The 1977 NAIA Division I football season was the 22nd season of college football sponsored by the NAIA, was the eighth season of play of the NAIA's top division for football.
The season was played from August to November 1977 and culminated in the 1977 NAIA Division I Football National Championship. Known this year as the Apple Bowl, the title game was played on December 10, 1977 at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington. Abilene Christian defeated Southwestern Oklahoma State in the Apple Bowl, 24–7, to win their second NAIA national title.
Conference realignment Conference changes This is the final season that the NAIA officially recognizes a football champion from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Membership changes Team 1976 conference 1977 conference Chadron State Nebraska College Independent (NAIA) Peru State Nebraska College Independent (NAIA) Sul Ross Lone Star (NAIA Division I) TIAA (NAIA Division II) Tarleton State Lone Star (NAIA Division I) TIAA (NAIA Division II) Wayne State Nebraska College Central States
Conference standings
Conference champions Conference Champion RecordArkansasHenderson State6–0Central StatesKearney State7–0EvergreenOregon College6–0Lone StarAbilene ChristianTexas A&I5–1–1NICMinnesota–Morris7–0OklahomaSouthwestern Oklahoma State4–0PSACClarion State5–0–1RMACWestern State8–1South AtlanticElon6–1SWACGrambling State6–0WVIACConcord7–1–1Wisconsin StateWisconsin–Stevens Point7–0–1
Postseason
See also 1977 NAIA Division II football season 1977 NCAA Division I football season 1977 NCAA Division II football season 1977 NCAA Division III football season
References