1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team
American college football season
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The 1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The Bulldogs had an 8â0â1 record,[1] outscored opponents 250â17, 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 | |
| Conference | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| Record | 8â0â1 (7â0 SIAA) |
| Head coach |
|
| Assistant coach | Jimmy DeHart |
| Captain | Bum Day |
| Home stadium | Sanford Field |
Uniform | |
 | |
| Conf. | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team | W | L | T | W | L | T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia + | 7 | â | 0 | â | 0 | 8 | â | 0 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tulane + | 5 | â | 0 | â | 0 | 6 | â | 2 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech + | 4 | â | 0 | â | 0 | 8 | â | 1 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alabama | 6 | â | 1 | â | 0 | 10 | â | 1 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Centre | 4 | â | 1 | â | 0 | 8 | â | 2 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Furman | 3 | â | 1 | â | 0 | 9 | â | 1 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 3 | â | 1 | â | 0 | 5 | â | 4 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 5 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 7 | â | 2 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Auburn | 4 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 7 | â | 2 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi A&M | 4 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 5 | â | 3 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sewanee | 3 | â | 3 | â | 1 | 4 | â | 3 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vanderbilt | 3 | â | 3 | â | 0 | 4 | â | 3 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transylvania | 2 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 3 | â | 4 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Howard (AL) | 2 | â | 3 | â | 0 | 3 | â | 5 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi College | 2 | â | 4 | â | 0 | 3 | â | 5 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 1 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 6 | â | 3 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Clemson | 2 | â | 6 | â | 0 | 4 | â | 6 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LSU | 1 | â | 3 | â | 0 | 5 | â | 3 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chattanooga | 1 | â | 3 | â | 0 | 3 | â | 4 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Citadel | 1 | â | 4 | â | 0 | 2 | â | 6 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ole Miss | 0 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 4 | â | 3 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kentucky | 0 | â | 3 | â | 1 | 3 | â | 4 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Georgetown (KY) | 0 | â | 2 | â | 0 | 0 | â | 3 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Millsaps | 0 | â | 3 | â | 0 | 0 | â | 3 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mercer | 0 | â | 4 | â | 0 | 2 | â | 6 | â | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wofford | 0 | â | 4 | â | 0 | 0 | â | 8 | â | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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.[2]
Georgia fielded a strong 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. This season, the Bulldogs line was complemented with a strong backfield, led by quarterback Buck Cheves and known as the "ten second backfield."[3][a]
Georgia upset rival Auburn. The Bulldogs also gave Furman their only loss, and did the same to Alabama in the year's biggest win.[5] The highlight of the Alabama game, Cheves' 87-yard touchdown after a fumble recovery, ranked fourth in The 50 Greatest Plays In Georgia Bulldogs Football History.
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.
Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2 | The Citadel | W 40â0 | ||
| October 9 | at South Carolina | Columbia, SC (rivalry) | W 37â0 | |
| October 13 | at Furman |
| W 7â0 | |
| October 23 | at Oglethorpe* | Atlanta, GA | W 27â3 | |
| October 30 | vs. Auburn | W 7â0 | 7,000 | |
| November 6 | at Virginia* | T 0â0 | 5,000 | |
| November 13 | Florida |
| W 56â0 | |
| November 20 | vs. Alabama | W 21â14 | 11,000 | |
| November 25 | Clemson |
| W 55â0 | 5,000 |
| ||||
Game summaries
Week 1: The Citadel
The Bulldogs opened the season with a 40â0 defeat of The Citadel. Citadel made one first down.[6] The first score was a 60-yard run by Hartley.[6]
Week 2: at South Carolina
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⢠Georgia | 10 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 37 |
| S. Carolina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Date: October 6
- Location: Columbia, SC
In the second week of play, Georgia easily defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 37â0, "principally through the ability of Hartley and Cheves to advance the ball by long runs".[7] Hartley returned the second-half kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown, and had another 75-yard touchdown run two minutes later.[7]
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).[7][8]
