This would mark the first time the Seminoles integrated their squad and African-American players, including future Steeler star J.T. Thomas, who rounded up six interceptions, appeared on the field. Once again Peterson introduced a new helmet design, a gold shell with what had become the standard one-inch garnet center stripe with two one-inch white flanking stripes and now, a curving-style lower-case garnet "fs" logo on each side of the helmet. Peterson found another outstanding QB in backup soph Gary Huff who split time with senior Tommy Warren. Playing only six minutes in the October 10^th game against rival Florida, Huff threw for 230 yards and three TD’s. Tommy Bailey remained a dependable rusher and did the same with the Eagles from 1971 through ’74. WR Rhett Dawson’s fifty-four receptions for 946 yards helped a torrid stretch run. With five consecutive wins heading into the season finale against Houston, this appeared to be another bowl-bound squad but on national television, the Seminoles fell apart in the second half, allowing Houston to score on six straight possessions and win 58-21. Included was a punt return that spotlighted the Cougar runner being tripped by an FSU player who was standing on the sidelines. Played repeatedly for all to see, Peterson was unhappy with his 7-4 record, and the depiction of his program as "undisciplined" and perhaps populated by hooligans. With his inability to be named athletic director, the paucity of good facilities, and numerous offers to leave Tallahassee, he made the decision to jump to Rice University to become their head football coach and athletic director, ending an eleven year run in Tallahassee that resulted in Florida State assuming a solid, respected niche as the south's top independent. Peterson served as the head coach of the Houston Oilers after his time at Rice but his legacy as a “Coach Of Coaches” originates with the development of numerous assistants whom he nurtured and took the time to educate. Among the many who gained their own fame as head coaches were Bill Parcells, Bobby Bowden, Joe Gibbs, Don James, and Ken Meyer.