| Year: | 1978 |
| Team: | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Record: | 9–3 |
| Head Coach: | Frank R. Burns |
| Hc Year: | 6th |
| Off Coach: | Bill Speranza |
| Oc Year: | 2nd |
| Def Coach: | Bob Naso |
| Dc Year: | 11th |
| Stadium: | Rutgers Stadium Giants Stadium |
| Bowl: | Garden State Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | L 18–34 vs. Arizona State |
The 1978 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1978 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their sixth season under head coach Frank R. Burns, the Scarlet Knights compiled a 9–3 record while competing as an independent. The team outscored its opponents 284 to 165 and finished the season with a 34–18 loss to Arizona State in the Garden State Bowl.[1] [2] The team's statistical leaders included Bob Hering with 1,193 passing yards, Glen Kehler with 883 rushing yards, and David Dorn with 535 receiving yards.[3] It was the Scarlet Knights' first major bowl appearance.