1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team

The 1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The Bulldogs had an 8–0–1 record,[1] outscored opponents 250–17, and were also co-champion of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, with in-state rival Georgia Tech as well as Tulane, which were also undefeated in conference play.

1920 Georgia Bulldogs football
National champion (Berryman)
SIAA co-champion
ConferenceSouthern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Record8–0–1 (7–0 SIAA)
Head coach
CaptainBum Day
Home stadiumSanford Field
Uniform
1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football standings
ConfOverall
TeamW L TW L T
Georgia + 7 –0 –08 –0 –1
Tulane + 5 –0 –06 –2 –1
Georgia Tech + 4 –0 –08 –1 –0
Alabama 6 –1 –010 –1 –0
Centre 4 –1 –08 –2 –0
Furman 3 –1 –09 –1 –0
South Carolina 3 –1 –05 –4 –0
Tennessee 5 –2 –07 –2 –0
Auburn 4 –2 –07 –2 –0
Mississippi A&M 4 –2 –05 –3 –0
Sewanee 3 –3 –14 –3 –1
Vanderbilt 3 –3 –04 –3 –1
Transylvania 2 –2 –03 –4 –0
Howard (AL) 2 –3 –03 –5 –1
Mississippi College 2 –4 –03 –5 –0
Florida 1 –2 –06 –3 –0
Clemson 2 –6 –04 –6 –1
LSU 1 –3 –05 –3 –1
Chattanooga 1 –3 –03 –4 –1
The Citadel 1 –4 –02 –6 –0
Ole Miss 0 –2 –04 –3 –0
Kentucky 0 –3 –13 –4 –1
Georgetown (KY) 0 –2 –00 –3 –0
Millsaps 0 –3 –00 –3 –0
Mercer 0 –4 –02 –6 –0
Wofford 0 –4 –00 –8 –1
  • + – Conference co-champions

Georgia gave Furman their only loss, and did the same to Alabama in the year's biggest win.[2] This was the Georgia Bulldogs' first season under the guidance of head coach Herman Stegeman and the team's second undefeated season in its history (first since 1896 under Pop Warner). The Bulldogs were retroactively awarded a national championship by Clyde Berryman.[3]

Before the season

The Bulldogs were led by first-year head coach Herman Stegeman, who attended the University of Chicago and learned football from the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg. During the end of World War I, the United States Army stationed Stegeman in Athens to create physical training courses for the UGA Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Last season, Stegeman was hired by head coach Alex Cunningham as an assistant. Cunningham then went into the Army, and Stegeman was promoted to head coach. Stegeman was assisted by backfield coach and Warner disciple Jimmy DeHart.

Georgia became known for its line during the early 1920s, this season returning All-Southerns in end Owen Reynolds, tackle Artie Pew, and center and captain Bum Day; as well as guard Hugh Whelchel and a young Joe Bennett. In 1920, the Bulldogs line was complemented with a strong backfield, led by Buck Cheves and known as the "Ten Second Backfield."[4]

Schedule
DateOpponentSiteResultAttendance
October 2The Citadel
W 40–0
October 9at South CarolinaColumbia, SC (rivalry)W 37–0
October 13at Furman
W 7–0
October 23at Oglethorpe*Atlanta, GAW 27–3
October 30vs. Auburn
W 7–07,000
November 6at Virginia*
T 0–05,000
November 13Florida
W 56–0
November 20vs. Alabama
W 21–1411,000
November 25Clemson
W 55–05,000
  • *Non-conference game

Game summaries

Week 1: The Citadel

The Bulldogs opened the season with a 40–0 defeat of The Citadel. Citadel made one first down.[5] The first score was a 60-yard run by Hartley.[5]

Week 2: at South Carolina
Week 2: Georgia at South Carolina
1 234Total
• Georgia 10 13140 37
S. Carolina 0 000 0

In the second week of play, Georgia easily defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 37–0, "principally through the ability of Hartley and Cheves to advance the ball by long runs".[6] Hartley returned the second-half kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown, and had another 75-yard touchdown run two minutes later.[6]

The starting lineup was: Reynolds (left end), J. Bennett (left tackle), Anthony (left guard), Day (center), Murray (right guard), Pew (right tackle), Owens (right end), Cheves (quarterback), Echols (left halfback), Hartley (right halfback), Collings (fullback).[6][7]

Week 3: at Furman
Week 3: Georgia at Furman
1 234Total
• Georgia 0 007 7
Furman 0 000 0
  • Date: October 13
  • Location: Manly Field
    Greenville, SC
  • Game attendance: 2,500

A close-fought game with coach Billy Laval's Speedy Speer-led Furman Purple Hurricane brought the Bulldogs a 7–0 win and Furman's only loss on the year. Georgia scored thanks to a pass from Buck Cheves to Sheldon Fitts. A punting duel with Milton McManaway and Dave Collings featured throughout.[8]

