<P> His lasting achievement came midway through this run , when Notre Dame won the 1977 national championship , led by junior quarterback Joe Montana . The championship season climaxed with a 38 -- 10 win in the 1978 Cotton Bowl Classic over previously top - ranked Texas , led by Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell . The win vaulted the Irish from fifth to first in the polls . Earlier in the season , before the annual game against USC , played at home on October 22 , Devine changed the team 's jerseys from navy blue & white to kelly green & gold , later known as the `` green jersey game '' resulting in a 49 -- 19 victory over the Trojans . The Irish continued to wear green for the rest of Devine 's tenure at the school . </P>
<P> His lasting achievement came midway through this run , when Notre Dame won the 1977 national championship , led by junior quarterback Joe Montana . The championship season climaxed with a 38 -- 10 win in the 1978 Cotton Bowl Classic over previously top - ranked Texas , led by Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell . The win vaulted the Irish from fifth to first in the polls . Earlier in the season , before the annual game against USC , played at home on October 22 , Devine changed the team 's jerseys from navy blue & white to kelly green & gold , later known as the `` green jersey game '' resulting in a 49 -- 19 victory over the Trojans . The Irish continued to wear green for the rest of Devine 's tenure at the school . </P>
when did notre dame first wear green jerseys
when did notre dame first wear green jerseys
1977
1977