What Is 1947 Idaho Vandals football team

Overview

The 1947 Idaho Vandals football team represented the University of Idaho in the 1947 college football season, competing as a member of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC). Led by head coach Dixie Howell, it was his second year at the helm, following a rebuilding effort from the previous season.

The Vandals played their home games at Neale Stadium in Moscow, Idaho, and faced a challenging schedule against both conference and independent opponents. Despite some competitive performances, the team struggled to secure consistent wins, finishing the year with a losing record.

• Record: The 1947 Idaho Vandals finished with a 3–5 overall record and 2–4 in PCC play, placing near the bottom of the conference standings.
• Head Coach: Dixie Howell, in his second season, led the team with a focus on developing younger players and improving offensive execution.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Neale Stadium, a 10,000-seat facility located on the University of Idaho campus.
• Scoring: The Vandals scored 104 total points during the season while allowing 158, reflecting a defensive struggle throughout the year.
• Key Game: A notable 13–7 win over in-state rival Idaho State helped boost morale despite the overall losing record.

Season Performance

The 1947 season showcased both moments of promise and persistent challenges for the Vandals, as they navigated a tough PCC schedule and sought to build program momentum. Several games were close, indicating potential, but consistency remained an issue.

• September 27: Opened the season with a 13–7 victory over Idaho State, marking a strong start at home in front of a supportive crowd.
• October 4: Lost 20–7 to Washington State, highlighting difficulties against stronger regional opponents.
• October 11: Suffered a 26–13 defeat to Utah, exposing defensive vulnerabilities against more experienced teams.
• October 25: Earned a 19–14 win over Pacific, one of the team’s better offensive showings of the year.
• November 8: Lost 27–0 to Oregon, a shutout that underscored ongoing offensive inefficiencies.
• November 29: Concluded the season with a 20–14 loss to Gonzaga, finishing the year on a two-game losing streak.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1947 Idaho Vandals compared to other PCC teams in key performance metrics:

Idaho’s performance placed them near the bottom of the PCC standings, though they fared slightly better than Washington State in conference wins. Their point differential of -54 indicated a team still developing in both offense and defense.

Why It Matters

The 1947 season is a snapshot of a transitional period for Idaho football, reflecting the challenges of mid-tier programs in the post-war era. While not a championship contender, the team laid groundwork for future development.

• The season contributed to the long-term history of the Idaho Vandals, a program with over a century of intercollegiate play.
• Coach Dixie Howell’s leadership emphasized player development, which would influence future recruiting and training approaches.
• Competing in the PCC provided valuable experience against stronger programs, helping raise the team’s competitive standard.
• Games against rivals like Idaho State and Gonzaga helped solidify regional football traditions.
• Neale Stadium remained a central hub for student life and community engagement in Moscow.
• The 1947 season is documented in university archives, preserving the legacy of student-athletes from that era.

Though overshadowed by more successful seasons, 1947 remains a part of Idaho’s athletic narrative, illustrating perseverance through adversity.