Week 4: at Oglethorpe

Georgia beat the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 27–3.[9] Oglethorpe's captain Knox scored the season's first points on the Bulldogs.[10]

Week 5: Auburn
Week 5: Auburn at Georgia
1 234Total
Auburn 0 000 0
• Georgia 7 000 7
  • Date: October 30
  • Location: McClung Stadium
    Columbus, GA
  • Game attendance: 7,000
  • Referee: Jogger Elcock

The Bulldogs upset the Auburn Tigers 7–0, getting revenge for last year's loss. The only touchdown of the game was a 20-yard pass from Buck Cheves to Dick Hartley. Frank Stubbs starred for Auburn.[11] Artie Pew was ejected for slugging, and thus missed his chance to go out with an Auburn victory.

The starting lineup was: Reynolds (left end), Pew (left tackle), Whelchel (left guard), Day (center), Vandiver (right guard), J. Bennett (right tackle), P. Bennett (right end), Cheves (quarterback), Hartley (left halfback), Collings (right halfback), Echols (fullback).[11][12]

Week 6: at Virginia
Week 6: Georgia at Virginia
1 234Total
Georgia 0 000 0
Virginia 0 000 0

The aerial attack of the Virginia Orange and Blue met a staunch Georgia defense as the two teams fought to a scoreless tie in Charlottesville. Owen Reynolds and Paige Bennett starred for Georgia.[13]

The starting lineup was: Reynolds (left end), Pew (left tackle), Whelchel (left guard), Day (center), Vandiver (right guard), Anthony (right tackle), P. Bennett (right end), Cheves (quarterback), Collins (left halfback), Hartley (right halfback), Tanner (fullback).[13][14]

Week 7: Florida
Week 7: Florida at Georgia
1 234Total
Florida 0 000 0
• Georgia 7 28147 56
  • Date: November 13
  • Location: Sanford Field
    Athens, GA
  • Referee: W. R. Tichenor

Georgia rolled up a large 56–0 score on the Florida Gators. Florida put up a hard fight until Georgia got its first touchdown across, pouring it on from there. Quarterback Sheldon Fitts was the star of the contest.[15][16] Fitts and Bohren scored two touchdowns. Paige Bennett, Hartley, Echols, and Collings had one each. Owen Reynolds starred again.[17]

The starting lineup was: Reynolds (left end), J. Bennett (left tackle), Whelchel (left guard), Day (center), Vandiver (right guard), Pew (right tackle), P. Bennett (right end), Pitts (quarterback), Collins (left halfback), Hartley (right halfback), Echols (fullback).[15][18]

Photo from the Alabama game. Artie Pew is attempting to tackle Riggs Stephenson. Behind Pew is Puss Whelchel.

Week 8: Alabama
Week 8: Alabama at Georgia
1 234Total
Alabama 0 770 14
• Georgia 14 007 21

The key win for the conference title was the 21–14 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. None of Georgia's touchdowns were scored by the offense.[19]

Paige Bennett recovered a Mullie Lenoir fumble and ran 40 yards for a touchdown. Artie Pew kicked goal. On the next possession, Hugh Whelchel blocked a Riggs Stephenson punt , and Pew picked up the ball running 24 yards to score, kicking his own goal. On the next drive, Lenoir scored. In the third quarter, Al Clemens caught a tipped ball, and ran down the sidelines with a wall of blockers for the tying score. Late in the final period, Georgia's O'Connor tried a drop kick which was blocked by Whelchel. Buck Cheves recovered the ball and ran 87 yards for the touchdown[20] Again Pew converted goal.[19] The recovery by Cheves ranked fourth in The 50 Greatest Plays In Georgia Bulldogs Football History.[21]

The starting lineup was: Reynolds (left end), J. Bennett (left tackle), Vandiver (left guard), Day (center), Whelchel (right guard), Pew (right tackle), P. Bennett (Right end), Pitts (quarterback), Collins (left halfback), Hartley (right halfback), Echols (fullback).[22][23]

Week 9: Clemson
Week 9: Clemson at Georgia
1 234Total
Clemson 0 000 0
• Georgia 14 62114 55
  • Date: November 25
  • Location: Sanford Field
    Athens, GA
  • Game attendance: 5,000

Cheves and Hartley starred again in a 55–0 romp over Clemson to end the season. Dave Collings was the star of the contest scoring two touchdowns.[24] The starting lineup was Reynolds (left end), J. Bennett (left tackle), Whelchel (left guard), Day (center), Anthony (right guard), Pew (right tackle), P. Bennett (Right end), Cheves (quarterback), Hartley (left halfback), Collings (right halfback), Echols (fullback).[24]

Post season

Owen Reynolds was elected captain for next year.[25] Reynolds, Pew, and Day were all composite All-Southern selections. Whelchel also made several selections, and Joe Bennett made one.[26]

