1978 NCAA Division I-A football season

American college football season December 2025 the first Division I-A (now FBS) season the first Division I-AA (now FCS) season 1978 NCAA Division I-AA football season August 2023 1978 Football_signed_by_1978_Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_(1987.576).jpg 139http://cfbscores.infinityfreeapp.com/standings.php?season=1978&class=FBS 2025-06-26 Standings for the 1978 FBS Season Alabamahttp://www.appollarchive.com/football/ap/seasons.cfm?appollid=480 Archived copy 2008-12-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20111002005052/http://www.appollarchive.com/football/ap/seasons.cfm?appollid=480 2011-10-02 dead September 1, 1978 –January 1, 1979 15 December 16, 1978 January 1, 1979 Alabama USC Oklahoma running back Billy Sims Alabama (AP, FWAA, NFF)USC (Coaches) The 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season was the first season of Division I-A college football. Division I-A was created in January 1978 when Division I was subdivided into Division I-A and I-AA for football only.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GGFQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j1gDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5884,2458519 St. Petersburg Independent Florida Associated Press Big schools win battle January 13, 1978 5C It was anticipated that 65 Division I football schools would transition to Division I-AA.https://vault.si.com/vault/1978/01/23/the-ncaa-splits-its-decision https://web.archive.org/web/20201129023224/https://vault.si.com/vault/1978/01/23/the-ncaa-splits-its-decision dead November 29, 2020 Sports Illustrated Underwood John The NCAA splits its decision January 23, 1978 August 22, 2023 Instead, just eight programs (seven teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, which had just joined Division I a year before, plus independent Northwestern State) voluntarily opted for Division I-AA for the 1978 season, where they joined 35 schools that had reclassified from Division II. One school, UNLV, moved from Division II to I-A, bringing the total number of I-A institutions to 138 for the 1978 season. The Division I-A season came down to a rare top-two post-season meeting as No. 1 Penn State and No. 2 Alabama met in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's Day. The game is most remembered for Alabama's goal line stand with four minutes left in the game; on fourth down and a foot, Alabama managed to keep Penn State out of the end zone and went on to win, 14–7. Keith Jackson, who did the play-by-play for ABC, called it the greatest game he'd ever seen; 76,824 packed the Louisiana Superdome, which was tremendously loud. Alabama's only loss that year was 24–14 in Birmingham to USC in September. Both schools claim this year as a national title year: Alabama claimed the national title because it defeated top-ranked Penn State on the field. USC claimed the title because it defeated Alabama in the regular season and also finished with only one loss. The AP Poll and most other voting outlets (including the Football Writers Association of America and the National Football Foundation) crowned Alabama as national champion, while the UPI Coaches' Poll selected USC. Rules changes Unsuccessful field goals are returned to the previous line of scrimmage. Previously they were placed at the 20-yard line. Unsuccessful attempts where the previous line of scrimmage was inside the 20 are placed at the 20. Balls may not be altered and new or nearly new balls are to be used. Receivers knocked out of bounds by a defender can return and catch a legal forward pass. Intentional grounding is defined as a pass thrown with the intent of avoiding loss of yardage that lands where no eligible receivers are located. Players whose jerseys are torn are required to leave the field for one play to change or a time-out will be charged to his team. The penalty for an ineligible receiver touched by a forward pass is reduced from 10 yards and loss of down to 5 yards and loss of down. Delay of game (5 yards) penalties can be assessed against the defense when crowd noise prevents the offense from running its plays. Conference and program changes New conferences After adding Arizona and Arizona State from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Pacific-8 Conference was renamed the Pacific-10 Conference. Membership changes School 1977 Conference 1978 Conference Arizona Wildcats WAC Pacific-10 Arizona State Sun Devils WAC Pacific-10 Indiana State Sycamores D-I Independent Missouri Valley San Diego State Aztecs PCAA (Big West) WAC UNLV Rebels D-II Independent I-A Independent Utah State Aggies D-I Independent PCAA (Big West) Program changes University of Oregon Webfoots officially changed their nickname to the now-ubiquitous Ducks. September The pre-season ranking of the top five teams was No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Arkansas, No. 3 Penn State, No. 4 Oklahoma, and No. 5 Notre Dame. On September 2, No. 1 Alabama avenged its only loss from the prior season when they topped No. 10 Nebraska, 20–3.https://www.