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Occidental College Eagles Defense (1978)

The 1978 Occidental College Eagles, under the guidance of Coach Jim Hanifan, carved their names in history with a remarkable 10-1 season, clinching the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) championship. Spearheading the team's defensive dominance was Wally English, the adept defensive coordinator in his second season at Occidental. Known for his aggressive tactics and blitz-heavy strategies, English's defense showcased exceptional front-line pressure and red-zone prowess, solidifying their reputation in the SCIAC.

In 1978, the Eagles' defensive unit emerged as a force to be reckoned with, allowing a mere 19.0 points per game, the second-lowest in the SCIAC. Linebacker Mike Hebert, with an impressive 125 tackles and 10 sacks, earned the prestigious title of first-team All-SCIAC selection. Notably, the defense boasted other standout players such as defensive tackle Adrian Hardy and safety Bobby Gill, adding depth and resilience to their overall performance.

Despite their sole defeat to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the final week, the 1978 Occidental College Eagles persisted as a commendable force, ultimately securing the SCIAC championship and a notable #10 national ranking, cementing their legacy as an exemplary collegiate football team.

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