Maloney was the subject of criticism, not only from the fans and alumni, but also from the 1959 national championship team, members of which started a campaign calling for his ousting. Ironically enough, this call from program alumni came during the 1979 season, Maloney's best at Syracuse, when the Orangemen qualified for the Independence Bowl, beating McNeese State. Also, Maloney and the 1979 Orangemen bore the burden of playing an entire season on the road, as Archbold Stadium was demolished following the 1978 season, and the Carrier Dome would not be ready until 1980. The 1979 team played "home" games at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, Schoellkopf Field at Cornell University in Ithaca, and Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.