Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
1983 Football Team
The 1983 Central State football team helped solidify the Marauder football program as a perennial football powerhouse while gaining uncharted publicity and exposure for the university during its magical run to the NCAA Div. II finals.
Coached by the legendary Billy Joe, the Marauders opened the '83 campaign with convincing wins over Salem College and Ferris State College. The Marauders edged a tough opponent in Grand Valley State College in week three, 21-14. The Marauders went on to dominate in final seven games of the regular season, beating opponents by an average point margin of 31. The Marauders finished the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record for the first time in school history.
In the first round of the NCAA Div. II playoffs, the Marauders topped Southwest Texas State, 24-16. In the semi-finals against a formidable University of North Alabama team, Central State clawed its way to a 27-24 triumph to reach the NCAA Div. II Finals. With high wind gusts proving to be a major factor during the championship game, North Dakota State University spoiled a potential perfect season for the Marauders as NDSU hoisted the '83 trophy with a 41-21 win.
Despite the loss in the title game, Central State's winning streak of 12 games remains the longest in school history. The '83 team is still the only Central State program to reach the NCAA Div. II finals while setting the standard for future CSU teams which includes NAIA championship runs in 1990, 1992 and 1995.
1983 Results
Central State - 33 Salem - 7
Central State - 48 Ferris State - 32
Central State - 21 Grand Valley State - 14
Central State - 66 Liberty Baptist - 16
Central State - 50 Lincoln - 12
Central State - 28 Kentucky State - 3
Central State - 24 Northeastern Illinois - 0
Central State - 69 District of Columbia - 8
Central State - 49 Delaware State - 26
Central State - 48 Clarion (PA) - 14
Regular Season Record: 10-0
NCAA Div. II Quarter Finals
Central State - 24 Southwest Texas State - 16
NCAA Div. II Semi-Finals
Central State - 27 North Alabama - 24
NCAA Div. II Finals - Palm Bowl
North Dakota State - 41 Central State - 21
Overall Record: 12-1
Back To Hall of Fame
