Oberlander was converted to halfback from the tackle position, and had a "terrific straight arm".[3] In 1925, Oberlander passed for 14 touchdowns and ran for 12. Dartmouth defeated Harvard 32–9, its best victory to date over the Crimson.[4] In a 62–13 victory over Cornell, Oberlander had 477 yards in total offense, including six touchdown passes,[5] a Dartmouth record which still stands. He was responsible for some 500 yards of total offense.[6] Cornell coach Gil Dobie responded "We won the game 13–0, passing is not football."[7] The season closed with a 33–7 victory over defending Big Ten champion Chicago. Oberlander threw three touchdowns.[8]
In World War II, as a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, he was chief medical officer aboard the USS Samaritan (AH-10), in the Pacific Fleet. When the war ended, many U.S. troops remained in the Far East awaiting transportation back to the States. Oberlander was head coach of the Navy All-Stars team that beat the Army team 12–0 in the China Bowl on November 30, 1945, in Shanghai.