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal-huskers-drop-203-bat/134307523/ The Sioux City Sunday Journal Huskers drop 20–3 battle September 3, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 Arkansas would not start its season for another two weeks. No. 3 Penn State struggled against Temple 10–7.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-with-seconds-left-penn-s/157640765/ The Daily Times With seconds left Penn State wins September 2, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 4 Oklahoma was idle, as was No. 5 Notre Dame. With relatively few games played this week, the AP did not issue a new poll. On September 9, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Arkansas were not scheduled, while No. 3 Penn State beat Rutgers, 26–10.https://www.newspapers.com/article/hartford-courant-nittany-lions-crush-out/157642465/ The Hartford Courant Nittany Lions crush outmanned Rutgers September 10, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 4 Oklahoma opened its season with a 35–29 win at Stanford, but No. 5 Notre Dame was stunned at Missouri, 3–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian-butterfingered-sooners-win/157522325/ The Oregonian Butterfingered Sooners win 35–29 September 10, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tigers-too-hot/157524656/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram Tigers too hot for Notre Dame September 10, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 6 Michigan, which had yet to begin its season, replaced Notre Dame in the top five: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Arkansas, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Penn State. September 16 saw No. 1 Alabama win at No. 11 Missouri, 38–20, while No. 2 Arkansas opened its season with a 48–17 win over Vanderbilt.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-mu-fails-to-ride-cr/134307660/ The Kansas City Star MU fails to ride Crimson Tide 38–20 September 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-razorbacks-cove/134287096/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram Razorbacks cover Vandy 48–17 September 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 3 Oklahoma walloped West Virginia 52–10, and No. 4 Michigan started its campaign with a 31–0 shutout of Illinois.https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-sooners-peak-over-mountainee/139665290/ Tulsa World Sooners peak over Mountaineers September 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comLeach drives U-M past Illinois, 31-0 Detroit Free Press Tom Henderson September 17, 1978 1E, 8E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41842550/leach_drives_um_past_illinois_310/ Newspapers.com No. 5 Penn State blanked No. 6 Ohio State 19–0https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-and-review-penn-state-silences-oh/157581108/ Herald and Review Penn State silences Ohio State's offense September 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com and moved up to tie Oklahoma in the next poll: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Arkansas, No. 3 Penn State, No. 3 Oklahoma, and No. 5 Michigan. On September 23, No. 1 Alabama lost at Birmingham to No. 7 USC, 24–14.