1922 Florida Gators football team

The 1922 Florida Gators football team represented the Florida Gators of the University of Florida during the 1922 Southern Conference football season. The season was law professor William G. Kline's third and last year as the head coach of the Florida Gators football team. Kline's 1922 Florida Gators finished 7–2 overall,[1] and 2–0 in their first year as members of the new Southern Conference, placing fifth of twenty-one teams in the conference standings.

1922 Florida Gators football
ConferenceSouthern Conference
1922 record7–2 (2–0 SoCon)
Head coach
Offensive schemeMultiple
CaptainFerdinand H. Duncan
Home stadiumFleming Field
Uniform
1922 Southern Conference football standings
Conf  Overall
TeamW L T  W L T
North Carolina + 5 –0 –0  9 –1 –0
Georgia Tech + 4 –0 –0  7 –2 –0
Vanderbilt * + 3 –0 –0  8 –0 –1
VPI 3 –0 –0  8 –1 –1
Florida 2 –0 –0  7 –2 –0
Auburn 2 –1 –0  8 –2 –0
Tennessee 3 –2 –0  8 –2 –0
Alabama 3 –2 –1  6 –3 –1
Virginia 1 –1 –1  4 –4 –1
Mississippi A&M 2 –3 –0  3 –4 –2
Kentucky 1 –2 –0  6 –3 –0
Clemson 1 –2 –0  5 –4 –0
Washington and Lee 1 –2 –0  5 –3 –1
Maryland 1 –2 –0  4 –5 –1
LSU 1 –2 –0  3 –7 –0
Georgia 1 –3 –1  5 –4 –1
Tulane 1 –4 –0  4 –4 –0
South Carolina 0 –2 –0  5 –4 –0
Ole Miss 0 –2 –0  4 –5 –1
NC State 0 –5 –0  4 –6 –0
  • + – Conference co-champions
  • * – co-member of SIAA

Despite the undefeated conference record, the team played only two conference opponents (Tulane and Clemson) and so did not rank as co-champion with Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina.[2]

The 1922 Spalding's Football Guide ranked Florida as the best forward passing team in the country. The team had an unexpected loss early in the season to Furman in a close match, but otherwise the season is notable for visiting Washington D. C. and the White House upon traveling North for the first time to face the Harvard Crimson, and the upset of Tulane.

Before the season

In the first season of the new Southern Conference (SoCon), freshmen were barred from play.[3]

1921 had been the best year in Florida football history. Florida had two of the South's best punters in running backs Ark Newton and Ray Dickson.[4]

Schedule
DateOpponentSiteResultAttendance
October 7Furman*
L 6–7
October 14at Rollins*Orlando, FLW 19–0
October 21vs. American Legion*Tampa, FLW 14–0
October 28Howard*
  • Fleming Field
  • Gainesville, FL
W 57–0
November 4at Harvard*
L 0–2430,000
November 11vs. Mississippi College*
W 58–04,000
November 18at Tulane
W 27–66,000
November 25at Oglethorpe*
W 12–0
December 2vs. Clemson
W 47–14
  • *Non-conference game

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

Season summary

Week 1: Furman
Week 1: Furman at Florida
1 234Total
• Furman 7 000 7
Florida 0 600 6

The lone upset of the year happened in the opening game with a 7 to 6 loss to coach Billy Laval's Furman Purple Hurricane.[5] A muddy and slippery field plagued the first half. Florida had two touchdowns called back and halfback Case once fell down with a clear field in front of him. The Gators' only score was made in a downpour.[6]

Florida completed just two passes. Furman scored on its only completed pass, a long one of 60+ yards. Ark Newton once failing to kick goal proved to be the difference.[7] As a result of this game, the coaches revised their tactics and strategy.[4]

The starting lineup was: Coleman (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Norton (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Pomeroy (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Hockenstadt (fullback).[5]

Week 2: Rollins

Again rain and a soggy field hampered play in the second week against the Rollins Tars in Orlando. Florida only rolled up 19 points with the new tactics.[8] Dickson made two touchdowns and Newton one.[9]

The starting lineup was: Coleman (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Norton (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Pomeroy (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[9]

Week 3: American Legion
Week 3: American Legion at Florida
1 234Total
Legion 0 000 0
• Florida 0 077 14

Facing many former college football stars, including Hall of Famer Buck Flowers, who netted a 74-yard punt during the contest, Florida defeated American Legion 14–0 in Tampa using much of the new style of play.[10] Stewart Pomeroy scored both touchdowns and Ray Dickson made both extra points.[11] The last touchdown from Pomeroy was "a beautiful run around right end."[11]

Week 4: Howard

In the game against coach Harris Cope's Howard Bulldogs in Gainesville, Florida seemed to find its stride within the coaches' new system, winning 57–0.[8] Coleman broke his collarbone.[12]

The starting lineup was: Coleman (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Pomeroy (quarterback), Case (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[12]

Week 5: at Harvard
Week 5: Florida at Harvard
1 234Total
Florida 0 000 0
• Harvard 14 307 24

In the Gators' first ever game against a traditional northeastern college football power, they traveled north to meet coach Bob Fisher's Harvard Crimson. On their way north the Gators stopped in Washington, D. C. and were greeted by President Warren Harding.[13]

The Gator team met President Harding (pictured) prior to the Harvard game.

