The 1959 National Championship Football Team
Known as the “Cinderella season” for Syracuse, the 1959 football team under the leadership, of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder, was the University’s best ever. The offense featured number 44 and Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, and an offensive line known as the “Sizable Seven”. The Syracuse offense averaged 451 yards per game in 10 games. The defense also had an amazing season, allowing only a total of 193 yards rushing. SU finished the regular season ranked first nationally and beat Texas, 23-14, in the Cotton Bowl to secure the National Championship.