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-usc-has-no-1-bam/134307794/ The Los Angeles Times USC has No. 1 'Bama on the run, 24–14 September 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 Arkansas struggled against Oklahoma State 19–7, and No. 3 Penn State also had a difficult time with SMU but won 26–21.https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-cowboys-sca/157504643/ Springfield Leader and Press Cowboys scare Hogs September 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press-lions-regroup-to-ni/157510027/ The Pittsburgh Press Lions regroup to nip SMU, 26–21 September 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 3 Oklahoma had a much more dominant performance with a 66–7 victory over Rice, earning them the top spot in the next poll.https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-sooners-tur/157511229/ Springfield Leader and Press Sooners turn 'awesome' wishbone loose on Rice September 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 5 Michigan won at No. 14 Notre Dame, 28–14.Detroit Free Press Leach tosses 3 TDs in second half as U-M hammers Notre Dame, 28–14 Tom Henderson September 24, 1978 1E, 4E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41844076/leach_tosses_3_tds_in_second_half_as/ October 22, 2024 Newspapers.com The new poll was No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Arkansas, No. 3 USC, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Penn State. On September 30, new No. 1 Oklahoma beat No. 14 Missouri 45–23.https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-oklahoma-impresses/157522457/ Lincoln Journal Star Oklahoma impresses in easy win over Missouri October 1, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 Arkansas was unimpressive in a 21–13 win over Tulsa, but No. 3 USC thumped Michigan State 30–9, No. 4 Michigan beat Duke 52–0, and No. 5 Penn State crushed TCU 58–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/abilene-reporter-news-arkansas-blows-pas/157504737/ Abilene Reporter-News Arkansas blows past Hurricane October 1, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic-trojans-roll-past-s/157582024/ The Arizona Republic Trojans roll past Spartans October 1, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-what-letdown-u-m-rol/139705746/ Detroit Free Press What letdown? U-M rolls, 52–0 October 1, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-penn-state-tro/157512078/ The Philadelphia Inquirer Penn State trounces TCU by 58–0 as Fusina and Moore lead charge October 1, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 USC, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Arkansas, and No. 5 Penn State. October On October 7, No. 1 Oklahoma solidified its ranking with a 31–10 win over No. 6 Texas in Dallas.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-oklahoma-tramples-longh/157506524/ The Patriot-News Oklahoma tramples Longhorns, 31–10 October 8, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 USC was idle, No. 3 Michigan struggled in beating Arizona 21–17, No. 4 Arkansas beat TCU 42–3, and No. 5 Penn State avenged its only loss from 1977 in shutting out Kentucky, 30–0.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41855027/um_beats_arizona_on_davis_td_2117/ Detroit Free Press U-M beats Arizona on Davis' TD, 21–17 October 8, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-billings-gazette-arkansas-routs-tcu/157504845/ The Billings Gazette Arkansas routs TCU October 8, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/86545605/lions-maul-sluggish-wildcats-30-0/ Sunday Herald-Leader Lions maul sluggish Wildcats 30–0 October 8, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The latter two teams were tied in the next poll: No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 USC, No. 3 Penn State, No. 3 Arkansas, and No. 5 Michigan. October 14 was a day of surprises. No. 1 Oklahoma escaped with a 17–16 win over Kansas, No. 2 USC lost to Arizona State in Tempe 20–7, and No. 5 Michigan lost to Michigan State, 24–15.https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-ou-squeaks-past/157522568/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram OU squeaks past Jayhawks October 15, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times-arizona-state-shocks/157700446/ The Blade-Tribune Arizona State shocks USC, 20–7 October 15, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/41868312/msu_turns_the_tables_ends_9year/ Detroit Free Press MSU turns the tables, ends 9-year drought; Michigan tumbles, 24–15 October 15, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Arkansas were idle. Moving up were No. 7 Alabama, which beat Florida 23–12, and No. 8 Nebraska, which defeated Kansas State 48–14.https://www.newspapers.com/article/pensacola-news-journal-bryant-unhappy-af/134290633/ The Pensacola News-Journal Bryant unhappy after beating Florida October 15, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-nebraskas-surge/157523870/ Wisconsin State Journal Nebraska's surge buries Kansas St. October 15, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Arkansas, No. 4 Alabama, and No. 5 Nebraska. October 21 saw No. 3 Arkansas lose to No. 8 Texas 28–21.https://www.newspapers.com/article/argus-leader-mceachern-passes-texas-past/157504936/ Argus-Leader McEachern passes Texas past Arkansas October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com This week the other top-ranked teams were more successful, as No. 1 Oklahoma beat Iowa State 34–6, No. 2 Penn State won over Syracuse 45–14, No. 4 Alabama beat Tennessee 30–13, and No. 5 Nebraska won at Colorado 52–14.