1879 College Football Summary

As the game would-up its first decade of play this year, one thing remained the same Princeton would again rein as the team to beat; but in six games never was.

Only a 0-0 tie marred the otherwise spotless mark for Princeton in its game with Yale. (Officially both teams would record only safeties against the other as Princeton held the advantage here, 3-2.)

The two biggest wins for Princeton came in games 2 and 4. Outscoring the Quakers of Penn by a converted score of 51-0; only to see the mark topped against Stevens Tech, 67-0. Even with the big triumphs, it took a single 35-yard goal by T.M. McNair to propel Princeton to victory over Harvard.

McNair's kick came on an enlarged field to 200 feet by 400 feet.

Another event that was brought into play this season, again by Princeton, was blocking for a teammate with the ball something that was uncalled for in the game of the day (Rugby).

1879 Leaders (min. of 3 games) Show:

  • Offensive Scoring Leader (Most Scored)
    Princetion (5-0-1) Goals 18, Touchdowns 18 Safeties (opponents 47); numerically would be 163 points.
  • Defensive Scoring Leader (Least Allowed)
    Princetion (5-0-1) Goals 0, Touchdowns 0, Safeties (opponents 10); which converted to 10 points.

    Yale (3-1-2) Goals 1, Touchdowns 0, Safeties (opponents 29); which converted to 10 points.
  • National Champions (Retroactive)
    Pricneton
    Yale
  • Intercollegiate Football Association Standings
Team IFA Standings Full Season
Princeton 1-0-1 5-0-1
Yale 0-0-2 3-1-2
Harvard 0-1-1 3-1-1

Writer R.M. Hodge/The Outing Magazine named Princeton National Champion

At the end of each decade, will be the Top 10 winningest teams based on percentage.*

Rank Team Won Lost Tied Percentage
1 Princeton 23 3 2 0.857
2 Yale 22 4 3 0.810
3t Harvard 15 6 3 0.688
3t Villanova 15 6 3 0.688
5 Rutgers 11 14 5 0.450
6 Columbia 11 18 5 0.397

*Used by permission of Stassen.com

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