What Is 1979 Nevada Wolf Pack football team

Overview

The 1979 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada, Reno during the 1979 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as an independent program, the team was led by head coach Chris Ault, who was in his third year guiding the program and continued laying the foundation for future success.

The Wolf Pack played their home games at Mackay Stadium, a venue that had become a staple for Nevada football since its opening in 1966. Despite a challenging schedule and a losing record, the 1979 season contributed to the development of the team’s identity and helped shape Ault’s evolving offensive philosophy.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 4-7 overall record, marking a slight decline from the previous year’s 6-5 mark.
• Head Coach: Chris Ault, then 33 years old, continued to implement his innovative offensive strategies, which would later evolve into the famed 'Pistol' formation.
• Home Stadium: Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada, with a capacity of approximately 15,000, hosted all home games during the 1979 season.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Eric Guillermo threw for 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the team in passing and total offense.
• Independent Status: Nevada competed as an independent, meaning they were not part of any athletic conference, which affected scheduling and postseason eligibility.

How It Works

The structure and performance of the 1979 Nevada Wolf Pack football team can be understood through key roles, strategies, and organizational elements that defined their season. Each component contributed to the team’s on-field identity and long-term program development.

• Head Coach: Chris Ault, hired in 1976, emphasized player development and offensive innovation, which would later revolutionize college football with the Pistol offense.
• Quarterback: Eric Guillermo served as the starting quarterback, completing 103 of 208 passes and maintaining a 49.5% completion rate over 11 games.
• Division: The team competed in NCAA Division I-AA, the second tier of college football, which was established in 1978, making 1979 only its second season.
• Schedule: Nevada played 11 games, facing teams from various conferences and independents, including tough matchups against Boise State and Utah State.
• Recruiting: Ault focused on in-state and Western regional talent, building a roster with limited national exposure but strong local ties.
• Offensive Scheme: The team utilized a pro-style offense in 1979, years before Ault introduced the Pistol formation in 2004.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1979 Nevada Wolf Pack compares to other seasons in program history:

This table highlights the progression of the Nevada football program under Chris Ault’s leadership. While the 1979 season was modest in results, it was part of a broader arc that led to greater success in the 1980s and beyond, culminating in the team’s eventual move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Why It Matters

The 1979 season may not stand out in terms of wins and losses, but it holds significance in the broader narrative of Nevada football’s evolution. It represents a transitional period where foundational coaching and player development were prioritized over immediate success.

• Development of Chris Ault: The 1979 season was a critical step in Ault’s growth as a head coach, refining strategies that would later define his legacy.
• Program Building: Despite a losing record, the team maintained competitiveness, helping to stabilize the program after years of inconsistency.
• Recruiting Base: Ault strengthened ties with high schools in Nevada and California, laying groundwork for future recruiting pipelines.
• Stadium Identity: Playing at Mackay Stadium reinforced community support and school pride in Reno.
• Historical Context: As only the second year of Division I-AA, the 1979 season helped shape the structure of lower-division college football.
• Legacy Path: The season contributed to a culture of resilience that enabled Nevada’s rise in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ultimately, the 1979 Nevada Wolf Pack football team is remembered not for its record, but for its role in building a foundation that would support decades of future growth and innovation in college football.