The 1946 Cincinnati Bearcats football team was an American football team that represented the University of Cincinnati in the Mid-America Conference (MAC) during the 1946 college football season. In their second year under head coach Ray Nolting, the Bearcats compiled a 9–2 record, outscored opponents by a total of 221 to 93, and won the MAC championship. Their regular season highlights included victories over major college powers including Indiana (ranked No. 20 in the final AP poll) and Michigan State. Cincinnati closed its season with a victory over Virginia Tech, 18–6, in the Sun Bowl. The team tallied 276 rushing yards in the Sun Bowl while holding Virginia Tech to only 35 rushing yards. Hal Johnson, Al Sabato, and Don McMillan scored Cincinnati touchdowns.

Roger Stephens led the Bearcats and ranked sixth nationally with 774 rushing yards and led the nation with an average of 7.66 yards per carry. Cincinnati was ranked at No. 42 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System rankings for 1946.

Schedule

Players

Bert Bauer, center, 208 pounds Tom Blake, guard/linebacker, No. 50, 200 pounds Jim Dougherty, halfback, No. 13 Bob Fenlon, guard, No. 22, 220 pounds Ollie Freese, halfback Mike Graham, fullback Stan Klimczak, end, freshman, 188 pounds Dick Langenbeck, tackle, No. 38, 225 pounds Don McMillan, quarterback, No. 15, 175 pounds Elbie Nickel, captain and end, No. 33, 200 pounds Tom O'Malley, quarterback Fred Redeker, fullback, No. 31, 220 pounds Alkie Richards, halfback, No. 21, 178 pounds Al Sabato, linebacker Floyd Shorts, center, No. 41 Bill Smyth, tackle, No. 49, 220 pounds Wille Stargel, end "Racing" Roger Stephens, halfback, No. 23, 183 pounds Max Wharton, end, No. 51, 210 pounds

After the season

The 1947 NFL Draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Bearcats were selected.

6 42 Roger Stephens Back Chicago Bears 17 149 Elbie Nickel End Pittsburgh Steelers 25 232 Fred Redeker Back Green Bay Packers 29 272 Dick Langenbeck Tackle Philadelphia Eagles

References

External links 50th anniversary article