What Is 1979 Syracuse Orange football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 Syracuse Orange football team finished with a 6-5 record under head coach Frank Maloney, featuring future NFL star Art Monk. They played in the Independence Bowl, losing to LSU 34-10 on December 15, 1979.

Key Facts

The 1979 Syracuse Orange finished the season with a 6-5 overall record
Head coach Frank Maloney led the team in his eighth and final season
Syracuse played in the Independence Bowl on December 15, 1979
They lost to LSU by a score of 34-10 in Shreveport, Louisiana
Future Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Monk was a freshman wide receiver

Overview

The 1979 Syracuse Orange football team represented Syracuse University during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the independent category, the team was led by head coach Frank Maloney in his eighth and final year at the helm. They played their home games at the Carrier Dome, which had just opened that year, marking a new era for the program.

The season showcased a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, highlighted by the debut of future NFL legend Art Monk. Despite a losing record in previous years, the 1979 campaign brought renewed optimism and a bowl appearance. The team’s performance laid the foundation for future success under new leadership.

Record: The team finished with a 6-5 overall record, their best since 1976, showing significant improvement under Maloney’s final season.
Bowl Game: Syracuse earned a bid to the Independence Bowl, their first bowl appearance since 1979, facing the LSU Tigers on December 15, 1979.
Art Monk: As a freshman, Monk caught 22 passes for 318 yards and 2 touchdowns, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career in the NFL.
Carrier Dome: The 1979 season was the first played in the newly opened Carrier Dome, a state-of-the-art indoor stadium in Syracuse, New York.
Final Season: Frank Maloney stepped down after the season, finishing with a 42-45-1 record over eight years as head coach.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1979 campaign featured a blend of offensive promise and defensive inconsistency, with key moments defining the team’s trajectory. Several games were decided by narrow margins, reflecting a competitive but uneven season. The team showed resilience despite playing as an independent without conference support.

Season Opener: Syracuse defeated Kansas State 24-10 in the Carrier Dome’s inaugural game, energizing the home crowd with a strong defensive showing.
Art Monk’s Debut: Monk made an immediate impact, recording 5 receptions for 74 yards in his first collegiate game against Kansas State.
Close Losses: The Orange lost three games by seven points or fewer, including a 20-17 defeat to West Virginia, indicating missed opportunities.
LSU Matchup: In the Independence Bowl, LSU’s physical defense limited Syracuse to just 10 points, with the final score 34-10 in favor of the Tigers.
Defensive Struggles: The team allowed an average of 23.5 points per game, ranking them in the bottom half nationally in scoring defense.
Quarterback Play: Starting QB Tom Kaczkowski threw for 1,247 yards and 7 touchdowns, but also committed 13 interceptions, highlighting inconsistency.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1979 season stacked up against recent years and future benchmarks:

Season	Record	Bowl Result	Head Coach	Notable Player
1977	5-6	No bowl	Frank Maloney	None
1978	5-6	No bowl	Frank Maloney	None
1979	6-5	Lost 34-10 to LSU (Independence Bowl)	Frank Maloney	Art Monk (Fr.)
1980	8-4	Lost 36-6 to Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)	Dick MacPherson	Art Monk (So.)
1987	8-3-1	Lost 35-32 to Arizona State (Sun Bowl)	Dick MacPherson	Marvin Harrison (Fr.)

The 1979 season served as a transitional year, bridging the Maloney and MacPherson eras. While the bowl loss to LSU was disappointing, the emergence of Art Monk and the opening of the Carrier Dome signaled future promise. The following year, under new coach Dick MacPherson, Syracuse improved dramatically, making a Cotton Bowl appearance.

Why It Matters

The 1979 Syracuse Orange football team holds historical significance as a turning point in the program’s trajectory. Though not a championship contender, it marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, both in coaching and facilities. The season also introduced a future NFL icon and showcased the potential of modernized infrastructure.

Art Monk’s Arrival: Monk’s freshman season launched a career that would lead to 820 receptions and a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2008.
Carrier Dome Legacy: The new stadium became a cornerstone of Syracuse athletics, hosting football, basketball, and major events for decades.
Coaching Transition: Frank Maloney’s departure paved the way for Dick MacPherson, who revitalized the program in the 1980s.
Bowl Appearance: The Independence Bowl bid ended a three-year bowl drought, restoring national visibility to the team.
Recruiting Momentum: Strong freshman performances helped boost recruiting, laying groundwork for future success.
Historical Context: The 1979 team is remembered as a stepping stone between mediocrity and resurgence in Syracuse football history.

Ultimately, the 1979 season may not stand out for wins or championships, but its role in shaping the future of Syracuse football is undeniable. From facility upgrades to player development, its impact extended far beyond the 6-5 record.