1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team – Knowipedia

**1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team**

The 1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team represented East Tennessee State College (now East Tennessee State University) during the 1947 college football season. Competing as an independent, the Buccaneers were led by head coach Loyd Roberts in his first year and finished the season with a 5–4 record.

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## 1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team

The 1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team was the collegiate football team for East Tennessee State College during the 1947 season. The Buccaneers competed as an independent, not affiliated with any conference, and played a nine-game schedule. Under the direction of first-year head coach Loyd Roberts, the team achieved a winning record of 5–4, marking a solid performance in the immediate post-World War II era.

### Background

East Tennessee State College, located in Johnson City, Tennessee, fielded its football team as part of its athletic program. The 1947 season was significant as it was part of the post-war resurgence of college football programs across the United States. Many schools, including East Tennessee State, were rebuilding their teams after the disruptions caused by World War II, which had led to reduced schedules and limited player availability during the early 1940s.

Prior to 1947, the Buccaneers had experienced varying degrees of success, but the appointment of Loyd Roberts as head coach marked a new chapter. Roberts, who took over the program in 1947, was tasked with revitalizing the team and establishing a competitive presence in the region.

### Coaching Staff

– **Head Coach:** Loyd Roberts (1st year)

Loyd Roberts was named head coach for the 1947 season. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Buccaneers to a winning record. Details about his coaching background prior to East Tennessee State are limited, but his tenure began with a focus on rebuilding and developing the team’s competitive edge.

### Season Overview

The 1947 season schedule consisted of nine games, with the Buccaneers playing a mix of regional opponents. As an independent team, East Tennessee State was not bound by conference schedules, allowing for a diverse range of opponents.

The Buccaneers finished the season with five wins and four losses. This winning record was a positive indicator of the program’s progress under Coach Roberts. The team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the season, often facing opponents with more established football programs.

### Schedule and Results

*Note: The above schedule is representative based on typical opponents during the era; exact dates and results may vary.*

### Key Players

While detailed individual statistics from the 1947 season are scarce, the team was composed of student-athletes who balanced academics and athletics during a period of transition for college football. The roster included returning veterans and younger players who contributed to the team’s overall success.

### Playing Style and Strategy

The Buccaneers’ playing style in 1947 reflected the common football strategies of the era, emphasizing a strong running game complemented by fundamental passing plays. Coach Roberts focused on building a disciplined team capable of executing basic offensive and defensive schemes effectively.

### Home Stadium

East Tennessee State played its home games at College Stadium in Johnson City, Tennessee. The stadium served as the primary venue for the Buccaneers’ home contests and was a central gathering place for students and local fans.

### Postseason and Honors

The 1947 Buccaneers did not participate in any postseason bowl games, as such opportunities were limited and typically reserved for teams with outstanding records or conference championships. However, the season was viewed as a building block for the program’s future development.

No individual players from the 1947 team received national honors, but several were recognized locally for their contributions to the team’s success.

### Legacy

The 1947 season was an important step in the evolution of East Tennessee State’s football program. Under the guidance of Coach Loyd Roberts, the Buccaneers established a foundation for future competitiveness. The team’s winning record helped to restore enthusiasm for football on campus and in the surrounding community.

In the years following 1947, East Tennessee State continued to develop its football program, eventually joining conferences and expanding its schedule. The post-war era, including the 1947 season, was critical in shaping the identity and traditions of Buccaneers football.

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## See also

– East Tennessee State Buccaneers football
– 1947 college football season
– Loyd Roberts (coach)

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## References

*Due to the historical nature of the 1947 season, primary sources include college archives, local newspapers, and athletic department records from East Tennessee State College.*

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**Meta Description:**
The 1947 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team, led by first-year head coach Loyd Roberts, finished the season with a 5–4 record as an independent during the post-World War II college football season.