Conference Independent 1949 record 8–2–1 | AP No. 15 | |
Head coach Len Casanova (4th year) | ||
The 1949 Santa Clara Broncos football team was an American football team that represented Santa Clara University during the 1949 college football season. In their fourth season under head coach Len Casanova, the Broncos compiled an 8–2–1 record, were ranked #15 in the final AP Poll, and outscored all opponents by a combined total of 222 to 114.
The Broncos' victories included a 14–0 besting of UCLA, a 19–6 victory over Saint Mary's, and a 21–13 victory over Bear Bryant's Kentucky Wildcats in the 1950 Orange Bowl. The team's two setbacks came against Pacific Coast Conference champion and #3-ranked California (7–21) and undefeated and #2-ranked Oklahoma (21–28).
Guard Vern Sterling was selected by both the Associated Press and International News Service as a first-team player on the 1949 All-Pacific Coast football team.