What Is 1979 Indiana Hoosiers football team

Overview

The 1979 Indiana Hoosiers football team represented Indiana University Bloomington in the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by head coach Lee Corso in his 10th year at the helm, the team competed in the Big Ten Conference and played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.

The season was marked by modest improvement compared to previous years, though the team failed to qualify for a bowl game. Despite a balanced offensive approach and several close contests, the Hoosiers finished with a losing record, highlighting the challenges of competing in a strong conference.

• Overall record: The team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, marking a slight improvement from the previous year’s 4–7 mark.
• Conference performance: In Big Ten play, Indiana went 3–6, placing seventh in the 10-team conference standings.
• Head coach: Lee Corso led the program for the 10th consecutive season, compiling a 5–6 record in 1979.
• Scoring: The Hoosiers scored 224 total points, averaging 20.4 points per game, ranking 67th nationally in scoring offense.
• Defensive performance: Indiana allowed 251 points, averaging 22.8 points per game against, placing them in the bottom half of national defensive rankings.

Season Performance

The 1979 campaign featured a mix of competitive losses and hard-fought victories, with several games decided by a touchdown or less. The team showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, especially in conference matchups.

• September 8 vs. Kansas: Indiana opened the season with a 21–10 victory at home, setting a positive tone early.
• September 22 at Michigan: The Hoosiers lost 31–14 to a strong Michigan team that would go on to win the Big Ten.
• October 6 vs. Ohio State: A close 10–7 loss to the eventual Big Ten champion Buckeyes demonstrated Indiana’s ability to compete.
• October 27 vs. Northwestern: A 24–10 win gave Indiana its third conference victory and secured bowl eligibility for the future.
• November 10 at Purdue: The season concluded with a 45–21 loss in the Old Oaken Bucket game, denying a winning season.
• Quarterback play: Starting QB Tim Clifford threw for 1,342 yards and 9 touchdowns, anchoring the offense throughout the year.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1979 season compared to other recent Indiana football seasons:

The 1979 season was part of a transitional period for Indiana football. While not a dominant team, the Hoosiers showed improvement in scoring and competitiveness compared to the late 1970s. However, defensive shortcomings and late-season losses prevented a breakthrough.

Why It Matters

The 1979 Indiana Hoosiers football team is a notable chapter in the program’s history, reflecting both the challenges and potential of the era under Lee Corso. Though not a championship contender, the season contributed to the foundation for future development.

• Program continuity: Lee Corso’s long tenure provided stability, even during seasons without bowl appearances.
• Player development: Quarterback Tim Clifford emerged as a reliable starter, setting the stage for future success.
• Recruiting impact: Competitive performances against top teams helped maintain recruiting momentum in the Midwest.
• Stadium legacy: Memorial Stadium remained a key venue, hosting consistent home-game attendance around 45,000.
• Conference context: The Big Ten was highly competitive, with Michigan and Ohio State dominating, making Indiana’s 3–6 mark respectable.
• Historical significance: The 1979 season is remembered as a stepping stone before Corso’s departure in 1982.

While the 1979 team did not achieve national recognition, it played a role in maintaining Indiana’s presence in major college football during a challenging era. The season exemplifies the ups and downs of a program striving for consistency in a demanding conference.