What Is 1942 NC State Wolfpack football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1942 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1942 college football season, finishing with a 4–5–1 record under head coach Williams Newton.

Key Facts

1942 NC State Wolfpack had a final record of 4–5–1 overall and 2–3–1 in the Southern Conference
Head coach Williams Newton was in his fifth season leading the team
The team played its home games at Riddick Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina
Key players included quarterback Dick Rome and halfback Jim Mapp
NC State tied with rival North Carolina in a 7–7 deadlock on November 21, 1942

Overview

The 1942 NC State Wolfpack football team competed as a member of the Southern Conference during the 1942 college football season. Representing North Carolina State University, the team was led by head coach Williams Newton, who was in his fifth year at the helm. Despite the challenges of World War II affecting college rosters nationwide, NC State fielded a competitive squad.

This season reflected a transitional period for college football, with many student-athletes enlisting or being drafted. The Wolfpack played a balanced schedule against regional rivals and conference opponents, striving for consistency on both offense and defense. Their performance culminated in a modest but respectable showing within the Southern Conference standings.

Final record: The team finished the season with a 4–5–1 overall record and a 2–3–1 mark in conference play, placing them in the lower half of the Southern Conference.
Head coach: Williams Newton, who coached from 1937 to 1943, led the team through wartime disruptions and shifting player availability due to military enlistments.
Home stadium: NC State played its home games at Riddick Stadium, a 24,000-seat venue in Raleigh that served as the team’s primary field through the 1950s.
Key matchup: The 7–7 tie with in-state rival North Carolina on November 21, 1942, was a highlight, showcasing resilience against a strong Tar Heels squad.
Season end: The campaign concluded without a bowl appearance, as postseason opportunities were limited during the war years and conference alignment influenced selections.

Season Performance

The 1942 season featured a mix of wins, losses, and one critical tie that shaped the team’s final standing. NC State faced a blend of regional powerhouses and smaller programs, navigating a schedule impacted by wartime travel and player shortages.

September 26: NC State opened the season with a 13–0 win over Guilford College, establishing early momentum with a strong defensive showing.
October 3: A 14–7 loss to Duke marked a setback; the Blue Devils outgained the Wolfpack on the ground and capitalized on key turnovers.
October 10: The team bounced back with a 20–0 shutout of Catawba College, led by quarterback Dick Rome’s efficient passing and ball control.
October 31: A 13–6 loss to South Carolina highlighted offensive struggles; the Wolfpack managed only one touchdown despite solid field position.
November 14: NC State defeated Virginia 19–13, with Jim Mapp scoring the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
November 28: The season ended with a 20–7 loss to rival Maryland, as the Terrapins’ rushing attack overwhelmed the Wolfpack defense.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1942 NC State Wolfpack to other Southern Conference teams reveals their mid-tier standing during a challenging season.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Key Result
NC State	4–5–1	2–3–1	Tied UNC 7–7
Duke	5–4–0	3–3–0	Beat NC State 14–7
South Carolina	3–6–0	2–4–0	Lost to Clemson 13–0
North Carolina	3–6–1	2–3–1	Tied NC State 7–7
William & Mary	7–2–1	4–0–1	Won conference title

William & Mary emerged as the top team in the conference with an undefeated conference record, while NC State’s performance placed them just below the middle of the pack. The tie with North Carolina and narrow loss to Virginia illustrated their competitive edge, but inconsistency prevented a higher finish. With limited national exposure and no postseason berth, the 1942 season remains a footnote in program history, though it reflects the broader impact of World War II on collegiate athletics.

Why It Matters

The 1942 season offers historical insight into how college football adapted during a global conflict, with NC State exemplifying the resilience of mid-tier programs. Despite missing several players to military service, the team maintained a competitive presence in a challenging conference.

Wartime impact: Many college teams saw rosters depleted; NC State relied on younger or less-experienced players, affecting depth and consistency.
Regional rivalries: Games against Duke, UNC, and Maryland helped solidify the foundation of the in-state rivalry circuit still prominent today.
Coaching legacy: Williams Newton’s leadership during wartime demonstrated adaptability, though he resigned after the 1943 season due to ongoing challenges.
Player development: Athletes like Jim Mapp and Dick Rome gained valuable experience, contributing to future team growth despite wartime interruptions.
Historical record: The 1942 season is preserved in NC State’s athletic archives, offering context for the program’s evolution over decades.
Football continuity: Maintaining a season during WWII helped sustain fan engagement and institutional support for athletics during uncertain times.

The 1942 NC State Wolfpack football team may not have achieved national acclaim, but their season stands as a testament to perseverance amid global upheaval. Their efforts contributed to the enduring tradition of college football in the American South.