The 1949 Stanford Indians football team represented Stanford University in the 1949 college football season. Stanford was led by fifth-year head coach Marchmont Schwartz. The team was a member of the Pacific Coast Conference and played their home games at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California.
Schedule
Conference opponents not played this season: Montana, Oregon, Washington State
Game summaries
Harvard
This season marked the only time that Stanford and Harvard played each other, with the Indians winning handily, 44–0. It was Harvard's second-ever West Coast game, after their victory in 1920 Rose Bowl. A second game, to be played at Harvard Stadium, was scheduled for the 1950 season, but was canceled by Harvard to lighten what was characterized as a "far too heavy" schedule."
California
In the Big Game, California was ranked No. 3 and had gone to the Rose Bowl the previous season. Stanford came into the game with one conference loss; a win over Cal would have given them a tie for the conference championship and a possible bid to the Rose Bowl. But although the Indians managed a 7–6 halftime lead, the Bears took control in the second half, going on to win 33–14 and securing a return to the Rose Bowl.
Pineapple Bowl
Stanford was invited to the Pineapple Bowl following the season. As this bowl always matched Hawaii against a mainland team, Stanford does not count the game as a postseason bowl. Stanford jumped out to a 20-point first quarter lead, and tacked on six fourth quarter touchdowns to win handily, 74–20.