What Is 1956 Ohio Bobcats football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1956 Ohio Bobcats football team represented Ohio University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1956 college football season, finishing with a 3–5–1 overall record under head coach Carroll Widdoes, who resigned after the season.

Key Facts

The 1956 Ohio Bobcats finished with a 3–5–1 overall record
They played in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1956 season
Head coach Carroll Widdoes resigned after the season concluded
The team won 2 games and lost 3 in MAC conference play
Their home games were played at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio

Overview

The 1956 Ohio Bobcats football team represented Ohio University in the NCAA College Division, competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1956 college football season. Led by head coach Carroll Widdoes, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–5–1 overall record and a 2–3 mark in conference play.

Despite high expectations following previous seasons, the 1956 campaign was marked by inconsistency on both offense and defense. Widdoes, who had previously led Ohio to a MAC championship in 1953, stepped down after the season, marking the end of an era for the program. The team played its home games at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio, a venue that has hosted Bobcats football since 1929.

Overall record: The 1956 Ohio Bobcats finished with a 3–5–1 win-loss-tie record, indicating a below-average season by historical standards.
Conference performance: In Mid-American Conference play, the team went 2–3, placing them in the lower half of the league standings.
Head coach: Carroll Widdoes served as head coach for the final time in 1956, resigning after four seasons with a 22–15–2 overall record.
Home stadium: The Bobcats played their home games at Peden Stadium, which had a capacity of approximately 14,000 at the time.
Season outcome: The team did not qualify for any postseason bowl game, which was common for MAC teams during this era.

Season Performance

The 1956 season was defined by missed opportunities and a lack of offensive firepower, with the Bobcats struggling to maintain momentum throughout the year.

September 29, 1956: The Bobcats opened the season with a 20–7 win over Muskingum, showing early promise with a balanced offensive attack.
October 6, 1956: A 14–7 loss to Western Michigan marked the start of a three-game losing streak that derailed their MAC title hopes.
October 20, 1956: A 13–0 shutout victory over Miami (OH) demonstrated defensive strength, but offensive inconsistencies remained.
November 10, 1956: A 21–19 loss to Kent State was a pivotal moment, as the close defeat highlighted the team’s lack of depth and finishing ability.
November 17, 1956: The Bobcats tied 14–14 with Marshall in their final game, a result that underscored their inability to close out tight contests.
Defensive stats: The team allowed an average of 20.1 points per game, ranking them near the bottom of the MAC in defensive efficiency.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1956 Ohio Bobcats compare to other MAC teams and their own recent history:

Team	Overall Record	MAC Record	Head Coach	Final Standing
Ohio Bobcats	3–5–1	2–3	Carroll Widdoes	5th in MAC
Marshall Thundering Herd	7–2–1	4–1	Ted Edwards	1st in MAC
Western Michigan Broncos	5–4	4–2	Jack Petoskey	2nd in MAC
Western Reserve Red Cats	3–5–1	1–4	Bill Hackett	6th in MAC
Dayton Flyers	4–5	3–3	Don Greenwood	4th in MAC

The 1956 Ohio Bobcats finished fifth in the six-team MAC standings, trailing behind champion Marshall. While their record was nearly identical to Western Reserve, Ohio held a slight edge in conference wins. The season reflected a transitional period for the program, as Widdoes’ resignation paved the way for Bill Hess to take over in 1957, eventually revitalizing the team in the following decade.

Why It Matters

The 1956 season is a notable chapter in Ohio University football history, representing both the end of one coaching era and the prelude to future rebuilding efforts.

End of an era: Carroll Widdoes’ resignation marked the conclusion of a tenure that included a 1953 MAC championship and two bowl appearances.
Transition period: The 1956 season highlighted the need for modernization in recruiting and training as college football became more competitive nationally.
Historical context: This season occurred during a time when the NCAA was restructuring divisions, eventually leading to the creation of Division I-A.
Program development: The struggles of 1956 helped justify administrative changes that strengthened the athletic department in subsequent years.
Fan engagement: Despite a losing record, home games at Peden Stadium maintained strong local support, preserving community ties to the team.
Legacy impact: The 1956 team set the stage for Bill Hess’s arrival, who would go on to become the winningest coach in program history.

In retrospect, the 1956 Ohio Bobcats season serves as a bridge between past success and future transformation, illustrating how even challenging years contribute to the long-term evolution of a collegiate football program.