What Is 1914 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 1914 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas during the 1914 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by first-year head coach Herman Oliphant and played its home games at McCook Field in Lawrence.

The Jayhawks posted a strong season, finishing with a 5–1–1 record and outscoring opponents 178–47. Their performance marked a significant improvement over previous seasons and signaled the beginning of a more competitive era for Kansas football.

• Record: The team finished with a 5–1–1 overall record, one of the best in program history up to that point.
• Head coach: Herman Oliphant took over as head coach in 1914, his only season leading the program before returning to academia.
• Home field: McCook Field served as the Jayhawks’ home stadium, located on the university campus in Lawrence, Kansas.
• Scoring: Kansas amassed 178 points during the season while allowing only 47, a testament to both offensive strength and defensive discipline.
• Key game: Their 13–0 loss to Missouri was the only defeat of the season and highlighted the growing rivalry between the two programs.

Season Performance

The 1914 campaign featured a balanced schedule of regional opponents and emerging college football powers. Kansas demonstrated consistency across games, with strong showings against both established and lesser-known teams.

• September 26: Kansas opened the season with a 20–0 win over Baker, setting an aggressive tone early.
• October 3: They defeated Washburn 41–0, showcasing dominant offensive and defensive execution.
• October 10: A 14–7 victory over Kansas State solidified regional dominance in the series.
• October 17: The Jayhawks crushed Iowa State 41–0, one of their most lopsided wins of the year.
• October 24: They tied Nebraska 3–3 in a hard-fought road game, ending a seven-game losing streak against the Cornhuskers.
• November 7: A decisive 50–0 win over Missouri Valley highlighted their offensive firepower.
• November 28: The season concluded with a 13–0 loss to Missouri in the annual border war game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1914 Jayhawks’ season versus other notable years in early Kansas football history:

This table illustrates that while the 1914 team didn’t match the win total of 1905 or 1911, their point differential and defensive performance were among the best. Their 178 points scored were second only to the 1905 squad, and their defense allowed the same 47 points as the 1911 team. The tie against Nebraska also marked a turning point in Big Eight Conference competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 1914 season was a pivotal moment in the development of Kansas football, reflecting both tactical advancement and growing institutional support. Though overshadowed by earlier and later seasons, its impact on program morale and regional reputation was significant.

• Program growth: The season demonstrated that Kansas could compete with top regional teams, boosting recruitment and fan interest.
• Coaching legacy: Herman Oliphant, though only coaching one year, implemented disciplined strategies that influenced future staff.
• Rivalry intensity: The close loss to Missouri underscored the importance of the Border War, which remains a key fixture.
• Defensive excellence: Allowing only 47 points in seven games showed a marked improvement in defensive organization.
• Historical context: This season occurred during a formative era for college football, as rules and conferences evolved nationally.
• Statistical significance: The 50-point win over Missouri Valley remains one of the largest margins of victory in early Kansas history.

The 1914 Kansas Jayhawks football team may not be the most celebrated in program lore, but their record, scoring dominance, and competitive spirit laid groundwork for future success and remain a notable chapter in the university’s athletic history.