1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team
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The 1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team represented Indiana State University in the 1972 college football season. It was the final season for Head Coach Jerry Huntsman, in a Hall of Fame-worth collegiate career. He won his 5th Homecoming contest in front of a record crowd (17,230). The Sycamores finished the season on a 5-game winning streak, narrowly missing a bid to the Boardwalk Bowl; they outscored the opposition 236-141. Head coach Huntsman referred to it as his best team at Indiana State[1]; he would achieve a record of 43-24-1 (.632) over his 7-year ISU tenure. 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 but would sign instead with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Junior Rick Murphy, a defensive back, led the nation in return yardage; he would go on to a career in the World Football League.
Schedule
September 98 pmat Cincinnati Bearcats*
- Memorial Stadium
- Terre Haute, IN
L 7–1013,500 September 162 pmat Eastern Illinois*
- Lincoln Field
- Charleston, IL
W 17–147,500 September 231:30 pmat Evansville*
W 28–611,600 October 301:30 pmCentral Michigan*
L 0-349,725 October 78 pmat ISU_Muncee (Rivalry)*
L 10-2110,450 October 147:30at Illinois State*
W 32-810,000 October 218 pmat Butler*
W 49-214,500
October 282 pmat Western Illinois*
W 41-717,230 November 42 pmat Akron*
W 21-177,200 November 188:30 pmat Southern Illinois*
W 31-32,600
- Schedule Source:[2]