The team compiled a 6–1 record in the regular season, lost to Muhlenberg in the inaugural Tobacco Bowl, and outscored all opponents by a total of 179 to 69.
[1] The 1946 season marked St. Bonaventure's return to intercollegiate football after a three-year hiatus during World War II.
Devore led the 1945 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team to a 7–2–1 record before moving on to St. Bonaventure.
In their first year under head coach Earl Brown, the Golden Griffins compiled a 4–3–1 record, finished in second place in the Little Three, and outscored opponents by a total of 148 to 58.
In their first year under head coach James Moran Sr., the Purple Eagles compiled a 6–2 record, finished in third place in the Little Three, and outscored opponents by a total of 151 to 55.