The Golden Anniversary of Cotton Bowl Classic tradition culminated with a game featuring Bo Jackson, the 50th player to win the Heisman Trophy.

It was a picture perfect sunny New Year's Day in Dallas when 9 - 2 Texas A & M faced off against 8 - 3 Auburn. During the first half of the game the lead changed hands four times. Despite the media's pre-game attention to Bo Jackson it was Aggie quarterback Kevin Murray who stole the show passing for a record 292 yards.

However, it may have been the Aggie defense, which had the biggest play of the game. A & M was clinging on to a 21 - 15 lead when Auburn mounted an 88 yard drive, giving them a first-and-goal to take the lead. Three consecutive runs by Bo Jackson only gained four yards, leaving the Tigers with a fourth down on the two-yard line. Again, Jackson got the call and was met in the middle by Aggie freshman linebacker Basil Jackson. Auburn lost a yard and most of their momentum on that play. Another goal line stand, and several long plays and an interception sealed the game for Texas A & M.