Rooters on either side of Georgia were happy as both the Bulldogs and Georgia Tech claimed SIAA titles.[27] The Bulldogs were retroactively named the national champion for 1920 under the Berryman QPRS methodology.[28]

Personnel

Line
Number Player Position Games
started		 Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
Thurston AnthonyTackle
11Joe BennettTackleStatesboro, Georgia18019
13Paige BennettEnd
1Bum DayCenterNashville, GeorgiaPorter Military Academy5'10"19022
W. Mercer MurrayGuardFort Valley, GeorgiaGeorgia Military Academy5'11"17019
3Owen ReynoldsEndDouglasville, Georgia6'3"170
9Artie PewTackleDamascus, Georgia19522
Jim TaylorTackleHazlehurst, Georgia
4Nemo VandiverGuard
45Hugh WhelchelGuardDahlonega, Georgia20020

Backfield
Number Player Position Games
started		 Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
19Buck ChevesQuarterback14521
5Dave CollingsHalfback
29Roy EcholsFullbackDarlington Academy
31Sheldon FittsHalfbackGeorgia Military College
23Dick HartleyHalfbackFort Valley, Georgia
Goat TannerHalfback

Unlisted
Player
Paul Anderson
Dan Bennett
Joe Blackmon
Bill Campbell

[4][29]

Scoring leaders

The following is an incomplete list of statistics and scores, largely dependent on newspaper summaries.

Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Points
Dick Hartley110066
Sheldon Fitts70042
Artie Pew228040
Buck Cheves50030
Dave Collings30121
Bohran30018
Joe Bennett23015
Paige Bennett1006
Bum Day1006
Roy Echols1006
Total36311250

See also

References
  1. "1920 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
  2. "Great defense of Georgia is Alabama's end". The Ledger. NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers. November 21, 1920. p. 2.
  3. 2017 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records (PDF). Indianapolis: The National Collegiate Athletic Association. July 2017. p. 111. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  4. Garbin, Patrick (2008). About Them Dawgs!. ISBN 9780810860407.
  5. "Georgia Defeats Citadel". Atlanta Constitution. October 3, 1920. p. 2. Retrieved April 27, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  6. "Georgia Defeats Carolina". The Atlanta Constitution. October 10, 1920. p. 4. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  7. Woodruff 1928, p. 111
  8. "Ga. Barely Overcome Furman Crew". The Red and Black. October 22, 1920. p. 8.
  9. John H. Mahoney (October 24, 1920). "Georgia Emerges Winner". The Atlanta Constitution. p. 3. Retrieved April 27, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  10. "Georgia University Wins From Oglethorpe". The Tennessean. October 24, 1920. p. 16. Retrieved April 27, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  11. Gene Hinton (October 31, 1920). "Georgia Upsets Dope and Defeats Auburn By A Single Touchdown". The Atlanta Constitution. p. 2. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. Woodruff 1928, p. 125
  13. "Georgia and Virginia Battle To Scoreless Tie In Death Grapple". The Atlanta Constitution. November 7, 1920. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  14. Woodruff 1928, p. 128
  15. "'Gators Lose To Georgia In One-Sided Bout". The Florida Alligator. Vol. 9. November 19, 1920.
  16. "'Gators Are Beaten By Red and Black In One-Sided Game". The Red and Black. November 19, 1920. p. 8.
  17. John H. Mahoney (November 14, 1920). "Georgia Bulldogs Enjoys Feast Of Choice Florida 'Gator Meat, Winning Game By Great Margin". Atlanta Constitution. p. 3. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  18. Woodruff 1928, p. 131
  19. "1920 Season" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 13, 2018.
  20. "Longest Plays" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 30, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  21. Patrick Garbin (August 5, 2008). The 50 Greatest Plays in Georgia Bulldogs Football History.
  22. Cliff Wheatley (November 21, 1920). "Blocked Punt Enables Bulldog To Defeat Alabama In Final Five Minutes of Annual Game". The Atlanta Constitution. p. 3. Retrieved September 8, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  23. Woodruff 1928, pp. 133–136
  24. John Mahoney (November 26, 1920). "Georgia Bulldogs' Offensive Bowls Over Clemson Tiger, and Athenians Rull Up 55 Points On Carolinian". p. 14. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via newspapers.com. open access
  25. "Reynolds To Lead Bulldog". The Atlanta Constitution. November 28, 1920. p. 2. Retrieved March 21, 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  26. "All-Southern Grid Eleven Is Named". December 6, 1920. p. 12. Retrieved March 2, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  27. "Conference Championships - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
  28. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (2015). "National Poll Rankings" (PDF). NCAA Division I Football Records. NCAA. p. 108. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  29. "GEORGIADOGS.COM - University of University of Georgia Official Athletic Site - Football". Archived from the original on January 1, 2011.

Additional sources
  • Woodruff, Fuzzy (1928). A History of Southern Football 1890–1928. Vol. 2.
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