1978 Nevada Wolf Pack football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1978 Nevada Wolf Pack football Independent 11–1 Chris Ault 1 3rd John L. Smith 2nd Mackay Stadium NCAA Division I-AA Semifinal L 21–44 vs. UMass The 1978 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada, Reno as an independent during the 1978 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by third-year head coach Chris Ault, the Wolf Pack compiled a record of 11–1. Nevada advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, where the Wolf Pack lost in the semifinals to UMass. The team played home games at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada. Schedule 1978 NCAA Division I-AA Associated Press Pacific September 9 w 1978 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Stephen F. Austin Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 32–0 9,672 https://www.newspapers.com/article/victoria-advocate-wolfpack-rolls-on/155107791/ The Victoria Advocate Wolfpack rolls on September 10, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com September 16 w y UNLV Las Vegas Silver Bowl East Las Vegas, NV Fremont Cannon 23–14 20,910 https://www.newspapers.com/article/nevada-state-journal-unr-coachs-predict/155107950/ Nevada State Journal UNR coach's prediction comes true September 17, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com September 23 w 5 UC Davis Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 12–7 12,093 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-aggies-beaten-by-wolf/155108076/ The Sacramento Bee Aggies beaten by Wolf Pack September 24, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com September 30 w 4 San Francisco State Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 37–14 7,992 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-bernardino-county-sun-nevadaren/155108247/ The San Bernardino County Sun Nevada–Reno 37, S.F. St. 14 October 1, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com October 7 w 3 1978 Western Washington Vikings Western Washington Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 66–0 6,982 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bellingham-herald-nevadareno-hands/155108355/ The Bellingham Herald Nevada–Reno hands Viks 66–0 defeat October 8, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com October 14 w 3 y Cal State Fullerton Falcon Stadium Norwalk, CA 37–14 October 21 w 3 y 1978 Santa Clara Broncos Santa Clara Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 38–6 12,369 https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-unbeaten-reno-smashe/155108653/ Santa Cruz Sentinel Unbeaten Reno smashes Broncos October 22, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com October 28 w 2 y Sacramento State Hornet Stadium Sacramento, CA 39–15 3,100 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-ssu-plays-well-but-lo/155108805/ The Sacramento Bee SSU plays well but loses to Reno 39–15 October 29, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com November 4 w 1 Cal State Hayward Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 21–0 9,412 https://www.newspapers.com/article/nevada-state-journal-no-1-rated-wolf-pa/155108965/ Nevada State Journal No. 1 rated Wolf Pack wins ninth in row November 5, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com November 11 w 1 1978 South Dakota Coyotes South Dakota Mackay Stadium Reno, NV 50–7 9,412 https://www.newspapers.com/article/argus-leader-wolf-pack-ruins-coyote-vaca/155109061/ Argus-Leader Wolf Pack ruins Coyote vacation November 12, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com November 18 w 1 y Idaho State ASISU Minidome Pocatello, ID 37–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/nevada-state-journal-pack-ends-season-on/154929689/ Nevada State Journal Pack ends season on perfect note November 19, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com December 9 l 1 UMass T–4 Mackay Stadium Reno, NV NCAA Division I-AA Semifinal 21–44 14,026 https://www.newspapers.com/article/nevada-state-journal-massachusetts-keeps/155060746/ Nevada State Journal Massachusetts keeps UNR at home December 10, 1978 September 11, 2024 Newspapers.com 1978 Football Schedule https://nevadawolfpack.com/sports/football/schedule/1978 Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics December 24, 2025 2025 Nevada Football Record Book https://nevadawolfpack.com/documents/2025/7/31/2025_Nevada_Football_Record_Book.pdf Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics 33 December 24, 2025 References Nevada Category:Nevada Wolf Pack football seasons Nevada Wolf Pack football Nevada