A Glimpse into the 1959 Syracuse Orange Football Team
The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team wasn't just a good team; they were a juggernaut. They stormed through the season undefeated, capturing the national championship and etching their names in college football history as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Here's a closer look at what made them so special:
Dominant Offense:
Led by the legendary Ben Schwartzwalder, the "perfect offense" of the '59 Orange averaged a staggering 39 points per game, an unheard-of number in that era.
Their multifaceted attack boasted a balanced blend of run and pass, featuring a lethal combination of the Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis, quarterback Gerhard Schwedes, and a talented receiving corps.
Their innovative "T-formation" offense, often with unbalanced sets and misdirection, kept defenses guessing and led to explosive playmaking.
Unflappable Defense:
While the offense grabbed headlines, the defense was anything but a pushover. They held eight of their ten opponents under 10 points, showcasing suffocating discipline and tackling prowess.
Led by linebackers Floyd Little and Ron Stone, the unit shut down opposing offenses and created opportunities for the Orange offense to shine.
Dominant Offense:
Led by the legendary Ben Schwartzwalder, the "perfect offense" of the '59 Orange averaged a staggering 39 points per game, an unheard-of number in that era.
Their multifaceted attack boasted a balanced blend of run and pass, featuring a lethal combination of the Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis, quarterback Gerhard Schwedes, and a talented receiving corps.
Their innovative "T-formation" offense, often with unbalanced sets and misdirection, kept defenses guessing and led to explosive playmaking.
Unflappable Defense:
While the offense grabbed headlines, the defense was anything but a pushover. They held eight of their ten opponents under 10 points, showcasing suffocating discipline and tackling prowess.
Led by linebackers Floyd Little and Ron Stone, the unit shut down opposing offenses and created opportunities for the Orange offense to shine.
