What Is 1946 Montana Grizzlies football team

Overview

The 1946 Montana Grizzlies football team marked the University of Montana's return to intercollegiate competition after the disruptions of World War II. With many players returning from military service, the season represented a revival of college football in Missoula and renewed energy for the Grizzlies program.

Under the leadership of head coach Doug Fessenden, who was in his 13th season, the team showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency. Playing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), the Grizzlies faced regional opponents and aimed to rebuild competitiveness after wartime interruptions.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 3–4 overall record, including a 1–2 mark in conference play.
• Head Coach:Doug Fessenden remained at the helm, having led the program since 1934 and guiding it through the war years.
• Home Stadium: Games were played at Dornblaser Field, a multi-purpose venue located on the university campus in Missoula.
• Key Victory: The Grizzlies defeated Montana State 20–7 in the 1946 Brawl of the Wild, a crucial in-state rivalry game.
• Post-War Context: Many players returned from military service, contributing to a transitional but hopeful season for the program.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1946 season featured a mix of non-conference and Pacific Coast Conference matchups, testing the Grizzlies against both regional and national competition. Despite a losing record, the team demonstrated resilience and laid groundwork for future improvement under Fessenden’s leadership.

• September 28: Opened the season with a 13–0 win over the College of Idaho, showcasing defensive strength.
• October 5: Lost 0–13 to Oregon State, a PCC opponent, highlighting challenges against stronger conference teams.
• October 12: Suffered a 7–33 defeat against Washington State, another tough PCC road test.
• October 26: Secured a 20–7 victory over Montana State, the highlight of the season and a key rivalry win.
• November 2: Lost 0–32 to Utah, underscoring the gap between Montana and top-tier PCC programs.
• November 9: Concluded the season with a 19–0 win over Gonzaga, finishing on a positive note.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1946 Montana Grizzlies to key rivals and conference peers in terms of win-loss record, head coach, and notable outcomes:

This comparison illustrates that while Montana’s record was modest, they performed competitively against similarly ranked teams. Their victory over Montana State was particularly significant, as it preserved state pride and marked a turning point in the rivalry series.

Why It Matters

The 1946 season holds historical significance as a symbol of postwar renewal in college athletics, especially in smaller programs like Montana. It laid the foundation for future development and reflected broader national trends in sports resuming after global conflict.

• The season marked the resumption of full intercollegiate play after wartime limitations, restoring normalcy to campus life.
• Defeating Montana State reinforced the Brawl of the Wild as a cornerstone of Montana sports culture.
• Returning veterans brought maturity and experience, influencing team dynamics and program stability.
• The Grizzlies’ performance highlighted the competitive gap between PCC members and smaller independents.
• It signaled the beginning of a rebuilding phase under Fessenden, who would coach through 1949.
• Dornblaser Field remained central to football identity, foreshadowing future stadium developments.

Though not a championship season, 1946 was pivotal in restoring momentum to the Grizzlies football program and reconnecting the university with its athletic traditions.