The 1968 football team advanced to the national semifinals before ending its season with a 9-1 record and a No. 6 ranking in the final NAIA poll. The Bearcats were ranked No. 3 prior to their semifinal loss to eventual national champions Troy State (Ala.) - the highest ranking of any Willamette football squad to date. The Bearcats- led by Hall of Fame coach Ted Ogdahl- shut out three teams and outscored their opponents 241-78 during the regular season. Willamette threw for more than 1,600 yards and had eight running backs each run for over 100 yards. The Bearcats averaged 25.1 points per game and three times scored 40 or more points. Willamette's nationally- rated defense allowed just 14.1 points per game and intercepted 17 passes. The Bearcats ended the season rated 15th in the nation in total defense) 181.0 yards per game), led by the sixth-ranked rushing defense (60.0 ypg.)