1921 Florida Gators football team

1921 Florida Gators football
Conference Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
1921 record 6–3–2 (4–1–2 SIAA)
Head coach William G. Kline
Captain Tootie Perry
Home stadium Fleming Field
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     2 2 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
Clemson 0 4 2     1 6 2
Kentucky 0 2 1     4 3 1
Millsaps 0 3 1     0 3 1
Louisville 0 1 0     2 2 1
Ole Miss 0 3 0     3 6 0
Wofford 0 3 0     2 7 0
Georgetown 0 3 0     0 3 0
Howard 0 5 0     3 6 0
  • + Conference co-champions

The 1921 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida during the 1921 college football season. It was the second season for William Kline as the head coach of the Florida Gators football team. The Gators split a pair of games against football teams from two U.S. Army training bases, and improved their record against major collegiate competition by edging the Alabama Crimson Tide 9–2 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; the Gators' two losses against the Tennessee Volunteers (0–9) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (10–14) were competitive and close. Kline's 1921 Florida Gators produced a marginally improved 6–3–2 overall record compared to the 1920 Gators,[1] and a much better 4–1–2 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) conference record.

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."[2] Captain Tootie Perry was the school's first ever All-Southern selection.

Schedule and results

Date Opponent Site Result Attendance
10–1–1921 Fort Benning* Columbus, Georgia W 6–0  
10–8–1921 Rollins* Orlando, Florida W 33–0  
10–10–1921 Carlstrom Field* Gainesville, Florida L 0–19  
10–15–1921 Mercer Gainesville, Florida W 7–0  
10–22–1921 Tennessee Shields-Watkins FieldKnoxville, Tennessee L 0–9  
10–29–1921 Howard Montgomery, Alabama W 34–0  
11–5–1921 South Carolina Plant FieldTampa, Florida T 7–7  
11–12–1921 Alabama Denny FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama W 9–2  
11–18–1921 Mississippi College Gainesville, Florida T 7–7  
11–26–1921 Oglethorpe Gainesville, Florida W 21–3  
12–3–1921 North Carolina* Jacksonville, Florida L 10–14   7,500
*Non-conference game.

Primary source: 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide.[1]

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, 1921
  • 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 60.[3]

In the third quarter, Camp Benning's Crist attempted to punt and had it blocked, recovered by Florida at the 20-yard line. Renfro went through tackle for seven yards, and T. Hoyt Carlton ran around right end the remaining 13 yards to score. Dickson missed goal.[3]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Camp Benning: 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).[3]

Week 2: Rollins

Week 2: Rollins at Florida
1 234Total
Rollins 0 000 0
Florida 8 0718 33
  • Date: October 8, 1921

Florida rolled up a large, 330 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.[4]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Rollins: 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).[4]

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 to 0.[5] Gene Vidal attempted a drop kick which was blocked, but caught the ball off the rebound and had run 20 yards by the time spectators realized what happened.[5]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Carlstrom Field: 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).[5]

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 just 70.[6] After a 300 loss last year and a stronger Florida team this season, Mercer took it as a moral victory.[7]

Tootie Perry.

"Capt. Tootie Perry was again the star on defense."[6] 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.[6]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Mercer: 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).[6]

Week 5: at Tennessee

Week 5: Florida at Tennessee
1 234Total
Florida 0 000 0
Tennessee 0 900 9
  • Date: October 22, 1921
  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Referee: Parrish (VMI)

The Tennessee Volunteers defeated Florida 9 to 0.[8] 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.[9]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Tennessee: 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).[8]

Week 6: at Howard

In a "drizzling rain" and "sea of mud" in Montgomery,[10] Florida defeated the Howard Bulldogs 340 and gave up just one first down.[11][12]

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 77 tie. The Gamecocks scored early after a fumble recovery near the goal. 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."[13]

The Gators starting lineup against South Carolina: 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).[13]

Week 8: at Alabama

Week 8: Florida at Alabama
1 234Total
Florida 6 003 9
Alabama 0 020 2
  • Date: November 11, 1921
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Game attendance: 5,000

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 92.[14]

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.[14] Alabama scored on a safety after blocking a Ray Dickson punt into the endzone.[15] A 20-yard drop kick was the Gators' final score.

The starting lineup for the Gators against Alabama: 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).[14][16]

Week 9: Mississippi College

Week 9: Mississippi College at Florida
1 234Total
Mississippi 0 700 7
Florida 0 007 7
  • Date: November 18, 1921
  • Location: Gainesville, FL
Goat Hale.

Florida battled coach Stanley L. Robinson's Mississippi College Choctaws to a 77 tie.[17] Florida had the greater weight and Mississippi College the greater speed.[18]

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 with a series of forward passes, scoring its touchdown.[19] Ark Newton had a 92-yard punt in this game.[20]

Week 10: Oglethorpe

Week 10: Oglethorpe at Florida
1 234Total
Oglethorpe 0 030 3
Florida 14 700 21
  • Date: November 25, 1921
  • Location: Gainesville, FL

Florida defeated coach Jogger Elcock's Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 21 to 3, keeping the ball in Oglethorpe territory most of the game.[21] The Gators scored all their 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. 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.

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,[22] the Gators met the North Carolina Tar Heels in a postseason contest at Jacksonville on December 3. A large crowd was expected.[23] It was the first ever meeting between the two schools.[24] 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.[25]

The Gators starting lineup against North Carolina: 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).[25]

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.[26]

Players

Line

Backfield

[27]

See also

References

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