1921 Florida Gators football team

1921 Florida Gators football
Conference Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
1921 record 6–3–2 (4–1–2 6th SIAA)
Head coach William G. Kline
Assistant coach James Van Fleet
Captain Tootie Perry
Home stadium Fleming Field
Uniform
1921 SIAA football standings
Conf     Overall
Team W   L   T     W   L   T
Centre + 5 0 0     10 1 0
Georgia Tech + 4 0 0     8 1 0
Georgia + 6 0 1     7 2 1
Vanderbilt + 5 0 1     7 0 1
Tennessee 4 1 1     6 2 1
Florida 4 1 2     6 3 2
Mississippi College 3 1 1     7 2 1
Sewanee 4 2 0     6 2 0
Furman 4 2 1     7 2 1
LSU 2 1 1     6 1 1
South Carolina 2 1 1     5 1 2
Transylvania 2 1 0     4 4 0
Auburn 3 2 0     5 3 0
The Citadel 2 2 1     3 3 2
Mississippi A&M 2 3 1     4 4 1
Tulane 3 4 0     4 6 0
Alabama 2 4 2     5 4 2
Oglethorpe 2 4 0     5 4 0
Mercer 2 5 0     3 6 0
Chattanooga 1 3 0     4 6 0
Louisville 0 1 0     2 2 1
Kentucky 0 2 1     4 3 1
Clemson 0 4 2     1 6 2
Millsaps 0 3 1     0 3 1
Ole Miss 0 3 0     3 6 0
Georgetown (KY) 0 3 0     2 6 0
Wofford 0 3 0     2 7 0
Howard 0 5 0     3 6 0
  • + Conference co-champions

The 1921 Florida Gators football team (variously "Florida", "Gators", or "UF") represented the University of Florida in the 1921 college football season. It marked the Florida Gators' 15th overall season, and its 9th and final as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). The Gators played their home games at Fleming Field in Gainesville, Florida. It was head coach William Kline's second season leading the Gators' football team. They finished the season with a record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties (6–3–2 overall, 4–1–2 in the SIAA), finishing 6th in conference play.

The Gators improved their record against major collegiate competition with a notable win against the Alabama Crimson Tide (9–2) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Florida's two losses against the Tennessee Volunteers (0–9) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (10–14) were competitive and close.

Coach Herman Stegeman of Georgia wrote in Spalding's Football Guide "Florida, for the first time, had a strong team. Aided by Dixon, the South's best punter, they combined a kicking game and a well diversified offense to good advantage."[1] Captain Tootie Perry was the school's first ever All-Southern selection.

Before the season

Professor of military science James Van Fleet joined Kline's coaching staff.[2]

Kline's staff faced heavy pressure from the alumni for a winning football team and so "five players were brought the University of Oklahoma and the western states" such as Ferdinand H. Duncan and Ark Newton.[3] Newton allegedly first attended a practice only to watch, but the captain Tootie Perry was so impressed when he saw him that he offered Newton a uniform and coaxed him onto the field. Newton's punts sailed over the head of the return men, and brought the attention of the coaches.[2][4]

Schedule and results

Date Opponent Site Result Attendance
October 1 at Fort Benning* Columbus, Georgia W 6–0   4,500
October 8 at Rollins* Orlando, Florida W 33–0  
October 10 Carlstrom Field* Gainesville, Florida L 0–19  
October 15 Mercer Fleming Field • Gainesville, Florida W 7–0  
October 22 at Tennessee Shields-Watkins FieldKnoxville, Tennessee L 0–9  
October 29 at Howard Montgomery, Alabama W 34–0  
November 5 South Carolina Plant FieldTampa, Florida T 7–7  
November 12 at Alabama Denny FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama W 9–2   5,000
November 18 Mississippi College Fleming Field • Gainesville, Florida T 7–7  
November 26 Oglethorpe Fleming Field • Gainesville, Florida W 21–3  
December 3 North Carolina* Jacksonville, Florida L 10–14   7,500
*Non-conference game.