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-sims-ou-devastating/157522643/ The Shreveport Times Sims, OU devastating October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-news-fusina-fires-4-td-passe/157634657/ Sunday News Journal Fusina fires 4 TD passes in Penn State victory October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/101449514/vols-fall-prey-to-tide-3017/ The Tennessean Vols fall prey to Tide 30–17 October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-sentinel-nebraska-annihilates/157523972/ The Daily Sentinel Nebraska annihilates Buffs 52–14 October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 6 Maryland jumped into the top five with a 39–0 win over Wake Forest:https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-terps-stay-unbeaten/139702150/ Greensboro Daily News Terps stay unbeaten October 22, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Nebraska, and No. 5 Maryland. On October 28, No. 1 Oklahoma beat Kansas State 56–19, No. 2 Penn State beat West Virginia 49–21, No. 3 Alabama beat Virginia Tech 35–0, No. 4 Nebraska beat Oklahoma State 22–14, and No. 5 Maryland got ready for their upcoming showdown with Penn State by thumping Duke 27–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-close-shave-sooners-r/157522735/ The Tampa Tribune-Times Close shave? Sooners rip October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-penn-state-rallies-for/139665792/ The Tampa Tribune Penn State rallies for 49–21 win October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/90633327/alabama-romps-to-homecoming-victory/ The Selma Times-Journal Alabama romps to homecoming victory October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-fourth-rank/157524100/ Springfield News and Leader Fourth-ranked Nebraska survives scare by Cowboys October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-advance-atkins-scores-three/139702261/ The Lynchburg News Atkins scores three TDs as Maryland down Duke October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The top five remained the same. November On November 4, No. 1 Oklahoma beat Colorado 28–7 to improve its record to 9−0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-manhattan-mercury-oklahoma-handles-c/157522824/ The Manhattan Mercury Oklahoma handles Colorado November 5, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com In a matchup of the only other undefeated teams, No. 2 Penn State stymied No. 5 Maryland 27–3.https://www.newspapers.com/article/sunday-news-penn-state-destroys-maryland/139702344/ Sunday News Penn State destroys Maryland 27–3 November 5, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 3 Alabama topped Mississippi State 35–14, and No. 4 Nebraska beat Kansas 63–21.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tide-chains-msu/134289880/ The Shreveport Times Tide chains MSU November 5, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-1978-nebraska-kansa/100887138/ Lincoln Journal Star NU in a waltz, but next dance may have a faster beat October 29, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 6 USC moved up after a 13–7 win at Stanford:https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-did-stanford/157700094/ The San Francisco Examiner Did Stanford let USC have game? November 5, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 Penn State, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Nebraska, and No. 5 USC. November 11 saw No. 1 Oklahoma lose to No. 4 Nebraska 17–14, allowing the Cornhuskers to clinch at least a share of the Big Eight title.https://www.newspapers.com/article/rapid-city-journal-sooners-fumble-away-n/157522918/ Rapid City Journal Sooners fumble away No. 1 November 12, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 Penn State claimed the top spot with a 19–10 win over North Carolina State.