What Is 1927 Cornell Big Red football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1927 Cornell Big Red football team represented Cornell University during the 1927 college football season, finishing with a 6–2 record under head coach Gil Dobie. They played their home games at Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, New York.

Key Facts

The 1927 Cornell Big Red football team had a final record of 6 wins and 2 losses.
Head coach Gil Dobie led the team during his third season at Cornell.
They played home games at Schoellkopf Field, a 25,597-seat stadium in Ithaca, NY.
Cornell shut out four opponents in 1927, including a 27–0 win over Colgate.
The team outscored all opponents by a combined total of 146 to 40.

Overview

The 1927 Cornell Big Red football team represented Cornell University in the 1927 college football season, marking the third year under head coach Gil Dobie. Competing as an independent, the team achieved a solid 6–2 overall record, showcasing strong defensive and offensive performances throughout the season.

Playing their home games at Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, New York, the Big Red demonstrated consistency against regional opponents. The team was known for its disciplined play and ability to dominate weaker competition, shutting out four teams and outscoring all opponents by a significant margin.

Final record of 6–2: The team won six games and lost only two, reflecting a successful season by contemporary standards.
Gil Dobie as head coach: In his third season, Dobie brought experience from previous successful stints at Washington and Navy.
Home field advantage: Schoellkopf Field, built into a hillside, provided a challenging venue for visiting teams.
Defensive strength: The team recorded four shutouts, including victories over Colgate, Penn, and Rochester.
Offensive output: Scored 146 points over eight games, averaging 18.3 points per game, a strong figure for the era.

Season Performance

The 1927 campaign featured a mix of dominant wins and two notable losses that shaped the team’s legacy. Games were played under early 20th-century rules, with a focus on ground game and field position.

September 24: vs. Colgate: Won 27–0 in a decisive season-opening shutout at home.
October 1: vs. Penn: Secured a 13–0 victory, continuing their defensive dominance.
October 15: vs. Columbia: Won 14–7, surviving a rare competitive challenge.
October 29: vs. Yale: Suffered a 14–7 loss, highlighting the gap between Cornell and top-tier programs.
November 12: vs. Harvard: Lost 16–7, confirming difficulties against Ivy League powerhouses.
November 19: vs. Rochester: Closed the season with a 20–0 shutout, finishing strong.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1927 season can be contextualized by comparing key statistics with prior and subsequent years.

Season	Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
1925	6–3	Gil Dobie	125	53
1926	5–3	Gil Dobie	116	64
1927	6–2	Gil Dobie	146	40
1928	5–3–1	Gil Dobie	105	65
1929	8–1	Gil Dobie	175	31

The 1927 team ranked among the best of the Dobie era, setting the stage for the even more successful 1929 season. Their improved point differential and reduced number of losses signaled growing program strength.

Why It Matters

The 1927 season was a pivotal moment in Cornell football history, contributing to the foundation of a respected program in the pre-NCAA era. Though not a national champion, the team's consistency elevated the university’s athletic profile.

Established Gil Dobie’s credibility: His 6–2 record reinforced his reputation as a top collegiate coach.
Boosted regional rivalries: Games against Colgate and Penn intensified long-standing competitive dynamics.
Defensive excellence: Allowing only 40 points all season was exceptional for the late 1920s.
Home field dominance: Schoellkopf Field remained a fortress, with no losses recorded there in 1927.
Player development: Several team members went on to play professionally or serve in leadership roles.
Historical continuity: The season is preserved in Cornell’s archives as part of its athletic legacy.

The 1927 Cornell Big Red football team may not be widely remembered today, but it played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of one of the Ivy League’s oldest football programs.