What Is 1979 Ole Miss Rebels football

Overview

The 1979 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Coached by Steve Sloan in his fourth year as head coach, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense.

Despite some promising moments, the Rebels finished the season with a losing record and failed to qualify for a bowl game. Their performance reflected broader challenges within the program during the late 1970s, as Ole Miss sought to rebuild competitiveness in a tough conference.

• Record: The team ended the season with a 5–6 overall record, marking another losing campaign under Steve Sloan.
• Conference Play: In SEC competition, Ole Miss went 2–4, defeating only Vanderbilt and Mississippi State.
• Head Coach: Steve Sloan remained head coach for his fourth consecutive season, compiling a 20–23 record during his tenure.
• Home Stadium: The Rebels played their home games at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, which had a capacity of around 51,500.
• Bowl Eligibility: With only five wins, the team did not qualify for a postseason bowl game, continuing a bowl drought since 1971.

Season Performance

The 1979 season showcased both offensive struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, as Ole Miss faced a challenging SEC schedule. Key games against rivals and ranked opponents highlighted the team’s inability to sustain momentum throughout the year.

• Opening Game: Ole Miss lost its season opener 24–21 to Southern Miss, setting a negative tone early in the year.
• Key Victory: A 21–10 win over in-state rival Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl was a season highlight.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged just under 17 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in scoring.
• Defensive Struggles: Ole Miss allowed an average of 20.8 points per game, failing to contain several opposing offenses.
• Notable Loss: A 31–17 defeat to #6 Alabama in October underscored the gap between Ole Miss and elite SEC teams.
• Season Finale: The Rebels closed with a 24–10 win over Memphis State, providing a rare positive note in a disappointing year.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 season to surrounding years reveals trends in performance and coaching stability. The table below highlights key metrics across five seasons.

The data shows that 1979 was part of a three-year stretch of 5–6 records, with slight variations in conference performance. While the team improved slightly in 1980 with a bowl appearance, the late 1970s were marked by mediocrity and lack of postseason play.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season is a snapshot of a transitional period in Ole Miss football history, reflecting broader program challenges during the Steve Sloan era. Understanding this season helps contextualize the team’s long-term trajectory and eventual coaching changes.

• Program Stability: The consistent 5–6 records from 1977–1979 highlighted stagnation and led to growing fan dissatisfaction.
• Coaching Legacy: Steve Sloan’s tenure ended in 1982 after failing to elevate the program beyond .500 seasons.
• Rivalry Impact: Wins over Mississippi State remained critical for fan morale, even in losing seasons.
• Recruiting Challenges: Lack of bowl games hurt Ole Miss’s ability to attract top-tier talent in the late 1970s.
• Stadium Environment: Vaught–Hemingway remained a key asset, providing a strong home-field advantage when supported.
• Historical Context: The 1979 season preceded the rise of more successful eras under future coaches like Billy Brewer.

While not a standout year, 1979 contributes to the narrative of perseverance and rebuilding that defined Ole Miss football during this era. It serves as a reminder of the ups and downs inherent in collegiate sports programs striving for excellence.