What Is 1970 Syracuse Orange football team

Overview

The 1970 Syracuse Orange football team represented Syracuse University in the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Led by head coach Ben Schwartzwalder in his 12th year, the team played its home games at the historic Archbold Stadium and finished the season with a 6–5 overall record.

Competing as an independent, the Orange faced a challenging schedule that included several strong programs. While the team did not qualify for a bowl game, it recorded notable wins, including a decisive victory over Penn State, which stood out as a highlight of the season.

• Season Record: The team finished with a 6–5 overall record, showing moderate improvement over previous years but falling short of bowl eligibility.
• Head Coach: Ben Schwartzwalder, a legendary figure at Syracuse, was in his 12th season and continued to emphasize a disciplined, run-oriented offensive style.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Archbold Stadium, a 55,000-seat venue that had been the team’s home since 1907.
• Key Victory: On October 10, 1970, Syracuse defeated Penn State 26–14, marking one of the most significant wins of the season.
• Scoring Stats: The Orange were outscored 218 to 192 over the 11-game season, indicating defensive struggles despite offensive production.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1970 campaign featured a mix of competitive losses and strong performances against regional rivals. The team showed resilience, particularly in non-conference matchups, though consistency remained an issue.

• Opening Game: Syracuse opened the season with a 24–10 win over Colgate, setting a positive tone for the early part of the schedule.
• Loss to West Virginia: A 24–13 defeat to West Virginia on September 26 highlighted weaknesses in pass defense and red-zone efficiency.
• Victory Over Penn State: The 26–14 win over Penn State was a major achievement, showcasing the team’s ability to dominate a ranked opponent.
• Loss to Navy: A 21–14 loss to Navy in mid-October revealed challenges in closing out tight games in the fourth quarter.
• Season Finale: The team closed with a 28–14 win over Boston University, providing momentum heading into the offseason.
• Offensive Leaders: Quarterback Dave Getzinger and running back Larry Csonka (though retired, his legacy influenced the program) were key figures in the offensive scheme.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 season can be better understood by comparing it to recent years in the program’s history.

This comparison shows that the 1970 season was one of the stronger years in the early 1970s for Syracuse, as it marked the only season in a five-year span with a winning record. The team’s win over Penn State was particularly significant, as it demonstrated competitiveness against a major program. Despite these positives, the lack of a bowl appearance underscored the program’s plateau during this era.

Why It Matters

The 1970 Syracuse Orange football team holds a place in program history as a transitional squad during a period of evolving college football dynamics. While not a national contender, the season reflected the persistence of Schwartzwalder’s coaching philosophy.

• Legacy of Schwartzwalder: The 1970 season contributed to Schwartzwalder’s long tenure, which included a national championship in 1959.
• Development of Talent: The team helped develop future NFL-caliber players and laid groundwork for program stability.
• Historic Rivalries: The win over Penn State preserved the intensity of a key regional rivalry during a competitive era.
• Stadium Era: It was one of the final seasons played at Archbold Stadium before discussions of a new venue began.
• Recruiting Impact: Success against Penn State boosted recruiting visibility in the Northeast corridor.
• Program Identity: The season reinforced Syracuse’s identity as a tough, physical team despite limited national rankings.

The 1970 season may not be remembered for championships, but it exemplified the resilience and tradition that defined Syracuse football during the mid-20th century.