What Is 1940 Oklahoma Sooners football team

Overview

The 1940 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma during the 1940 college football season. Competing in the Big Six Conference, the team was led by head coach Tom Stidham, who was in his third and final year at the helm. The Sooners posted a solid 6–2–1 overall record and captured the Big Six Conference championship with a 4–1 conference record.

Despite their success on the field, the team did not receive a bowl invitation, a common occurrence for teams from the Big Six at the time. The season highlighted Oklahoma's growing football reputation, building momentum for future national prominence under subsequent coaches. The 1940 campaign featured notable wins and competitive performances against regional rivals.

• Record: The team finished with a 6–2–1 overall record and a 4–1 mark in conference play, securing the Big Six title.
• Head Coach:Tom Stidham coached his final season in 1940, compiling a 26–10–2 record over three years.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, which had a capacity of approximately 41,000.
• Key Victory: The Sooners defeated Texas 13–0 in Dallas, a dominant shutout performance in a key rivalry game.
• Season Finale: The team tied Missouri 7–7 in their final game, a result that slightly dampened an otherwise strong season.

Season Highlights and Game Results

The 1940 season featured a mix of dominant performances and close contests, reflecting the team’s competitiveness. Oklahoma opened the season with a win over Army and followed with victories over Kansas and Iowa State, showcasing a balanced offense and tough defense.

• September 28: Defeated Army 21–0 in Norman, setting a strong tone for the season.
• October 12: Beat Kansas 27–0, extending their winning streak with another shutout.
• October 26: Won vs. Iowa State 19–7, improving to 4–0 in the conference race.
• November 16: Secured a pivotal 13–0 win over Texas, a highlight of the season.
• November 23: Lost to Nebraska 13–6, their first conference loss of the season.
• November 30: Tied Missouri 7–7 in Columbia, ending the season on a mixed note.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1940 Sooners to recent Oklahoma teams highlights the evolution of the program over decades:

The table illustrates how Oklahoma football has evolved in terms of national exposure, stadium size, and postseason opportunities. While the 1940 team won a conference title without a bowl bid, modern teams regularly compete in major bowls and the College Football Playoff. The 1940 season laid groundwork for future success under Bud Wilkinson, who took over in 1947.

Why It Matters

The 1940 season was a transitional yet significant chapter in Oklahoma football history. It demonstrated the program's rising competitiveness in the Big Six and helped establish a culture of excellence that would peak in the 1950s.

• The Big Six championship marked Oklahoma’s second consecutive title, showing program consistency.
• Tom Stidham’s departure opened the door for future coaching legends, including Bud Wilkinson.
• The shutout of Texas reinforced Oklahoma’s growing dominance in the rivalry.
• Lack of a bowl invitation highlighted regional bias in postseason selections of the era.
• The team helped expand the Sooners’ regional fanbase and media visibility.
• Player development during this era laid the foundation for future national championships.

The 1940 Oklahoma Sooners may not be remembered as national champions, but their season was a crucial step in the program’s ascent to national prominence in the postwar era.