The 1978 Penn State Nittany Lions football team represented Pennsylvania State University as an independent during the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by 13th-year head coach Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions compiled a record of 11âÂÂ1 with a loss to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Penn State played home games at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Chuck Fusina threw four touchdown passes, including two to Scott Fitzkee as second-ranked Penn State extended its win streak to 15 games. Fusina finished 15 of 27 for 293 yards.
Nine Nittany Lions were selected in the 1979 NFL draft.