1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1972 Indiana State Sycamores football Independent 7–3 Jerry Huntsman 7th Memorial Stadium The 1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team was an American football team that represented Indiana State University as an independent in the 1972 NCAA College Division football season. In their seventh and final season under head coach Jerry Huntsman, the Sycamores compiled a 7–3 record and outscored opponents by a total of 236 to 141. After losing three of their first four games, the Sycamores finished the season on a five-game winning streak.1972 Football Schedule GoSycamores.com June 1, 2025 https://gosycamores.com/sports/football/schedule/1972 They narrowly lost the season opener against University Division opponent Cincinnati, dropping a touchdown pass in the end zone with 20 seconds remaining in the game.Cincy Drops ISU The Terre Haute Tribune Tom Lindley September 10, 1972 45 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-terre-haute-tribune-cinci-isu/173605597/ Newspapers.com Huntsman referred to it as his best team at Indiana State.http://www.tribstar.com/sports/sports_columns/amey-takes-aim-a-weekend-to-remember-with-isu-s/article_6d127d96-4fe5-5b28-bb9a-ec1b8c095af9.html Amey Takes Aim: A weekend to remember with ISU's '72 football team The team tallied a school-record 2,647 rushing yards (264.7 per game) led by senior fullback Willie Lee who set school records in rushing (957 yards on 172 carries), touchdowns (13), and points scored (78). Junior Rick Murphy led the College Division with 32.1 yards per return on 22 kickoff returns. Schedule Eastern September 9 8:00 p.m. l Cincinnati Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN 7–10 13,500 Ford Bill UC Edges Stubborn ISU, 10-7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/114542977/the-cincinnati-enquirer/ The Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati, Ohio September 10, 1972 2C December 12, 2022 Newspapers.com September 16 2:00 p.m. w y Eastern Illinois Lincoln Field Charleston, IL 17–14 7,500 September 23 1:30 p.m. w 1972 Evansville Purple Aces Evansville Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN 28–6 11,600 October 30 1:30 p.m. l y Central Michigan Kelly/Shorts Stadium Mt. Pleasant, MI 0-34 9,725 October 7 8:00 p.m. l Ball State Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN Blue Key Victory Bell 10–21 10,450 October 14 7:30 p.m. w y 1972 Illinois State Redbirds Illinois State Hancock Stadium Normal, IL 32–8 10,000 October 21 8:00 p.m. w 1972 Butler Bulldogs Butler Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN 49–21 4,500 October 28 2:00 p.m. w y 1972 Western Illinois Leathernecks Western Illinois Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN 41–7 17,230 November 4 2:00 p.m. w Akron Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN 21–17 7,200 November 18 8:30 p.m. w y Southern Illinois McAndrew Stadium Carbondale, IL 31–3 2,600 Final 1972 Cumulative Football Statistics Report (Indiana State) https://stats.ncaa.org/team/305/stats/13168 National Collegiate Athletic Association June 3, 2022 1972 Football Schedule https://gosycamores.com/sports/football/schedule/1972 Indiana State University January 14, 2026 2024 Indiana State Football Record Book https://gosycamores.com/documents/2025/8/23/2024_Indiana_State_Football_Record_Book.pdf Indiana State University 18 January 14, 2026 Statistics and honors The Sycamores tallied 2,647 rushing yards (264.7 per game) and 827 passing yards (82.7 per game). On defense, they gave up 1,544 rushing yards (154.4 per game) and 1,206 passing yards (120.6 per game). The team's rushing offense was the best in school history to that time. Senior fullback Willie Lee established school records in rushing (957 yards on 172 carries), touchdowns (13), and points scored (78). Lee's 78 points tied with Mark Freeman of Evansville for the Indiana college football individual scoring title.Aces' Mark Freeman ties for scoring title Evansville Press December 4, 1972 17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/evansville-press-mark-freeman/173603555/ Newspapers.com Lee also had the team's longest play from scrimmage with an 80-yard touchdown run against Southern Illinois. Senior quarterback Roger Voorhis led the team in passing, completing 25 of 69 passes for 454 yards, two touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Junior split end Glenn Damato was the team's leading receiver with 25 catches for 460 yards. Damato was also the punter, averaging 35.4 yards on 51 punts Junior halfback Tom Lenz also served as the team's placekicker and ranked second on the team in scoring, tallying 66 points on four touchdowns, 30 of 31 extra point kicks, and four of six field goal attempts. Junior Rick Murphy, a five-foot-nine-inch, 154-pound defensive back from Lafayette, Indiana, led the College Division with 32.1 yards per return on 22 kickoff returns. His longest was an 84-yard return to lead the Sycamores to a comeback victory over Eastern Illinois. Murphy also returned 19 punts for 115 yards and two pass interceptions for 34 yards.College Division Crown To ISU's Rick Murphy Evansville Press December 17, 1972 60 https://www.newspapers.com/article/evansville-press-murphy/173604361/ Newspapers.com He later played in the World Football League (WFL). Three Indiana State players were recognized on the 1972 Associated Press (AP) College Division All-America team. Offensive guard Bob Poss (offensive guard) became the first Indiana State player to be named to the AP second team; Willie Lee and linebacker John Karazsia received honorable mention.Lee Named All-American The South Bend Tribune December 6, 1972 46 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-all-america-honor/173603890/ Newspapers.com References Indiana State Category:Indiana State Sycamores football seasons Indiana State Sycamores football