Factoid 41 - College Football from 1970 to 1979

The 1970s saw the University of Central Florida add college football as a sport; their team, the UCF Knights, was founded in 1979; however, they originally joined Division III. Later they moved up to Division II and in 1996 moved up to Division I.

This decade would see ten schools claim a national title through one poll or another: Michigan; Pitt; Texas; Notre Dame; Alabama; USC; Ohio State; Nebraska; Arizona State; and Arkansas.

Two schools would dominate the decade: USC and Alabama. Each would win five titles through one poll or another. USC had already had success in winning national titles in the 1960s; however, the 1970s were golden years, comparable to when Howard Jones was coaching them in the 1930s.

This decade would see the only two-time Heisman trophy winner in Archie Griffin who played for Woody Hayes at Ohio State, winning back to back Heismans in 1974 and 1975. In 1972 freshmen were allowed to start in football; this resulted in changing strategies in recruiting, as well as starting the idea of leaving to play in the NFL before one’s senior season.