What Is 1917 Ole Miss Rebels football team

Overview

The 1917 Ole Miss Rebels football team represented the University of Mississippi during the 1917 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team struggled offensively and finished with a 2–3 record under head coach D. V. Graves, who was in his second year at the helm.

The season occurred during World War I, which impacted college athletics nationwide due to travel restrictions, player enlistments, and limited scheduling. Despite these challenges, Ole Miss managed to field a team, though scoring remained a significant issue throughout the year.

• Season Record: The team finished with a 2–3 overall record, marking a slight decline from previous years due to offensive struggles and limited depth.
• Head Coach: D. V. Graves led the Rebels for the second consecutive season, managing a small roster amid wartime constraints and limited practice time.
• Scoring Output: Ole Miss scored only 13 total points across five games, averaging fewer than three points per game, one of the lowest in program history.
• Shutouts: The Rebels were shut out in three of five games, including losses to strong regional opponents like Mississippi A&M and Tulane.
• Home Games: Most games were played in Oxford, Mississippi, where limited facilities and wartime conditions affected team preparation and fan attendance.

Season Performance

The 1917 season was defined by defensive resilience but offensive futility, as the Rebels managed just two wins against weaker competition. Games were sparse due to travel difficulties during World War I, and many Southern teams played abbreviated schedules.

• September 29: Ole Miss opened with a 7–0 win over Mississippi Normal, one of only two victories, with the defense holding strong in a low-scoring affair.
• October 6: A 0–14 loss to Mississippi A&M highlighted offensive struggles, as the Aggies dominated both lines and controlled the game’s tempo.
• October 13: The Rebels fell 0–13 to Tulane in New Orleans, failing to score against a disciplined Green Wave defense in rainy conditions.
• October 20: A 6–0 win over Union (Tennessee) provided a brief morale boost, with a late touchdown securing the narrow victory.
• November 3: Ole Miss closed the season with a 0–14 loss to Vanderbilt, unable to crack the Commodores’ defense despite improved effort.
• Final Points: The team’s final points came in the Union game, where a rushing touchdown accounted for the only offensive highlight of the year.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1917 season compares poorly to other early Ole Miss campaigns in terms of scoring and win percentage, as shown in the table below.

The data shows a sharp decline in offensive production from 1916 to 1917, with points scored dropping from 74 to just 13. This downturn likely stemmed from wartime disruptions, roster turnover, and limited practice time, all of which affected team cohesion and performance.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season reflects the broader impact of World War I on American college sports, illustrating how global events could disrupt even minor athletic programs. Though not a standout year, it provides historical context for the evolution of Ole Miss football.

• Historical Context: The season occurred during World War I, which led to reduced schedules, travel limitations, and player enlistments across the South.
• Program Development: Despite poor results, the 1917 season helped maintain continuity for Ole Miss football during a period of national upheaval.
• Coaching Legacy: D. V. Graves’ tenure, though brief, laid groundwork for future coaches by maintaining team operations during difficult times.
• Statistical Benchmark: The 13 points scored remain one of the lowest totals in program history, used for comparative analysis in historical reviews.
• Regional Competition: Games against teams like Mississippi A&M and Tulane helped solidify early regional rivalries that would grow in importance.
• Archival Value: Records from 1917 contribute to the official history of the Ole Miss Rebels, preserved by the university and NCAA historians.

While overshadowed by more successful seasons, the 1917 campaign remains a documented chapter in Ole Miss football history, reflecting resilience amid adversity and the enduring nature of collegiate athletics.