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bahr-sparks-penn-st/139703484/ The Kansas City Star Bahr sparks Penn State November 12, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 3 Alabama rolled along with a 31–10 win at No. 10 LSU.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-tide-swamps-lsu/134299900/ The Buffalo News Tide swamps LSU November 12, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 5 USC beat No. 19 Washington 28–10.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-usc-has-to-win-and/157701104/ The Los Angeles Times USC has to win and does November 12, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The new poll featured No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Nebraska, No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Oklahoma, and No. 5 USC. On November 18, No. 1 Penn State and No. 3 Alabama were idle. No. 2 Nebraska was knocked off at home by Missouri 35–31 and fell out of the top five, while No. 4 Oklahoma won its final game over Oklahoma State 62–7.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-recorder-missouri-humbles-nebr/157524369/ The Times Recorder Missouri humbles Nebraska November 19, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-orange-bowl-bound-soon/157523002/ The Wichita Eagle & Beacon Orange Bowl bound Sooners smash OSU November 19, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com This left the Cornhuskers and Sooners in a tie atop the Big Eight, but Nebraska's head-to-head victory earned them a spot in the Orange Bowl. In the showdown to decide the Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth, No. 5 USC stopped No. 14 UCLA by a score of 17–10.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-usc-rips-ucla-for-ros/157701543/ The Sacramento Bee USC rips UCLA for Roses November 19, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 6 Houston, which was idle this week but stood atop the SWC standings after upset victories over Arkansas and Texas, moved into the top five:https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kilgore-news-herald-houston-catapult/157503987/ The Kilgore News Herald Houston catapults into SWC lead November 12, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 USC, No. 4 Oklahoma, and No. 5 Houston. On November 24, No. 1 Penn State wrapped up its undefeated regular season with a 17–10 win over their rival, No. 15 Pittsburgh.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-paterno-takes-gamble-k/157640536/ The Miami Herald Paterno takes gamble, keeps Penn St. No. 1 November 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 2 Alabama had one more week off before its game with rival Auburn. No. 3 USC needed a controversial call (an apparent fumble was ruled an incomplete pass thus keeping the final drive alive) and last second field goal to beat No. 8 Notre Dame 27–25.https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-jordan-provides-punc/157641826/ Ventura County Star & Free Press Jordan provides punch for Irish wake November 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 5 Houston was upset by Texas Tech 22–21, but the Cougars still clinched the SWC title and a Cotton Bowl berth when the other contender, No. 9 Texas, also lost.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-houston-caught-in-revolt/157504083/ The Shreveport Times Houston caught in revolt November 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com For once, Michigan and Ohio State were not the only contenders for the Big Ten title, as No. 14 Michigan State stood in a three-way tie with the two traditional powerhouses; the Spartans even held the head-to-head advantage over Michigan. However, Michigan State was banned from the postseason due to recruiting violations, meaning that the Michigan-Ohio State game would yet again determine the conference's representative in the Rose Bowl. In the final battle of "The Ten Year War", the No. 6-ranked Wolverines clinched a trip to Pasadena with a 14–3 win over the No. 16 Buckeyes.