Primary source: 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide.[5]

Season summary

Week 1: at Camp Benning

Week 1: Florida at Camp Benning
1 234Total
Florida 0 060 6
Infantry 0 000 0
  • Date: October 1
  • Location: Columbus, GA
  • Game attendance: 4,500

A blocked punt proved the difference in the Gators' first win of the season over Camp Benning in Columbus, Georgia 6–0.[6]

In the third quarter, Camp Benning's Crist attempted punt was blocked and recovered by Florida at the 20-yard line. Bill Renfro ran through the tackles for seven yards on first down. T. Hoyt Carlton ran the remaining 13 yards to score. Dickson missed goal.[6]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), Scott (left guard), Perry (center), Rosenhouse (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Newton (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[6]

Week 2: Rollins

Week 2: Rollins at Florida
1 234Total
Rollins 0 000 0
Florida 8 0718 33
  • Date: October 8

Florida rolled up a large, 33–0 score on the Rollins Tars. In the fourth quarter T. Hoyt Carlton faked a kick and ran 40 yards for the touchdown; the first of three scored by the Gators in the final period.[7]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Beasley (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[7]

Week 3: Carlstrom Field

Week 3: Carlstrom Field at Florida
1 234Total
Aviators 0 1306 19
Florida 0 000 0

The Gators lost to Carlstrom Field and its "baffling" display of passes and defense 19–0.[8] Gene Vidal's attempted drop kick was blocked, but he caught the ball off the rebound and ran 20 yards before the time spectators realized what happened.[8]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Doty (left tackle), C. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), Scott (right guard), Wuthrich (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Carlton (left halfback), Beasley (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[8]

Week 4: Mercer

Week 4: Mercer at Florida
1 234Total
Mercer 0 000 0
Florida 7 000 7

The Gators defeated Josh Cody's Mercer Baptists 7–0.[9] After a 30–0 loss last year, Mercer took it as a moral victory against a stronger Florida team this season.[10]

Tootie Perry.

"Capt. Tootie Perry was again the star on defense."[9] He recovered a Mercer fumble on the 15-yard line. On the ensuing fourth down T. Hoyt Carlton ran in a touchdown. Wilsky kicked goal.[9]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Carlton (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Renfro (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[9]

Week 5: at Tennessee

Week 5: Florida at Tennessee
1 234Total
Florida 0 000 0
Tennessee 0 900 9

The Tennessee Volunteers defeated Florida 9 to 0.[11] Florida was inside Tennessee's 30-yard line just once, failing to convert a field goal. Tennessee's touchdown and safety were thanks to the forward pass. The safety was an interception by Florida tackled in the endzone. The Vols' Roe Campbell averaged 50 yards on 14 punts.[12]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), Robinson (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Carlton (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Renfro (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[11]

Week 6: at Howard

In a "drizzling rain" and "sea of mud" in Montgomery,AL[13] Florida defeated the Howard Bulldogs 34–0 and gave up just one first down.[14][15]

Week 7: South Carolina

Week 7: South Carolina at Florida
1 234Total
S. Carolina 7 000 7
Florida 0 700 7

In a game in Tampa on Plant Field, coach Sol Metzger's South Carolina Gamecocks fought the Gators to a 7–7 tie. The Gamecocks scored early after a fumble recovery near the goal line. The Gators scored once in the second period, and "threatened to do so again and again from both attempted placement kicks and straight football, only to fall by missing the cross bars by inches and by gameness of the fighting Gamecocks."[16]

The Gators starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wurthrich (left tackle), Scott (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[16]

Week 8: at Alabama

Week 8: Florida at Alabama
1 234Total
Florida 6 003 9
Alabama 0 020 2

In the Gators first ever win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ferdinand H. Duncan accounted for all of Florida's points to upset the Tide at homecoming 9–2.[17][18]

After an early exchange of punts, Florida started with the ball on its 45-yard line. Duncan and Ark Newton, with one run from T. Hoyt Carlton, worked the ball down for the game's lone touchdown.[18] Alabama scored on a safety after blocking a Ray Dickson punt into the endzone.[19] A 20-yard drop kick was the Gators' final score.

