What Is 1941 San Francisco Dons football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1941 San Francisco Dons football team represented the University of San Francisco during the 1941 college football season, finishing with a 2–6 record under head coach Jeff Cravath. The team played as an independent and did not participate in a bowl game.

Key Facts

The 1941 San Francisco Dons had a final record of 2 wins and 6 losses.
Head coach Jeff Cravath led the team during its sixth season under his leadership.
The Dons played their home games at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, California.
They competed as an independent and were not part of any conference.
The team scored a total of 71 points while allowing 137 points over eight games.

Overview

The 1941 San Francisco Dons football team represented the University of San Francisco during the 1941 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team struggled on the field, finishing with a 2–6 overall record under head coach Jeff Cravath, who was in his sixth year at the helm.

The Dons played their home games at Kezar Stadium, a prominent venue in San Francisco that hosted numerous college and professional teams during that era. Despite their losing record, the season was part of a broader development phase for the football program as it sought to build consistency and competitiveness.

Final record: The team finished the season with 2 wins and 6 losses, marking a challenging year for the program.
Head coach:Jeff Cravath served as head coach, continuing his tenure that began in 1936 and would last through 1948.
Home stadium: The Dons played their home games at Kezar Stadium, located in Golden Gate Park, which had a capacity of over 50,000 at the time.
Scoring: The team scored 71 total points across eight games, averaging just under 9 points per game.
Defensive performance: The defense allowed 137 points, resulting in an average of 17.1 points surrendered per game.

Season Performance

The 1941 season was marked by inconsistency and tough competition, as the Dons faced a schedule of regional and independent teams without the structure of a formal conference. Several games were played against stronger opponents, contributing to the team's below-average win-loss record.

September 27: The Dons opened the season with a loss to Santa Clara, falling 13–0 in a hard-fought defensive battle.
October 4: They secured their first win by defeating San Diego State 13–7, showcasing improved offensive execution.
October 18: A 20–0 loss to Fresno State highlighted ongoing struggles against strong rushing attacks.
October 25: The Dons earned their second and final win by defeating University of the Pacific 14–0.
November 1: A 33–7 loss to Nevada exposed defensive vulnerabilities against high-powered offenses.
November 8: The team lost to St. Mary's Gaels 20–0, a rivalry game that underscored the gap between regional programs.
November 15: A 26–13 loss to Pacific Lutheran continued the downward trend late in the season.
November 22: The season concluded with a 35–0 loss to Cal Poly, finishing the year on a low note.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1941 Dons’ performance can be better understood by comparing it to other seasons and regional teams during that era.

Season	Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1939	6–3	Jeff Cravath	127	72
1940	4–4	Jeff Cravath	98	107
1941	2–6	Jeff Cravath	71	137
1942	3–4–1	Jeff Cravath	101	114
1946	7–3	Joe Kuharich	186	104

This table illustrates a clear decline from the successful 1939 season to 1941, with the Dons' win total dropping sharply. The offensive output decreased significantly, while points allowed increased, reflecting both talent and strategic challenges. The program would eventually rebound in the post-war years, particularly under new leadership in the late 1940s.

Why It Matters

While the 1941 season was not a highlight in the program’s history, it remains a documented chapter in the evolution of college football at the University of San Francisco. The team’s performance reflects broader trends in collegiate athletics during the early 1940s, including the impact of World War II on rosters and scheduling.

Historical context: The 1941 season occurred just before the U.S. entered World War II, which would drastically affect college sports.
Program development: The struggles of 1941 highlight the ups and downs of building a competitive football program.
Coaching continuity: Jeff Cravath’s long tenure provided stability despite fluctuating results.
Stadium significance: Playing at Kezar Stadium connected the Dons to San Francisco’s broader sports culture.
Rivalry games: Matchups against Santa Clara and St. Mary's contributed to the regional football identity.
Foundation for future: The challenges of 1941 helped shape future improvements, leading to stronger seasons in the late 1940s.

The 1941 San Francisco Dons may not be remembered for victories, but their season is a testament to perseverance and the enduring nature of collegiate athletics through difficult times.