What Is 1942 Tennessee Vols football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1942 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee during the 1942 college football season, finishing with a 7-3 record under head coach John Barnhill. They played in the Southeastern Conference and won the 1943 Sugar Bowl against Tulsa with a 14-7 victory on January 1, 1943.

Key Facts

The 1942 Tennessee Vols finished the season with a 7-3 overall record
Head coach John Barnhill led the team in his third season
The Vols defeated Tulsa 14-7 in the 1943 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1943
Tennessee played as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
The team outscored opponents 218 to 100 for the season

Overview

The 1942 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee during the 1942 college football season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach John Barnhill, who was in his third year at the helm. Despite the challenges of World War II affecting player availability, the Vols managed a solid 7-3 record and earned a postseason bowl berth.

The season culminated in a victory in the 1943 Sugar Bowl, marking a significant achievement for the program. Tennessee’s performance reflected resilience and competitive strength during a transitional era in college football. The team's offense scored 218 points while allowing 100, showcasing both scoring ability and defensive discipline.

Record: The 1942 Vols finished with a 7-3 overall record, including a 3-2 mark in the SEC, demonstrating consistent performance against strong conference opponents.
Sugar Bowl: Tennessee defeated the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 14-7 in the 1943 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 1943, securing their first major bowl win since 1939.
Head Coach:John Barnhill was in his third season and guided the team to a winning record despite wartime disruptions and roster changes.
Scoring: The Volunteers outscored opponents 218 to 100 over the 10-game season, averaging over 21 points per game while limiting opponents to 10.
Season Opener: Tennessee opened the season with a 26-0 shutout win over Mississippi State, setting the tone for their defensive dominance early on.

Season Performance

The 1942 campaign featured a mix of conference play and non-conference matchups, with the Vols showing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Several games were impacted by player enlistments due to World War II, yet the team maintained competitive depth.

September 19: Defeated Mississippi State 26-0 in Knoxville, establishing early dominance with a strong rushing attack.
October 3: Won 19-0 against Emory & Henry, a smaller college team, in a game used to build momentum and test depth.
October 10: Beat Georgia Tech 19-7, a key non-conference win that boosted the team’s national profile.
November 14: Suffered a 7-6 loss to Alabama in a tightly contested SEC matchup, highlighting the team’s narrow margins in tough games.
November 28: Concluded the regular season with a 33-13 win over Vanderbilt, securing bowl eligibility and strong fan support.
January 1, 1943: Won the Sugar Bowl 14-7 over Tulsa, with key plays from quarterback Bob Foxx and the defensive line sealing the victory.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1942 Vols to other seasons in program history reveals their significance during a wartime era. The table below highlights key metrics from select Tennessee seasons.

Season	Record	Bowl Result	Points For	Points Against
1942	7-3	W 14-7 (Sugar)	218	100
1939	10-1	W 17-0 (Sugar)	212	34
1940	8-2	L 14-7 (Sun)	237	64
1941	6-4	No bowl	192	108
1943	7-2-1	W 16-13 (1944 Sun)	197	79

The 1942 team compares favorably to nearby seasons, particularly in defensive performance and bowl success. While not as dominant as the 1939 squad, the Vols maintained competitiveness amid national upheaval, making their Sugar Bowl win especially notable.

Why It Matters

The 1942 Tennessee Vols season holds historical importance due to its context during World War II and the team’s ability to succeed despite national challenges. Their Sugar Bowl victory preserved the program’s national relevance during a period when many athletes enlisted.

Wartime Impact: Many college teams saw rosters depleted by enlistments, but Tennessee maintained depth and morale through strong coaching and local talent.
Bowl Legacy: The Sugar Bowl win extended Tennessee’s bowl success, reinforcing their status as a consistent national contender.
SEC Presence: The Vols remained competitive in the Southeastern Conference, helping solidify the league’s growing reputation.
Player Development: Future NFL players and military veterans emerged from this era, bridging sports and service during a critical time.
Historical Benchmark: The season is referenced in Tennessee’s historical records as a symbol of perseverance during uncertain times.
Fan Engagement: Bowl appearances like the 1943 Sugar Bowl boosted attendance and alumni support despite wartime travel restrictions.

Overall, the 1942 Tennessee Volunteers football team exemplified resilience and competitive spirit. Their season remains a point of pride in the program’s long history, reflecting both athletic achievement and historical significance.