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Robinson (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Scott (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Pomeroy (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[18][20]

Week 9: Mississippi College

Week 9: Mississippi College at Florida
1 234Total
Mississippi 0 700 7
Florida 0 007 7
  • Date: November 18
  • Location: Gainesville, FL
Goat Hale.

Florida battled coach Stanley L. Robinson's Mississippi College Choctaws to a 7–7 tie.[21] Florida had the greater weight and Mississippi College the greater speed.[22]

Led by Hall of Fame quarterback Goat Hale, the Choctaws controlled the first half. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Florida led a comeback, scoring the tying touchdown after a series of forward passes.[23] During the game, Ark Newton had a 92-yard punt.[24]

Week 10: Oglethorpe

Week 10: Oglethorpe at Florida
1 234Total
Oglethorpe 0 030 3
Florida 14 700 21
  • Date: November 25
  • Location: Gainesville, FL

Florida defeated coach Jogger Elcock's Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 21–3, keeping the ball in Oglethorpe's territory most of the game.[25] The Gators scored all 21 points in the first half, including two touchdowns in the first five minutes.

The first touchdown was scored by a short run behind center from Ferdinand H. Duncan. An Oglethorpe punt was later blocked by Tootie Perry, recovered by Swanson for a touchdown.[25] Ark Newton made both extra points. Oglethorpe intercepted a Florida pass at the 5-yard line. Perry and Merrin broke through the line, blocking the ensuing punt. Thomas then fell on the ball for Florida's final touchdown and Newton again kicked goal. A 28-yard drop kick from Oglethorpe's Morris got its points.[25]

Postseason

Week 11: North Carolina

Week 11: North Carolina at Florida
1 234Total
N. Carolina 0 770 14
Florida 3 070 10

Scheduled since November,[26] the Gators met the North Carolina Tar Heels in a postseason contest at Jacksonville, FL on December 3.[27] It was the first ever meeting between the two schools.[28] Despite outweighing the Tar Heels, the Gators lost 14 to 10.

Florida's scores came on Dickson's goal from placement and a 20-yard pass from Dickson to Carlton.[29]

The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Gunn (left guard), Wilksy (center), C. Perry (guard), Doty (tackle), Duncan (end), Carlton (quarterback), Pomeroy (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[29]

Awards and honors

Tootie Perry was the first Gator ever selected for an All-Southern team following the 1921 season. Among the selectors who honored Perry as such were J. L. Ray of the Nashville Banner, George A. Butler of the Chattanooga News, and John Snell of the Enquirer-Sun.[30]

Players

Line

Number Player Position Games
started
Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
R. H. Burnettend 5'10"180
Arthur Doty tackle 6'0"198
Ferdinand H. Duncan end 6'2"200
Eric "Shorty" Gunn center Kissimmee 6'6"200
Mervin Mounts end 5'9"155
13Carl "Tootie" Perry guard Rochelle Gainesville High 5'10"23025
Henry Perry guard 6'0"247
Robbie Robinson tackle Mobile, Alabama 6'0"17919
Moses Rosenhouse guard 5'8"193
Ivan Scott guard 6'0"180
Robert Swansonend Texarkana 6'0"170
Horace Tolbert guard 5'7"200
Charlie Wilskycenter 5'10"170
Emory Wuthrichtackle 5'8"185

