1946 North Carolina Tar Heels football team

{{Infobox college sports team season

| year = 1946

| team = North Carolina Tar Heels

| sport = football

| image =

| image_size =

| conference = Southern Conference

| short_conf = SoCon

| APRank = 9

| record = 8–2–1

| conf_record = 4–0–1

| head_coach = Carl Snavely

| hc_year = 4th

| off_scheme = Single-wing

| captain = Chan Highsmith

| captain2 = Ralph Strayhorn

| stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| champion = SoCon champion

| bowl = Sugar Bowl

| bowl_result = L 10–20 vs. Georgia

}}

The 1946 North Carolina Tar Heels football team was an American football team that represented the University of North Carolina in the Southern Conference during the 1946 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach Carl Snavely, the Tar Heels compiled an 8–2–1 record (4–0–1 against Southern Conference opponents), won the conference title, and outscored opponents by a total of 271 to 129. They ranked ninth in the final AP Poll and were invited to the school's first bowl game, the 1947 Sugar Bowl, which they lost to Georgia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina/1946-schedule.html|title=1946 North Carolina Tar Heels Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

The Tar Heels ranked seventh nationally in rushing with an average of 234.1 yards per game.{{cite book|title=The Official National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Guide including the Official Rules 1947|publisher=A.S. Barnes and Company|editor=W.J. Bingham|year=1947|page=74}} The rushing attack was led by Charlie Justice who ranked third nationally with 943 rushing yards and averaged 7.20 yards per carry.{{cite book|title=The Official National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Guide including the Official Rules 1947|publisher=A.S. Barnes and Company|editor=W.J. Bingham|year=1947|page=80}} Justice was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1961.{{cite web|url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1692|title=Charlie Justice|publisher=National Football Foundation|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

Five North Carolina players were honored by the Associated Press (AP) on the 1946 All-Southern Conference football team: Justice on the first team; tackle Ted Hazelwood and center Chan Highsmith on the second team; and guard Harry Varney and fullback Hosea Rodgers (third team).{{cite news|title=All-Southern Conference|newspaper=Daily Press|location=Newport News, Virginia|date=December 1, 1946|page=13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100750275/all-southern-conference/|via=Newspapers.com}}

The team played its home games at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

Schedule

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 1946

| poll = AP

| timezone = Eastern

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 28

| time = 2:30 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, September 28, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-09-28/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=28 September 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = t

| opponent = VPI

| site_stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC

| score = 14–14

| attend = 26,000

| source = {{cite news|title=VPI Gains 14-14 Tie With Late Surge: Tar Heel Defense Stopped After 14-0 Halftime Lead; Techmen Turn Blocked Punts Into Points; Justice Gallops 68 Yards for Touchdown|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|author=Bob Goldwater|date=September 29, 1946|pages=1, 3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100752840/vpi-gains-14-14-tie-with-late-surge/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Tar Heels Oppose VPI Eleven In 1946 Grid Opener Today|url=http://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-09-28/ed-1/seq-1/|publisher=University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|date=September 28, 1946|page=1|access-date=February 21, 2022}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|October 4|Friday}}

| time = 8:15 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, October 04, 1946, Image 3 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-10-04/ed-1/seq-3/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=4 October 1946 |pages=3}}

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Miami (FL)

| site_stadium = Burdine Stadium

| site_cityst = Miami, FL

| score = 21–0

| attend = 31,451

| source = {{cite news|title=It's Case of 'Too Much Justice' As Hurricanes Bow To NC: Tarheel Brilliant Leads Way To 21-0 Victory Before 31,451|newspaper=The Miami News|author=Gary Butler|date=October 5, 1946|page=6|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100750614/its-case-of-too-much-justice-as/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 12

| time = 2:30 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, October 12, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-10-12/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=12 October 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = w

| opponent = Maryland

| site_stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC

| score = 33–0

| attend = 15,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Tar Heels Teach New Line to Old Liners: Downpour Marks 33-0 Victory As Myers, Camp, Grow, Score; Carolina Defense Holds Fast To Stop Visiting Maryland "T" Party Blank|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|author=Irwin Smallwood|date=October 13, 1946|page=1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100750780/tar-heels-teach-new-line-to-old-liners/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 19

| time = 2:30 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, October 19, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-10-19/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=19 October 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 15

| opponent = Navy

| site_stadium = Municipal Stadium

| site_cityst = Baltimore, MD

| score = 21–14

| attend = 30,500

| source = {{cite news|title=N.C. Stages Rally To Top Navy, 21-14: Tarheels Score Twice In Last Period To Win Before 30,500 Fans|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|author=Craig F. Taylor|date=October 20, 1946|pages=1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100751048/nc-stages-rally-to-top-navy-21-14/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 26

| time = 2:30 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, October 26, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-10-26/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=26 October 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 10

