1980 NCAA Division I-A football season

1980 NCAA Division I-A football season was the 112th season of college football in the United States. The season culminated with the Georgia Bulldogs, led by freshman sensation Herschel Walker, being crowned national champions by both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll after a perfect 12–0 campaign that included a victory in the Sugar Bowl. The year was marked by the tragic death of Paul "Bear" Bryant's mother, the continued dominance of the Big Ten and SEC, and the final season before the NCAA instituted a playoff for what would become the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Regular season

The regular season began on September 6 and featured several key early matchups that shaped the national landscape. The Georgia Bulldogs, under coach Vince Dooley, vaulted into contention with a dramatic win over the Tennessee Volunteers where freshman Herschel Walker announced his arrival. In the Big Ten, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes engaged in their annual rivalry with a Rose Bowl berth at stake. Out west, the USC Trojans and Washington Huskies battled for supremacy in the Pac-10, while independents like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions played challenging national schedules. The season was also notable for the Florida State Seminoles' emergence under Bobby Bowden and a strong showing from the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big Eight.

Conference standings

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) was won by the Georgia Bulldogs, who finished with a perfect 6–0 conference record. The Alabama Crimson Tide, coached by Bear Bryant, finished second. In the Big Ten, the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes tied for the championship, with Michigan earning the Rose Bowl bid due to a head-to-head victory. The Big Eight was dominated by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who went 7–0 in conference play. The Pac-10 title was shared by the USC Trojans and Washington Huskies, with Washington receiving the Rose Bowl invitation. The Southwest Conference (SWC) saw the Baylor Bears and Arkansas Razorbacks tie for first place.

Bowl games

The postseason featured 15 major bowl games, culminating on New Year's Day. The Sugar Bowl on January 1 pitted the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with Georgia winning 17–10 to secure the national championship. In the Rose Bowl, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies 23–6. The Orange Bowl featured the Oklahoma Sooners beating the Florida State Seminoles 18–17. Other notable results included the Cotton Bowl Classic, where the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Baylor Bears 30–2, and the Fiesta Bowl, where the Penn State Nittany Lions topped the Ohio State Buckeyes 31–19.

Statistical leaders

The nation's rushing leader was South Carolina's George Rogers, who amassed 1,781 yards and won the Heisman Trophy. Purdue quarterback Mark Herrmann led the nation in passing yards with 3,212. The top receiver was Pittsburgh's Julius Dawkins, who had 49 receptions for 860 yards. On defense, USC linebacker Dennis Johnson and Pittsburgh defensive end Hugh Green were among the nation's leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Herschel Walker of Georgia finished third in Heisman Trophy voting but led all players in scoring among non-kickers.

Awards and honors

The Heisman Trophy was awarded to South Carolina running back George Rogers. The Maxwell Award for the nation's top player was given to Pittsburgh defensive end Hugh Green, who also won the Lombardi Award. The Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman went to Pittsburgh offensive guard Mark May. The Davey O'Brien Award for the top quarterback was awarded to Georgia's Buck Belue. The Walter Camp Award was presented to Hugh Green. Coach of the Year honors were widely shared, with Vince Dooley of Georgia and Joe Paterno of Penn State receiving significant recognition.

Coaching changes

The offseason following the 1980 season saw several significant coaching changes. At Texas A&M, Tom Wilson was hired to replace the fired Emory Bellard. Illinois hired Mike White to take over its program. Kansas State brought in Jim Dickey as its new head coach. 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