The 1946 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was an American football team that represented Ohio State University in the 1946 Big Nine Conference football season. In Paul Bixler's only season as head coach, the Buckeyes compiled a 4–3–2 record (2–3–1 against conference opponents) and were outscored by a total of 170 to 166. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll on November 4, 1946, but lost the final two games of their season against No. 9 Illinois and No. 8 Michigan. Right guard Warren Amling, a veterinary student, was elected as team captain.

Ohio State was ranked at No. 25 in the final Litkenhous Difference by Score System rankings for 1946.

Schedule

Rankings

Awards and honors Tackle Warren Amling was a consensus first-team pick on the 1946 All-America college football team. Three Ohio State players received honors from the Associated Press (AP) or United Press (UP) on the 1946 All-Big Nine Conference football team: end Cecil Souders (AP-1, UP-1); Amling (AP-1, UP-2); and fullback Joe Whisler (UP-1). Souders was also selected by his teammates as the team's most valuable player.

Statistics On offense, the Buckeyes averaged 94.2 passing yards and 199.4 rushing yards. On defense, they allowed an average of 106.6 passing yards and 176.9 rushing yards. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback George Spencer with 398 passing yards, fullback Joseph Whisler with 544 rushing yards, and Bob Brugge with 193 receiving yards.

Personnel Players

Warren Amling, tackle Dave Bonnie Bob Brugge Michael Cannavino Jameson Crane Traian Dendiu William Doolittle Charles Gandee Tommy James Carlton Kessler Jerry Krall Richard Palmer Ernest Parks Pete Perini Thomas Phillips Richard Slager Cecil Souders, end George Spencer, quarterback Rodney Swinehart Alex Verdova Joe Whisler, fullback Russell Wolfe

Coaching staff Paul Bixler, head coach, first year Sam T. Selby, assistant

NFL draft

The 1947 NFL Draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Buckeyes were selected. 2 12 Russ Thomas Tackle Detroit Lions 12 103 Dante Lavelli End Los Angeles Rams 12 105 Tony Adamle Linebacker Chicago Bears 17 146 Tommy James Defensive back Detroit Lions 30 283 Hal Dean Guard Los Angeles Rams

References