What Is 1987 The Citadel Bulldogs football

Overview

The 1987 The Citadel Bulldogs football team represented The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, during the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as a member of the Southern Conference, the team was led by head coach Tom Moore, who was in his sixth year at the school.

The season marked a slight improvement from the previous year, though the Bulldogs failed to qualify for the I-AA playoffs. Playing their home games at Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina, the team faced a challenging schedule against both conference and non-conference opponents.

• Record: The Bulldogs finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 3–4 mark in Southern Conference games.
• Head Coach: Tom Moore, in his sixth season, continued to build the program with an emphasis on disciplined, run-oriented football.
• Home Stadium: Johnson Hagood Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 21,000, served as the team’s home field.
• Division: The team competed in NCAA Division I-AA, now known as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
• Conference: As a member of the Southern Conference, The Citadel faced rivals such as Furman, Appalachian State, and Western Carolina.

Season Performance

The 1987 campaign featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting the team’s competitive but inconsistent nature. The Bulldogs showed resilience in conference play, winning three of seven games, but struggled against stronger non-conference opponents.

• September 5: The season opened with a loss to Marshall, 24–20, in a tightly contested game that set the tone for the year.
• October 10: A 21–17 victory over Western Carolina marked a key conference win and demonstrated offensive improvement.
• October 24: The team fell to Furman, 27–24, in a narrow defeat that kept playoff hopes slim.
• November 7: A 31–14 win over VMI highlighted the season, showcasing dominance over a longtime rival.
• November 14: The final regular-season game was a 28–13 loss to Appalachian State, ending any postseason aspirations.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 season compares to surrounding years in terms of performance and key metrics:

The 1987 season served as a transitional year, laying the groundwork for modest improvement in the late 1980s. While not a playoff contender, the team’s 5–6 record marked progress under Moore’s leadership. The Citadel’s consistent presence in the Southern Conference helped maintain competitive balance in the region, even without postseason success.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season is a snapshot of The Citadel’s football program during a period of steady development in the FCS ranks. Though not nationally prominent, the Bulldogs maintained a tradition of physical, disciplined football that resonated with fans and alumni.

• Program Building: The 1987 season contributed to gradual improvement, leading to a 7–4 record in 1988 under Tom Moore.
• Conference Rivalries: Games against Furman, VMI, and Appalachian State helped strengthen Southern Conference traditions.
• Player Development: Several players from the 1987 roster went on to become team leaders in subsequent seasons.
• Recruiting Base: The season helped solidify The Citadel’s ability to attract regional talent despite scholarship limitations.
• Stadium Legacy: Johnson Hagood Stadium continued to grow as a fortress for The Citadel, with strong home attendance.
• Historical Context: This season reflects the challenges faced by military colleges in maintaining competitive football programs.

While the 1987 Bulldogs did not achieve postseason glory, their season remains a meaningful chapter in the long history of The Citadel football, illustrating perseverance and steady growth.