Backfield

Player Position Games
started
Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
Tully Hoyt Carltonfullback Wauchula 6'0"160
J. O'Neal Cox halfback 5'7"150
Ray Dickson fullback 6'0"202
James Merrinfullback Rackmore, Georgia 5'10"155
Ark Newtonhalfback Camden, ArkansasCamden High6'0"18118
Stewart Pomeroyhalfback Tampa 5'6"150
Bill Renfroe quarterback 5'8"160
George Stanleyquarterback Jacksonville 5'8"148

[31][32]

See also

References

  1. Stegeman, H. J. "Foot Ball in the South". Spalding's Football Guide: 89.
  2. 1 2 Carlson, pp. 24-25
  3. Graham, p. 9
  4. McEwen, pp. 75-76
  5. 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 107–108 (2015). Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 "'Gator Machine With Perfect Team Works Triumph Over Camp Benning In a 6 to 0 Hard Fought Battle". Florida Alligator. October 7, 1921.
  7. 1 2 "'Gators Smother Rollins 33 to 0". Florida Alligator. October 14, 1921.
  8. 1 2 3 "Arcadia Flyers Defeat Florida". Florida Alligator. October 14, 1921.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Mercer Goes Down Before Orange and Blue Onslaught". Florida Alligator. October 21, 1921.
  10. "The Team". Mercer Cluster. October 21, 1921. p. 2.
  11. 1 2 "Tennessee Wins Over 'Gators, Who Put Up Wonderful Defensive Fight". Florida Alligator. October 28, 1921.
  12. "Tennessee Beats Florida With Overhead Passes". Greensboro Daily News. October 23, 1921. p. 20. Retrieved September 3, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  13. "Florida Defeats Howard, 34 to 0, In Sea of Mud". Atlanta Constitution. October 30, 1921. p. 2. Retrieved September 3, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Florida Swamps Howard College". The Washington Post. October 30, 1921. p. 29. Retrieved September 1, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  15. "'Gators Prove Too Much For Howard Winning By An Overwhelming Score". Florida Alligator. November 4, 1921.
  16. 1 2 "Florida and S. C. In Tie". Atlanta Constitution. November 6, 1921. p. 2. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  17. Carlson, p. 26
  18. 1 2 3 "Orange and Blue Outclass Red and White in Fast Game". Florida Alligator. November 18, 1921.
  19. "Alabama is Loser 9-2". Atlanta Constitution. November 12, 1921. p. 14. Retrieved August 22, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  20. "Florida Squad Puts One On Alabama Men". The Wilmington Morning Star. November 12, 1921. p. 7. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  21. "'Goat' Hale Ties Florida". Atlanta Constitution. November 19, 1921. p. 10. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  22. "'Gators Will Lock Horns With Miss.. This Afternoon". November 18, 1921.
  23. "Florida University Shows Aerial Play". The Charlotte News. November 19, 1921. p. 3. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  24. "Gators Humble Origins In Its 107-Year History, Florida Football Has Tantalized More Than It Has Triumphed".
  25. 1 2 3 "Tootie's Gators Hand Oglethorpe A 21 to 3 Drubbing---Ends Season". Florida Alligator. November 25, 1921.
  26. "Tar Heels To Play Post-Season Game". The High Point Enterprise. November 19, 1921. p. 1. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  27. "Entire Student Body Goes To Jacksonville To See the 'Gators Put Florida On The Map In Post Season Game With The N. C. Tar Heels". Florida Alligator. December 2, 1921.
  28. "Carolina To Meet Florida Gators". The High Point Enterprise. December 2, 1921. p. 12. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  29. 1 2 "University of North Carolina Triumphs Over Florida 14 to 10". Greensboro Daily News. December 4, 1921. p. 14. Retrieved August 31, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  30. "Scribes Are Finding Material Plentiful For All-Star Machines". Atlanta Constitution. November 29, 1921. p. 12. Retrieved March 13, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  31. "Florida Men Versatile". Atlanta Constitution. January 4, 1922. p. 13. Retrieved September 8, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  32. The Seminole

Books

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/30/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.