The 1946 season marked Hardin–Simmons' return to football after a three-year hiatus during World War II.
In its third season under head coach Warren B. Woodson, the Cowboys compiled a perfect 11–0 record, outscored opponents by a total of 332 to 48, won the Border Conference championship, and defeated Denver in the 1947 Alamo Bowl.
[2] They ranked sixth nationally in total offense with an average of 359.4 yards per game.
[3] They also ranked seventh nationally in total defense, giving up only 167.3 yards per game during the regular season.
[3] Halfback Rudy Mobley led the nation with 1,262 rushing yards during the regular season.