**1982 NCAA Division I-AA Football Season**
**Definition:**
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA football season was the fifth season of college football organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I-AA level, featuring teams competing for the national championship in the second tier of NCAA Division I football.
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## 1982 NCAA Division I-AA Football Season
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA football season marked the fifth year of competition in the NCAA’s Division I-AA classification, which was established in 1978 to provide a competitive platform for programs that were not part of the top-tier Division I-A. The season featured numerous collegiate teams across the United States competing in regular season play, followed by a postseason playoff to determine the national champion. The season culminated in the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game, where Eastern Kentucky University claimed the national title.
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### Background and Structure
The NCAA Division I-AA was created to accommodate schools that wished to compete at a high level of college football but did not have the resources or desire to compete in the larger Division I-A subdivision. By 1982, the division had grown in popularity and competitiveness, with a playoff system that allowed for a clear determination of the national champion, unlike the bowl system used in Division I-A at the time.
The 1982 season followed the traditional college football calendar, beginning in late August or early September and concluding with the playoffs in November and December. The regular season consisted of conference and non-conference games, with teams vying for playoff berths based on their records and rankings.
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### Regular Season
The 1982 regular season featured a diverse field of teams from various conferences, including the Southern Conference, the Yankee Conference, the Ohio Valley Conference, the Big Sky Conference, and others. Teams played schedules ranging from 10 to 11 games, with the goal of securing a spot in the postseason.
Several programs stood out during the regular season, including Eastern Kentucky, Delaware, Idaho State, and Montana State, all of which were considered strong contenders for the playoffs. Eastern Kentucky, under head coach Roy Kidd, was particularly dominant, showcasing a balanced offense and a stout defense.
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### Conference Standings
The 1982 season saw competitive races within several conferences. Notable conference champions included:
– **Ohio Valley Conference (OVC):** Eastern Kentucky
– **Big Sky Conference:** Idaho State
– **Yankee Conference:** Delaware
– **Southern Conference:** Western Carolina
These conference champions, along with other highly ranked teams, earned invitations to the postseason playoff tournament.
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### Playoff Format
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs featured an eight-team single-elimination tournament. The playoff field was selected based on regular season performance, conference championships, and national rankings. The quarterfinals were held at campus sites, with the higher-seeded teams hosting the games. Winners advanced to the semifinals, and the two semifinal victors met in the championship game.
This playoff format was designed to provide a clear and equitable path to the national championship, emphasizing on-field results rather than subjective polls or bowl invitations.
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### Playoff Bracket and Results
The eight teams selected for the 1982 playoffs were:
1. Eastern Kentucky (OVC Champion)
2. Delaware (Yankee Conference Champion)
3. Idaho State (Big Sky Champion)
4. Western Carolina (Southern Conference Champion)
5. South Carolina State
6. Tennessee State
7. Tennessee Tech
8. Southwest Texas State
**Quarterfinals:**
– Eastern Kentucky defeated Tennessee Tech
– Delaware defeated South Carolina State
– Idaho State defeated Southwest Texas State
– Western Carolina defeated Tennessee State
**Semifinals:**
– Eastern Kentucky defeated Western Carolina
– Delaware defeated Idaho State
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### Championship Game
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game was held on December 18, 1982, at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls, Texas. The game featured Eastern Kentucky Colonels against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens.
Eastern Kentucky entered the game as the favorite, having posted a strong season and playoff performance. Delaware, meanwhile, was known for its disciplined offense and resilient defense.
The championship game was a competitive and closely contested affair. Eastern Kentucky ultimately prevailed with a 17–14 victory over Delaware, securing their second Division I-AA national championship. The Colonels’ balanced attack and timely defensive plays were key factors in their success.
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### Key Players and Coaches
– **Roy Kidd (Eastern Kentucky):** The veteran head coach led the Colonels to their second national title, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in Division I-AA history.
– **Mike Kruczek (Eastern Kentucky):** The quarterback was instrumental in managing the offense throughout the season and the playoffs.
– **Rich Gannon (Delaware):** The Delaware quarterback, who would later have a successful professional career, was a standout player during the season.
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### Season Highlights and Legacy
The 1982 season reinforced the growing stature of Division I-AA football as a competitive and exciting level of college football. The playoff system provided a definitive national champion, and the success of programs like Eastern Kentucky helped raise the profile of the division.
Eastern Kentucky’s championship run under Roy Kidd became a benchmark for excellence in Division I-AA football, inspiring other programs to invest in their football teams and pursue postseason success.
The season also showcased future professional talent, such as Rich Gannon, highlighting the division’s role in developing players capable of competing at the highest levels.
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### Statistical Leaders
While comprehensive statistical data from the 1982 season is limited, several players distinguished themselves in key categories:
– **Passing:** Rich Gannon (Delaware) was among the top passers, known for his accuracy and leadership.
– **Rushing:** Eastern Kentucky featured a strong rushing attack, with several running backs contributing significant yardage.
– **Defense:** Eastern Kentucky’s defense was noted for its ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, particularly in the playoffs.
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### Impact on Future Seasons
The success and structure of the 1982 season helped solidify the NCAA Division I-AA playoff format, which would continue to evolve and expand in subsequent years. The competitive balance and national exposure gained during this period contributed to the growth of the division.
Eastern Kentucky’s championship established them as a perennial power in Division I-AA, influencing recruiting and program development. The season also helped set the stage for future stars and coaches to emerge from the division.
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### Conclusion
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA football season was a pivotal year in the development of Division I-AA college football. With a competitive regular season, a clear playoff structure, and a thrilling championship game, the season exemplified the spirit and competitiveness of the division. Eastern Kentucky’s national championship victory underscored the program’s excellence and the growing prominence of Division I-AA football in the collegiate landscape.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1982 NCAA Division I-AA football season featured competitive play among second-tier college football programs, culminating in Eastern Kentucky winning the national championship. This season highlighted the growth and significance of Division I-AA football within the NCAA structure.