1978 Purdue Boilermakers football team

The 1978 Purdue Boilermakers football team represented Purdue University in the 1978 Big Ten Conference football season. Led by second-year head coach Jim Young, the Boilermakers compiled an overall record of 9–2–1 with a mark of 6–1–1 in conference play, placing third in the Big Ten. Purdue was invited to the Peach Bowl, where the Boilermakers defeated Georgia Tech. The team played home games at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Michigan State

 * John Macon 19 rushes, 120 yards

At Illinois

 * John Macon 32 rushes, 126 yards
 * Russell Pope 25 rushes, 118 yards

At Wisconsin

 * John Macon 32 rushes, 117 yards

Indiana

 * Mike Augustyniak 23 rushes, 135 yards

Awards
All-Big Ten
 * Ken Loushin (1st)
 * Keena Turner (1st)
 * Mark Herrmann (2nd)
 * Marcus Jackson (2nd)
 * John LeFeber (2nd)
 * John Macon (2nd)
 * Steve McKenzie (2nd)
 * Dale Schwan (2nd)
 * Scott Sovereen (2nd)

Big Ten Coach of the Year: Jim Young