The 1972 Indiana State Sycamores football team represented Indiana State University in the 1972 NCAA College Division football season. It was the seventh and final season for head coach Jerry Huntsman. He won his fifth homecoming contest in front of a record crowd (17,230). The Sycamores finished the season on a five-game winning streak, narrowly missing a bid to the Boardwalk Bowl; they missed a win against University Division opponent Cincinnati by dropping a touchdown pass in the end zone within the last minute of play (see game film below); they outscored the opposition 236–141. Huntsman referred to it as his best team at Indiana State.^[1] Three Sycamores were named All-Americans after the season; Bob Poss, (offensive guard) was selected for the Associated Press’ 2nd Team; Seniors Willie Lee (fullback) and John Karazsia (linebacker) were Honorable Mentions on the Associated Press team.

Lee staged a memorable senior campaign, establishing school records in yard rushing (957), touchdowns (13) and points (78). He had four 100+ yard rushing games, while the rest of the team combined for three. He led all Indiana collegiate players in scoring, while leading the Sycamores' rushing attack to a school record in rushing offense (2,647 yards). Lee was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers but would sign instead with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Junior Rick Murphy, a defensive back, led the nation in return yardage; he went on to a career in the World Football League (WFL).

More information Date, Time ...

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	Result	Attendance	Source
September 9	8:00 p.m.	Cincinnati	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN	L 7–10	13,500	[2]
September 16	2:00 p.m.	at Eastern Illinois	Lincoln Field Charleston, IL	W 17–14	7,500
September 23	1:30 p.m.	Evansville	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN	W 28–6	11,600
October 30	1:30 p.m.	at Central Michigan	Kelly/Shorts Stadium Mt. Pleasant, MI	L 0-34	9,725
October 7	8:00 p.m.	Ball State	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN (Blue Key Victory Bell)	L 10–21	10,450
October 14	7:30 p.m.	at Illinois State	Hancock Stadium Normal, IL	W 32–8	10,000
October 21	8:00 p.m.	Butler	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN	W 49–21	4,500
October 28	2:00 p.m.	Western Illinois	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN	W 41–7	17,230
November 4	2:00 p.m.	Akron	Memorial Stadium Terre Haute, IN	W 21–17	7,200
November 18	8:30 p.m.	at Southern Illinois	McAndrew Stadium Carbondale, IL	W 31–3	2,600
Homecoming All times are in Eastern time

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• 1972 Indiana State - Cincinnati Football Game Film