What Is 1959 Syracuse Orange football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team represented Syracuse University in the 1959 college football season, finishing with a 10-1 record and winning the school's only national championship in football. Led by head coach Ben Schwartzwalder and featuring future NFL stars like Ernie Davis, the team was ranked No. 1 in the final UPI poll.

Key Facts

The 1959 Syracuse Orange finished with a 10-1 record, their only loss coming early in the season.
Syracuse was awarded the national championship by the UPI and the FWAA after the season.
Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961, though he played on this 1959 team.
The team’s only loss was a 21-20 defeat to #1-ranked LSU in September.
Syracuse defeated No. 4 Penn State 15-14 in a key midseason matchup.

Overview

The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team is remembered as one of the most significant in college football history, marking the pinnacle of Syracuse University's gridiron legacy. Under the leadership of head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, the team achieved a 10-1 record and captured the program's first and only national championship.

This season was notable not only for its on-field success but also for its cultural and historical impact, as it featured trailblazing athletes and helped integrate college football at a national level. The team's performance throughout the season demonstrated dominance in both offense and defense, culminating in a consensus national title.

Record and Ranking: The team finished with a 10-1 record and was voted No. 1 in the final UPI Coaches Poll, securing the national championship.
Head Coach:Ben Schwartzwalder, who coached from 1949 to 1973, built a disciplined, hard-nosed team that emphasized strong running and defense.
Key Player:Ernie Davis, a sophomore in 1959, rushed for over 800 yards and later became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961.
Signature Win: A 15-14 victory over No. 4 Penn State in October solidified their national title credentials and showcased their resilience.
Season Opener: Their only loss came in the second game of the season, a 21-20 defeat to LSU, who were ranked No. 1 at the time.

Performance and Season Highlights

The 1959 season was defined by consistency, toughness, and a powerful ground game that overwhelmed opponents week after week. Syracuse's ability to win close games and dominate weaker teams reflected their depth and coaching excellence.

Offensive Strategy: The team relied on a power-running attack led by fullback Ernie Davis and halfback Gerry Perry, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game.
Defensive Strength: The defense allowed only 8.7 points per game, shutting out four opponents and holding most below 10 points.
LSU Game: Despite losing 21-20 to LSU, the close score against the eventual AP national champion proved Syracuse could compete with anyone.
Undefeated Stretch: After the LSU loss, the Orange won 10 consecutive games, including victories over ranked West Virginia and Penn State.
Bowl Game: The season concluded with a 15-14 win over Texas in the 1960 Cotton Bowl, sealing their national title claim.
Awards and Honors: Ernie Davis earned First-Team All-American honors in 1959, beginning a two-year run of elite performances.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1959 Syracuse Orange to other national champions reveals their unique place in history — a blend of talent, timing, and social significance.

Team	Record	Final Rank	Championship Claim	Key Player
1959 Syracuse	10-1	No. 1 (UPI)	Yes (UPI, FWAA)	Ernie Davis
1958 LSU	11-0	No. 1 (AP)	Yes (AP)	Billy Cannon
1960 Ole Miss	10-0-1	No. 3 (AP)	Yes (FWAA)	Johnny Vaught
1959 LSU	9-2	No. 3 (AP)	No	Billy Cannon
1961 Alabama	11-0	No. 1 (AP/UP)	Yes	Pat Sullivan

The table highlights how the 1959 Syracuse team stood out despite one loss. Unlike LSU, who won the AP title but lost their last game, Syracuse maintained momentum and won their bowl game, which helped sway the UPI poll. Their combination of a strong schedule, dominant defense, and historic player achievements set them apart from contemporaries.

Why It Matters

The legacy of the 1959 Syracuse Orange extends beyond wins and losses — it represents a turning point in college football history, both athletically and socially. This team helped break racial barriers and set a standard for integrated excellence in sports.

National Recognition: The 1959 title remains Syracuse's only football national championship, a point of pride for the university.
Integration Pioneer: With Ernie Davis as a star, the team challenged segregation norms and inspired future generations of Black athletes.
Coaching Legacy: Ben Schwartzwalder’s leadership elevated Syracuse into a national power, influencing future programs.
Heisman Impact: Davis’s later Heisman win in 1961 was rooted in his performance during this 1959 season.
Cultural Influence: The team’s success was featured in media and documentaries, helping popularize integrated college football.
Historical Benchmark: The 1959 season is still referenced in debates about pre-BCS era national titles and legitimacy.

The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team remains a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and progress — a season where athletic achievement intersected with social change, leaving an enduring mark on college football history.