Park, in Dallas. Parseghian joins five other honorees in this year's class including long-time CBAA photographer Brad Bradley, Oklahoma A&M tailback Bob Fenimore, USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, Texas A&M linebacker Dat Nguyen and Texas offensive tackle Jerry Sisemore.
Parseghian coached in two consecutive Cotton Bowls in 1970 and 1971, both against Texas. A meticulous strategist and a fierce competitor with a doctrine of total preparation, Parseghian was determined to turn the tables on the top-ranked Longhorns in 1971. After Notre Dame's last-minute loss to Texas in the 1970 Classic, the first bowl appearance for the Irish in 45 years, he longed for a second chance to derail the unbeaten Longhorns and got his wish one year later.
Parseghian came up with a defensive game plan to stop the vaunted Texas wishbone offense in its tracks. His scheme worked flawlessly as the Irish "mirror defense" held Texas to 216 rushing yards and forced the `Horns into nine fumbles with Notre Dame recovering five of them. The 30-game Texas winning streak came to an abrupt 24-11 ending, and finally, he had plenty of reasons to smile.
Ara Parseghian To Be Inducted Into Cotton Bowl Hall Of Fame :: Notre Dame head coach to be honored April 17 in Dallas.