Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Dat Nguyen was the classic example of big things coming in small packages. At 6-0, 216, Nguyen was an undersized middle linebacker on Texas A&M's celebrated 'Wrecking Crew' defense. What he lacked in size, Nguyen more than made up for in heart. In the 1998 Classic, Nguyen was absolutely sensational against UCLA. He made 15 solo tackles, a Cotton Bowl record, and added five more assists for a grand total of 20 tackles. Seven of them resulted in 20 yards in losses. Late in the first quarter, UCLA was driving when Nguyen intercepted a pass at the A&M 17-yard line. After a 19-yard return, Nguyen turned to his left and pitched the football to a teammate who dashed the remaining 64 yards for the Aggies' first score. Nguyen's efforts in the AT&T Cotton Bowl can be summed up in one word...remarkable!