Week 3: at Furman
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⢠Georgia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Furman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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 7â0 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.[9]
Week 4: at Oglethorpe
Georgia beat the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 27â3.[10] Oglethorpe's captain Knox scored the season's first points on the Bulldogs.[11]
Week 5: Auburn
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ⢠Georgia | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
- Date: October 30
- Location: McClung Stadium
Columbus, GA - Game attendance: 7,000
- Referee: Jogger Elcock
The Bulldogs upset the Auburn Tigers 7â0, 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.[12] 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).[12][13]
Week 6: at Virginia
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Virginia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Date: November 6
- Location: Lambeth Field
Charlottesville, VA - Game attendance: 5,000
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.[14]
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).[14][15]
Week 7: Florida
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ⢠Georgia | 7 | 28 | 14 | 7 | 56 |
- Date: November 13
- Location: Sanford Field
Athens, GA - Referee: W. R. Tichenor
Georgia rolled up a large 56â0 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.[16][17] Fitts and Bohren scored two touchdowns. Paige Bennett, Hartley, Echols, and Collings had one each. Owen Reynolds starred again.[18]
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).[16][19]
Week 8: Alabama
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| ⢠Georgia | 14 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
- Date: November 20
- Location: Poncey
Atlanta, GA - Game attendance: 11,000
- Referee: W. R. Tichenor
The key win for the conference title was the 21â14 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. None of Georgia's touchdowns were scored by the offense.[20]
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[21] Again Pew converted goal.[20] The recovery by Cheves ranked fourth in The 50 Greatest Plays In Georgia Bulldogs Football History.[22]
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).[23][24]
Week 9: Clemson
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ⢠Georgia | 14 | 6 | 21 | 14 | 55 |
- Date: November 25
- Location: Sanford Field
Athens, GA - Game attendance: 5,000
Cheves and Hartley starred again in a 55â0 romp over Clemson to end the season. Dave Collings was the star of the contest scoring two touchdowns.[25] 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).[25]
Post season
Owen Reynolds was elected captain for next year.[26] Reynolds, Pew, and Day were all composite All-Southern selections. Whelchel also made several selections, and Joe Bennett made one.[27]
Rooters on either side of Georgia were happy as both the Bulldogs and Georgia Tech claimed SIAA titles.[28] The Bulldogs were retroactively named the national champion for 1920 under the Berryman QPRS methodology.[29]
Personnel
Roster
Line
| Number | Player | Position | Games started |
Hometown | Prep school | Height | Weight | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurston Anthony | Tackle | |||||||
| 11 | Joe Bennett | Tackle | Statesboro, Georgia | 180 | 19 | |||
| 13 | Paige Bennett | End | ||||||
| 1 | Bum Day | Center | Nashville, Georgia | Porter Military Academy | 5'10" | 190 | 22 | |
| W. Mercer Murray | Guard | Fort Valley, Georgia | Georgia Military Academy | 5'11" | 170 | 19 | ||
| 3 | Owen Reynolds | End | Douglasville, Georgia | 6'3" | 170 | |||
| 9 | Artie Pew | Tackle | Damascus, Georgia | 195 | 22 | |||
| Jim Taylor | Tackle | Hazlehurst, Georgia | ||||||
| 4 | Nemo Vandiver | Guard | ||||||
| 45 | Hugh Whelchel | Guard | Dahlonega, Georgia | 200 | 20 | |||
Backfield
| Number | Player | Position | Games started |
Hometown | Prep school | Height | Weight | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Buck Cheves | Quarterback | Richwood, Georgia | Georgia Military College | 145 | 21â22 | ||
| 5 | Dave Collings | Halfback | Atlanta, Georgia | Boys High School (Atlanta) | 18â19 | |||
| 29 | Roy Echols | Fullback | Darlington Academy | |||||
| 31 | Sheldon Fitts | Halfback | Jemison, Alabama | Georgia Military College | 20â21 | |||
| 23 | Dick Hartley | Halfback | Fort Valley, Georgia | Georgia Military Academy | 19â20 | |||
| Goat Tanner | Halfback | |||||||
Unlisted
| Player |
|---|
| Paul Anderson |
| Dan Bennett |
| Joe Blackmon |
| Bill Campbell |
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 Hartley | 11 | 0 | 0 | 66 |
| Sheldon Fitts | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42 |
| Artie Pew | 2 | 28 | 0 | 40 |
| Buck Cheves | 5 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Dave Collings | 3 | 0 | 1 | 21 |
| Bohran | 3 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Joe Bennett | 2 | 3 | 0 | 15 |
| Paige Bennett | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Bum Day | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Roy Echols | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 36 | 31 | 1 | 250 |