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41932368/leachs_2_td_passes_iron_defense_send/ Detroit Free Press Leach's 2 TD passes, iron defense send Michigan to Rose Bowl, 14–3 November 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Penn State, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 USC, No. 4 Oklahoma, and No. 5 Michigan. December On December 2, No. 2 Alabama needed a victory in the Iron Bowl to clinch the SEC title and a Sugar Bowl berth, which would go to No. 11 Georgia (currently half a game behind them in conference play) if they lost. The Crimson Tide came through with a 34–16 win over rival Auburn, and the top five remained unchanged from the previous week.https://www.newspapers.com/article/pensacola-news-journal-alabama-crushes-a/134301534/ The Pensacola News-Journal Alabama crushes Auburn December 3, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com No. 1 Penn State accepted the Sugar Bowl bid to set up a 1 vs. 2 matchup with Alabama. No. 3 USC and No. 5 Michigan would square off in a Rose Bowl battle of one-loss teams. The Orange Bowl normally pitted the Big Eight champion against an independent team or one from another conference, but this year the organizers set up a rematch between No. 6 Nebraska and No. 4 Oklahoma (which lost the Big Eight title to the Cornhuskers in a close game, but had a better overall record and ranking). The Cotton Bowl rounded out the major games with a matchup between No. 9 Houston and No. 10 Notre Dame. No. 7 Clemson was passed over by the New Year's bowls despite a 10−1 record and the ACC championship, but their Gator Bowl contest with No. 20 Ohio State turned out to be much more significant in hindsight. It was near the end of that game when legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes punched Clemson linebacker Charlie Bauman after his game clinching interception, leading to Hayes' dismissal as Ohio State coach. Conference standings No. 1 and No. 2 progress WEEKS No. 1 No. 2 Event PRE-3 Alabama Arkansas USC 24, Alabama 14 (Sept 23) 4 Oklahoma Arkansas USC 30, Michigan St 9 (Sept 29) 5-6 Oklahoma USC Arizona St. 20, USC 7 (Oct 14) 7-10 Oklahoma Penn State Nebraska 17, Oklahoma 14 (Nov 11) 11 Penn State Nebraska Missouri 35, Nebraska 31 (Nov 18) 12-14 Penn State Alabama Alabama 14, Penn State 7 (Jan 1) Notable rivalry games Arizona St. 18, Arizona 17 Alabama 34, Auburn 16 Stanford 30, Cal 10 USC 17, UCLA 10 USC 27, Notre Dame 25 Nebraska 17, Oklahoma 14 I-AA team wins over I-A teams Italics denotes I-AA teams. no no September 9 no Cal State Fullerton Boise State Bronco Stadium Boise, Idaho no 12–42 19,032 FCS wins vs. FBS teams: All-time victories, upsets, wins vs. ranked teams https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/fcs-wins-vs-fbs-teams-all-time-victories-upsets NCAA.com September 7, 2025 October 2, 2025 September 9 no Western Carolina Tennessee Tech Tucker Stadium Cookeville, Tennessee no 20–22 September 16 no Long Beach State Boise State Bronco Stadium Boise, Idaho no 13–19 19,435 September 16 no Western Carolina East Tennessee State Memorial Center Johnson City, Tennessee no 14–21 5,269 September 16 no Nevada UNLV Las Vegas Silver Bowl Whitney, Nevada Battle for Nevada no 23–14 20,910 September 16 no Western Kentucky Illinois State Hancock Stadium Normal, Illinois no 28–6 12,000 September 23 no Central Michigan Alcorn State Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Jackson, Mississippi no 16–24 September 23 no Colgate 1 (I-AA) Lehigh Taylor Stadium Bethlehem, Pennsylvania no 7–38 13,500 September 30 no Rhode Island Brown Brown Stadium Providence, Rhode Island rivalry no 17–3 8,500 October 7 no 5 (I-AA) Boston University Dartmouth Memorial Field Hanover, New Hampshire no 20–17 9,750 October 14 no San José State Boise State Bronco Stadium Boise, Idaho no 15–30 18,112 October 14 no 3 (I-AA) Nevada Cal State Fullerton Falcon Stadium Norwalk, California no 37–14 October 21 no Penn Lafayette Fisher Field Easton, Pennsylvania no 19–20 11,200 October 21 no 5 (I-AA) Lehigh VMI Alumni Memorial Field Lexington, Virginia no 14–10 8,400 October 28 no East Tennessee State Appalachian State Conrad Stadium Boone, North Carolina no 35–34 14,471 October 28 no Illinois State Western Illinois Hanson Field Macomb, Illinois no 20–26 November 4 no Holy Cross Boston University Nickerson Field Boston, Massachusetts no 7–15 8,760 November 4 no Illinois State 9 (I-AA) Eastern Illinois O'Brien Stadium Charleston, Illinois Mid-America Classic no 7–42 9,000 November 11 no Colgate Bucknell Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, Pennsylvania no 0–7 2,500 November 11 no UMass Holy Cross Fitton Field Worcester, Massachusetts no 33–8 20,614 November 11 no Montana State Fresno State Ratcliffe Stadium Fresno, California no 35–14 7,258 November 11 no Weber State Utah State Romney Stadium Logan, Utah no 44–25 6,102 