What Is 1978 Utah Utes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1978 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah during the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 5–6 record under head coach Wayne Howard. They competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and played home games at Robert Rice Stadium in Salt Lake City.

Key Facts

The 1978 Utah Utes finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
Head coach Wayne Howard was in his second season leading the team
The Utes played their home games at Robert Rice Stadium in Salt Lake City
They competed in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
Utah's 1978 schedule included games against BYU, New Mexico, and Utah State

Overview

The 1978 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by head coach Wayne Howard, the team played as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and finished with a 5–6 overall record, falling just short of bowl eligibility.

The season marked the second year under Howard’s leadership, who was working to rebuild the program after a challenging 1977 campaign. Despite improvements, the Utes struggled with consistency, particularly on defense, which limited their ability to secure a winning season.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 3–4 mark in conference play against WAC opponents.
Head Coach: Wayne Howard served as head coach, entering his second season with a mission to stabilize and elevate the Utes’ football program.
Home Stadium: The Utes played their home games at Robert Rice Stadium, located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City.
Conference: Utah competed in the Western Athletic Conference, facing teams such as BYU, New Mexico, and Utah State during the season.
Notable Game: The rivalry matchup against BYU ended in a loss, continuing a streak of difficult outcomes in the in-state rivalry series.

How It Works

The 1978 season operated within the structure of NCAA Division I-A football, with scheduling, conference alignment, and player eligibility governed by established collegiate rules. The Utes followed a standard game preparation model, including weekly practices, film study, and conditioning.

Season Structure: The team played an 11-game regular season schedule, facing a mix of conference and non-conference opponents across the western United States.
Recruiting: Utah relied on regional talent, primarily from Utah, California, and neighboring states, to fill its roster and maintain competitive depth.
Game Preparation: The coaching staff used film analysis and weekly game plans to adjust strategies based on opponent tendencies and player performance.
Player Eligibility: All athletes were required to meet NCAA academic standards to remain eligible, a growing focus in collegiate athletics during the late 1970s.
Scoring System: Games followed standard football rules, with touchdowns worth 7 points (including extra point) and field goals valued at 3 points.
Coaching Staff: Wayne Howard led a staff responsible for offense, defense, and special teams, coordinating roles to maximize team performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1978 Utah Utes and their performance relative to key rivals and conference peers.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Bowl Game
Utah Utes	5–6	3–4	Wayne Howard	No
BYU Cougars	8–4	4–3	LaVell Edwards	Yes (Holiday Bowl)
Utah State Aggies	7–4	4–3	Bruce Snyder	No
New Mexico Lobos	6–5	3–4	Bill Mondt	No
Colorado State Rams	4–7	2–5	Lee Corso	No

The table illustrates that Utah’s 5–6 record placed them in the lower half of the WAC standings. While they outperformed Colorado State, they trailed rivals BYU and Utah State in both overall and conference success. The absence of a bowl game highlighted the gap between competitive seasons and postseason qualification during that era.

Why It Matters

The 1978 season is a snapshot of a transitional period in Utah football history, reflecting both the challenges and incremental progress under new leadership. Though not a standout year, it contributed to the foundation that future coaching staffs would build upon in the decades to come.

Program Development: The season helped shape coaching strategies and player development models that would evolve in the 1980s and beyond.
Conference Competition: Regular matchups against WAC teams strengthened Utah’s competitive experience and regional rivalries.
Recruiting Insights: The team’s performance informed future recruiting priorities, emphasizing the need for stronger defensive talent.
Fan Engagement: Despite a losing record, local support remained steady, demonstrating the growing cultural importance of college football in Utah.
Historical Record: The 1978 season is preserved in athletic archives, contributing to the University of Utah’s long-term sports history.
Coaching Legacy: Wayne Howard’s tenure, though brief, set the stage for subsequent coaches to implement more successful systems.

While the 1978 Utah Utes did not achieve postseason play or national recognition, their season remains a documented chapter in the evolution of a program that would later gain prominence in college football.