What Is 1946 Cal Golden Bears football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1946 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley during the 1946 college football season, finishing with a 2–6–1 record under head coach Stub Allison. The team played its home games at California Memorial Stadium and competed in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC).

Key Facts

The 1946 Cal Golden Bears finished with a 2–6–1 overall record
They were coached by Stub Allison, in his 12th season
The team played home games at California Memorial Stadium
They competed in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC)
Their season included a 20–0 win over Stanford

Overview

The 1946 California Golden Bears football team marked the University of California, Berkeley’s return to postwar college football competition after World War II disrupted athletic programs. With many players returning from military service, the team aimed to rebuild its strength under longtime head coach Stub Allison.

Despite high hopes, the Golden Bears struggled during the season, finishing with a disappointing 2–6–1 record. Competing in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the team faced strong opponents and failed to regain its pre-war dominance, though it did secure a notable rivalry win over Stanford.

Record: The 1946 Cal Golden Bears posted a 2–6–1 overall record, reflecting significant struggles on both offense and defense throughout the season.
Head Coach: Stub Allison led the team in his 12th season, but the poor performance contributed to his dismissal after the 1947 season.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at California Memorial Stadium, a 72,000-seat venue in Berkeley that opened in 1923.
Conference: The team competed in the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the predecessor to today’s Pac-12, which included regional rivals like USC and UCLA.
Season Highlight: Cal defeated Stanford 20–0 in the Big Game, a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season.

Season Performance

The 1946 season was defined by inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities, with the Golden Bears allowing an average of 20.7 points per game while scoring just 12.6. Several losses were by large margins, underscoring the team’s rebuilding phase.

September 28: Cal lost 13–7 to Santa Clara, a strong independent team that finished 7–3 that year, in front of 55,000 fans at Kezar Stadium.
October 5: A 39–0 defeat at the hands of #11-ranked USC highlighted the talent gap between Cal and top-tier PCC teams.
October 19: The Golden Bears earned their first win, defeating Idaho 20–6, with a balanced offensive performance led by quarterback Joe Kapp.
November 2: Cal tied 2–2 with Oregon State in a low-scoring, defensive battle that ended in a draw after regulation.
November 9: A 26–0 loss to Washington demonstrated continued struggles against top conference opponents, with the Huskies outgaining Cal by over 200 yards.
November 16: The 20–0 victory over Stanford in the 49th Big Game was the season’s highlight, with a dominant defensive shutout performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1946 Cal Golden Bears compared to other key teams in the Pacific Coast Conference:

Team	Overall Record	PCC Record	Head Coach	Notable Result
California	2–6–1	2–5	Stub Allison	20–0 win over Stanford
USC	7–3–1	4–2	Jeff Cravath	Won Rose Bowl
Washington	6–4	5–2	Carroll Widdoes	Lost to Cal Poly
Oregon State	3–6	2–5	Lon Stiner	Tied Cal 2–2
Stanford	5–4	3–4	Marcus McCurdy	Lost Big Game 20–0

The table shows that Cal’s performance lagged behind most PCC competitors. While USC and Washington achieved winning records and postseason play, Cal’s 2–5 conference record placed them near the bottom. The tie with Oregon State and shutout of Stanford were rare positives in a season of underperformance.

Why It Matters

The 1946 season is remembered as a transitional year for Cal football, symbolizing the challenges of postwar reintegration and the decline of Stub Allison’s tenure. It also set the stage for future changes in coaching and program structure.

Postwar Transition: Many players returned from military service, but the lack of cohesion affected team performance during the 1946 season.
Coaching Legacy: Stub Allison’s 12-year run ended after 1947, with the 1946 record accelerating calls for a coaching change.
Stadium Significance: California Memorial Stadium continued to serve as a key venue, honoring veterans and hosting major Bay Area football events.
Rivalry Continuity: The Big Game victory preserved Cal’s pride, maintaining one of college football’s oldest rivalries despite overall struggles.
Program Rebuilding: The poor record emphasized the need for recruiting and structural improvements that would shape future seasons.
Historical Context: The 1946 season reflects broader trends in college football as schools adjusted to peacetime competition after WWII.

While not a successful season by win-loss standards, the 1946 Cal Golden Bears remain a notable chapter in the program’s history, illustrating the difficulties of postwar athletic recovery and the resilience required to rebuild a competitive team.