November 18 no Chattanooga Tennessee State Hale Stadium Nashville, Tennessee no 23–27 10,000 November 25 no Boston College UMass Alumni Stadium Hadley, Massachusetts no 0–27 7,950 Note: Miami (OH) at Dayton tied 10–10. Division II team wins over I-A teams Italics denotes D-II teams. no no November 11 no Villanova 4 (D-II) Delaware Delaware Stadium Newark, Delaware Battle of the Blue no 22–23 20,189 November 18 no Colgate 3 (D-II) Delaware Delaware Stadium Newark, Delaware no 29–38 19,003 Bowls Bowl bids Top ranked Penn State, as an independent, was not tied to any bowl game so the Nittany Lions accepted the Sugar Bowl invitation where they would meet SEC Champion Alabama, who was ranked 2nd in the AP and 3rd in the UPI. Pac-10 champion USC (ranked 3rd in the AP and 2nd in the UPI) faced No. 5 Michigan in the Rose Bowl in a battle of one loss teams. Nebraska had upset Oklahoma to earn the Big 8 title and automatic Orange Bowl berth; the Orange Bowl pulled a surprise by inviting the Sooners to play Nebraska in a rematch. Most observers felt Clemson would be invited and Oklahoma would play Houston in the Cotton Bowl Classic. The Cotton Bowl Classic bid went to Notre Dame and Clemson had to settle for the Gator Bowl despite a better record and higher ranking than Notre Dame. Bowl results In unusually cold and icy Dallas, Notre Dame overcame a 34–12 fourth quarter deficit to beat Houston 35–34. The Fighting Irish were led by quarterback Joe Montana in his final collegiate game. In New Orleans, Alabama used a 4th quarter goal line stand to upset Penn State 14–7. In Pasadena, USC defeated Michigan 17–10, aided by an incredible performance (including the game-winning touchdown) by Charles White. In the Orange Bowl, Oklahoma won its rematch with Nebraska 31–24. One other Bowl of note saw Clemson beat Ohio State 17–15 in the Gator Bowl; the next day, legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes was fired for punching Clemson defensive back Charlie Bauman in the throat after his game-saving interception. Major Bowls Champion Runner-up SourceCottonNo. 10 Notre Dame 35No. 9 Houston 34https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-joe-says-its-so/157504343/ The Indianapolis Star Joe says it's so, so, it's Joe, 35–34 January 2, 1979 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comSugar No. 2 Alabama 14No. 1 Penn State 7https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-hard-hitting-defe/134308123/ Birmingham Post-Herald Hard-hitting defense keys Bama victory January 2, 1979 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comRoseNo. 3 USC 17No. 5 Michigan 10https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41899206/usc_wins_rose_bowl_but_the_replays_a/ The Los Angeles Times USC wins Rose Bowl but the replay's a tie: White scores (or did he?) as Trojans beat Michigan, 17–10 January 2, 1979 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comOrangeNo. 4 Oklahoma 31No. 6 Nebraska 24https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-sooners-turn-on-hu/157523095/ The Indianapolis Star Sooners turn on Huskers January 2, 1979 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com Other Bowls Champion Runner-up SourceGator No. 7 Clemson 17No. 20 Ohio State 15https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-woody-adds-punch-to-gator/139701236/ The Miami News Woody adds punch to Gator Bowl December 30, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comFiestaNo. 8 Arkansas (tie)10 No. 15 UCLA (tie)10https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-ucla-arkansas-ba/157505698/ The Charlotte Observer UCLA, Arkansas battle to 10–10 in Fiesta Bowl December 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comBluebonnetStanford 25No. 11 Georgia 22https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkeley-gazette-stanford-steals-geo/134302687/ The Berkeley Gazette Stanford steals Georgia's script January 1, 1979 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comPeachNo. 17 Purdue 41Georgia Tech 21https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-mail-boilers-rip-ga-tech-412/151993329/ The Times-Mail Boilers rip Ga. Tech 41–21 December 26, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comSunNo. 