| opponent = Florida

| site_stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC

| score = 40–19

| attend = 22,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Carolina Slaughters Florida 40 to 19: Gators Frighten Tar Heels With Deadly Passing Attack; Charlie Justice Leads Scoring Pace With Two Brilliant Touchdown Runs|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|author=Fred Flagler|date=October 27, 1946|pages=1, 3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100751238/carolina-slaughters-florida-40-to-19/|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 30, 2022}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 2

| time = 2:00 p.m.{{cite news |title=The daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, November 02, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-11-02/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=2 November 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 9

| opponent = Tennessee

| opprank = 10

| site_stadium = Shields–Watkins Field

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| score = 14–20

| attend = 35,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98738445/tennessee-dumps-tar-heels-from-unbeaten/|work=The State|title=Tennessee dumps Tar Heels from unbeaten ranks|date=November 3, 1946|accessdate=March 30, 2022|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 9

| time = 2:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| rank = 17

| opponent = William & Mary

| site_stadium = City Stadium

| site_cityst = Richmond, VA

| score = 21–7

| attend = 18,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Tarheels Down W&M, 21-7: Carolina Conquers Indians Before 18,000 at Stadium|newspaper=Richmond Times-Dispatch|author=Chauncey Durden|date=November 10, 1946|pages=6B, 11B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100765505/tarheels-down-wm-21-7-carolina/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 16

| time = 2:00 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, November 16, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-11-16/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=16 November 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = w

| rank = 15

| opponent = Wake Forest

| site_stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 26–14

| attend = 30,000

| source = {{cite news|title=Passes Bring Tar Heels Victory Over Deacons: Carolina Turns Back Tough Wake Forest Eleven 26-14; Justice's Running, Pupa's Passing Spark Attack As Snavelymen Gain Sixth Triumph|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|author=Bob Goldwater|date=November 17, 1946|pages=1, 3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100761140/passes-bring-tar-heels-victory-over/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 23

| time = 2:00 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, November 23, 1946, Image 1 |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-11-23/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=23 November 1946 |pages=1}}

| w/l = w

| rank = 14

| opponent = Duke

| site_stadium = Kenan Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Chapel Hill, NC

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 22–7

| attend = 44,000{{cite news | url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073228/1946-11-24/ed-1/seq-2/ | title=The daily Tar Heel. (Chapel Hill, N.C.) 1946-current, November 24, 1946, Page 2, Image 2 · North Carolina Newspapers (digitalnc.org) }}

| source = {{cite news|title=Happy Day!!! Tar Heels Stage Comeback To Whip Duke, 22-7; Carolina Tallies Twice in Final Quarter Rally|newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|author=Irwin Smallwood|date=November 24, 1946|pages=1, 3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100760436/happy-day-tar-heels-stage-comeback/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 30

| time = 2:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 11

| opponent = Virginia

| site_stadium = Scott Stadium

| site_cityst = Charlottesville, VA

| gamename = South's Oldest Rivalry

| score = 49–14

| attend = 22,500

| source = {{cite news|title=Tarheels Down UVA 49 To 14|newspaper=Daily Press|location=Newport News, Virginia|date=December 1, 1946|page=13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100762380/tarheels-down-uva-49-to-14/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|January 1|Wednesday}}, 1947

| time = 3:00 p.m.{{cite news |title=The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana on January 1, 1947 · Page 15 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/210522616/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |work=Newspapers.com |language=en}}

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| rank = 9

| opponent = Georgia

| opprank = 3

| site_stadium = Tulane Stadium

| site_cityst = New Orleans, LA

| gamename = Sugar Bowl

| score = 10–20

| attend = 73,300

| source = {{cite news|title=Georgia's Win Over UNC Called One Of History's Great Games: Brilliant Teams Asked No Quarter|newspaper=The Durham Sun|author=Hugo Germino|date=January 2, 1947|page=2B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99019630/georgias-win-over-unc-called-one-of/|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

Rankings

{{Ranking movements

| poll1title = AP

| poll1firstweek = 1

| poll1lastweek = 9

| poll1_1=NR

| poll1_2=15

| poll1_3=10

| poll1_4=9

| poll1_5=17т

| poll1_6=15

| poll1_7=14

| poll1_8=11

| poll1_9=9

}}

After the season

The 1947 NFL draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Tar Heels were selected.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1947/draft.htm|title=1947 NFL Draft Listing|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=November 29, 2020}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" {{CollegePrimaryHeader\|team=North Carolina Tar Heels\|Round \|Pick \|Player \|Position \|NFL club}}
10	79	Ernie Williamson	Tackle	Washington Redskins
12	98	Jack Fitch	Back	Pittsburgh Steelers
18	165	Walt Pupa	Back	Chicago Bears
28	262	Jerrell Baxter	Tackle	Green Bay Packers
32	300	Don Clayton	Back	New York Giants

{{cite web|title=1947 NFL Draft|publisher=Pro Football Reference|access-date=November 3, 2015|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1947.htm|archive-date=October 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031111101/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1947.htm|url-status=dead}}

References

North Carolina

Category:North Carolina Tar Heels football seasons

Category:Southern Conference football champion seasons

North Carolina Tar Heels football