1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team

1972 Indiana State Sycamores football
ConferenceIndependent
Record7–3
Head coach
Home stadiumMemorial Stadium
Seasons
← 1971
1973 →
1972 NCAA College Division independents football records
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 4 Ashland     11 0 0
Bridgeport     11 0 0
No. 1 Delaware     10 0 0
No. 5 Tennessee State     11 1 0
Colorado College     8 1 0
Tampa     10 2 0
Trinity (TX)     8 2 0
Western Carolina     7 2 1
Hawaii     8 3 0
Indiana State     7 3 0
Northeastern     6 2 0
Bucknell     6 3 0
Cortland     6 3 0
San Diego     6 3 1
Arkansas–Pine Bluff     4 2 1
Eastern Michigan     6 4 0
Milwaukee     6 4 0
Samford     5 3 2
Lake Forest     4 3 1
Nevada     6 5 0
Central Michigan     5 5 1
Fordham     5 5 0
Rose-Hulman     5 5 0
Santa Clara     4 4 1
Akron     3 4 2
St. Norbert     4 5 0
Saint Mary's     3 4 0
Kentucky State     4 6 0
Drexel     3 6 0
Northeast Louisiana     3 7 0
Portland State     3 8 0
Wayne State (MI)     2 5 1
Boston University     2 8 0
Northern Michigan     2 8 0
Saint Peter's     2 8 0
Chattanooga     2 9 0
Southern Illinois     1 8 1
Eastern Illinois     1 9 0
Madison     0 4 1
UNLV     1 10 0
Rankings from AP small college poll

The 1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team represented Indiana State University in the 1972 NCAA College Division football season. It was the seventh and final season for head coach Jerry Huntsman. He won his fifth homecoming contest in front of a record crowd (17,230). The Sycamores finished the season on a five-game winning streak, narrowly missing a bid to the Boardwalk Bowl; they missed a win against University Division opponent Cincinnati by dropping a touchdown pass in the end zone within the last minute of play (see game film below); they outscored the opposition 236–141. Huntsman referred to it as his best team at Indiana State.[1] Three Sycamores were named All-Americans after the season; Bob Poss, (offensive guard) was selected for the Associated Press’ 2nd Team; Seniors Willie Lee (fullback) and John Karazsia (linebacker) were Honorable Mentions on the Associated Press team.

Lee staged a memorable senior campaign, establishing school records in yard rushing (957), touchdowns (13) and points (78). He had four 100+ yard rushing games, while the rest of the team combined for three. He led all Indiana collegiate players in scoring, while leading the Sycamores' rushing attack to a school record in rushing offense (2,647 yards). Lee was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 12th round of the 1973 NFL Draft but would sign instead with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Junior Rick Murphy, a defensive back, led the nation in return yardage; he went on to a career in the World Football League (WFL).

  1. ^ "AMEY TAKES AIM: A weekend to remember with ISU's '72 football team".