14 Texas 42No. 13 Maryland0https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-jones-boys-and-wind-c/139702639/ The Sacramento Bee Jones boys and wind carry Texas past Maryland 42–0 December 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comTangerine NC State 30No. 16 Pittsburgh 17https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-wolfpack-rips-panthers/139703886/ The Tampa Tribune Wolfpack rips Panthers, in Tangerine Bowl upset December 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comLibertyNo. 18 Missouri 20LSU 15 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-early-and-late-li/134300211/ The Commercial Appeal Early and late, Liberty fans liked pageantry December 24, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comHolidayNavy 23BYU 16https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-navy-rallies-to-down-c/157418947/ The Baltimore Sun Navy rallies to down Cougars, 23 to 16 December 23, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comHall of FameTexas A&M 28No. 19 Iowa State 12https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-dickey-runs-texas/157509470/ Birmingham Post-Herald Dickey runs Texas A&M to 28–12 win December 21, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comIndependence East Carolina 35Louisiana Tech 13https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72662396/sutton-helps-ecu-win-independence/ The News and Observer Sutton helps ECU win Independence December 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.comGarden StateArizona State 34Rutgers 18https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger-arizona-state-stymies-ru/157642979/ The Star-Ledger Arizona State stymies Rutgers December 17, 1978 October 23, 2024 Newspapers.com National champion The season ended with the top 3 teams (Alabama, USC, and Oklahoma) with one loss. In the AP poll, Alabama (11–1–0), on the strength of their Sugar Bowl win over former No. 1 Penn State, was voted No. 1. In the UPI poll, USC (12–1–0) was voted No. 1, based in a large part on their 24–14 win at Alabama over the Crimson Tide. Oklahoma, who was No. 1 for most of the season, felt that they should be national champs as they avenged their only loss by beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. The Sooners had to settle for the No. 3 ranking in both polls. Final AP and UPI rankings 1978 NCAA Division I-A football rankings RankAPUPI 1. AlabamaUSC2. USCAlabama3. OklahomaOklahoma4.Penn StatePenn State5.MichiganMichigan6.ClemsonNotre Dame7.Notre DameClemson8.NebraskaNebraska9.TexasTexas10.HoustonArkansas11.ArkansasHouston12.Michigan StateUCLA13.PurduePurdue14.UCLAMissouri15.MissouriGeorgia16.GeorgiaStanford17.StanfordNavy18.N.C. StateTexas A&M19.Texas A&MArizona State20.MarylandN.C. State Heisman Trophy voting The Heisman Trophy is given to the year's most outstanding player Player School Position 1st 2nd 3rd Total Billy Sims Oklahoma RB 151 152 70 827 Chuck Fusina Penn State QB 163 89 83 750 Rick Leach Michigan QB 89 58 52 435 Charles White USC RB 36 74 98 354 Charles Alexander LSU RB 42 51 54 282 Steve Fuller Clemson QB 19 6 13 82 Ted Brown NC State TB 5 19 29 82 Eddie Lee Ivery Georgia Tech RB 11 19 10 81 Jack Thompson Washington State QB 13 11 11 72 Jerry Robinson UCLA LB 12 11 12 70 Source: http://heisman.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=45&path=football Heisman Trophy Earl Campbell 1978 September 7, 2017https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VuAzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6513%2C3154430 Lodi News-Sentinel California UPI Oklahoma's Sims Heisman winner November 29, 1978 18 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pEpOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=De4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6337%2C6415692 Spokesman-Review Spokane, Washington Associated Press Word Ron Billy Sims November 29, 1978 49 Other major awards Maxwell (outstanding player) – Chuck Fusina, Penn St. QB Outland (Interior Lineman) – Greg Roberts, Oklahoma G Camp (Running back) – Billy Sims, Oklahoma RB Lombardi (Linebacker) – Bruce Clark, Penn St. D Attendances Average home attendance top 3: Rank Team Average 1 Michigan Wolverines 104,948 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 87,840 3 Tennessee Volunteers 78,422 Source:ATTENDANCE RECORDS https://s3.amazonaws.com/fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attend.pdf See also 1978 NCAA Division I-AA football season 1978 NCAA Division II football season 1978 NCAA Division III football season References Michael Maccambridge ESPN ESPN college football encyclopedia ESPN 2005 1629 p 1-4013-3703-1