Harvard subs overwhelmed the Florida team 24 to 0 in front of the largest crowd yet to see the Gators play. One writer spoke of "the desperate rally of Florida's 'Gators against the overwhelming Harvard attack" which despite the loss "showed the 'Gators probably the best team the Gainesville institution has turned out."[14] The stars for Florida that day included backs Ray Dickson and Ark Newton. On the line, Robbie Robinson, "who at times stood Harvard's backs on their heads," played well. "Robinson and Duncan stood out all afternoon." [15]

The starting lineup was: Hockinstadt (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Pomeroy (quarterback), Newton (left halfback), Case (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[15][16]

Week 6: Mississippi College
Week 6: Mississippi College at Florida
1 234Total
Mississippi 0 000 0
• Florida 0 131332 58

In Tampa on Plant Field, the Gators defeated coach Stanley L. Robinson's Mississippi College Choctaws 58 to 0. Florida played poorly in the first quarter.[17] The highlight of the game was Ark Newton's run of 72 yards in the second quarter.[18][19]

The starting lineup was: Mounts (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Case (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[19]

Week 7: at Tulane
Week 7: Florida at Tulane
1 234Total
• Florida 6 0714 27
Tulane 0 600 6
  • Date: November 18
  • Location: Tulane Stadium
    New Orleans, LA
  • Game attendance: 6,000
  • Referee: Bonner (Auburn)

In the seventh week of play, Florida defeated coach Clark Shaughnessy's Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans 27 to 6 in an upset.[20][21] Fullback Ray Dickson was all over the field tackling Tulane's players. He knocked Tulane center Eddie Reed out of the game on a hit which got an unnecessary roughness penalty.[22]

Ark Newton.

After the first half ended in a 6–6 tie, the Gators opened up a passing attack in the second half "which could not be stopped."[23] One sportswriter claimed Ark Newton threw 13 completions in a row.[24] "Newton gave the greatest halfback exhibition this season in New Orleans."[22]

The starting lineup was: Hockinstadt (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Newton (left halfback), Case (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[20][22]

Week 8: at Oglethorpe
Week 8: Florida at Oglethorpe
1 234Total
• Florida 0 606 12
Oglethorpe 0 000 0

Freezing weather and a stony field in Atlanta made for unexpected trouble against the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels. Florida defeated the Petrels by just a 12 to 0 score.[25] End Ferdinand H. Duncan scored all of Florida's points. "Albeit Duncan did the damage...most of the credit for the victory should go to Newton."[26]

The starting lineup was: Hockinstad (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Case (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback).[26]

Week 9: Clemson
Week 9: Clemson at Florida
1 234Total
Clemson 0 770 14
• Florida 6 131414 47

The Gators defeated the Clemson Tigers 47 to 14 using a repertoire of shifting tactics.[27][28] They also used hard line plunges and forward passes. "Newton and Pomeroy provided the thrills from the Florida side."[29] A description of the game reads "The whistle frequently found Ark Newton, Florida's star on his feet with four or five of the Carolinians clinging around him and the others smothered under the Florida poundage."[30]

The starting lineup was: Mounts (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Byrd (left guard), Gunn (center), Scott (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Hockenstad (right end), Barchan (quarterback), Pomeroy (left halfback), Case (right halfback), Newton (fullback).[27]

Postseason

Awards and honors

The season trumped the accomplishments even of last year's team.[4] Newton was selected for the All-Southern team of Ed Hebert of the Times-Picayune in 1922.[31]

The 1922 freshman team was a Southern champion, coached by Florida native and former Yale All-American John Acosta.[32][n 1]

Kline's departure

After the 1922–1923 school year, Kline resigned to pursue a legal career,[33] and returned to the University of Nebraska, where he was the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball and baseball teams, and later became a published author of books on coaching football, basketball and baseball. He was replaced at Florida by assistant Van Fleet.

Personnel

Line
Player Position Games
started		 Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
Calhoun Byrdguard8
Robert Carltoncenter0
Arthur Dotytackle86'0"198
Ferdinand H. Duncanend7University of South Dakota6'2"20026
Eric Dunncenter8Kissimmee6'6"200
George Hodgesguard0
Lloyd Hokenstadend4
Mervin Mountsend25'9"155
Robbie Robinsontackle8Mobile, Alabama6'0"18020
Ivan Scottguard86'0"180

Backfield
Player Position Games
started		 Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
Joseph Barchanquarterback6
Osmond Biehalfback0
Lawrence Casehalfback6St. Augustine
Ray Dicksonfullback66'0"202
Ark Newtonhalfback8Camden, ArkansasCamden High6'1"18519
Stewart Pomeroyhalfback/quarterback5Tampa5'6"150

[34]

Coaching staff

See also

Notes
  1. The team included Cy Williams, Goldy Goldstein, Edgar Jones, and Bill Middlekauff.

References
  1. 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 107–108 (2015). Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  2. 2009 Southern Conference Football Media Guide, Year-by-Year Standings, Southern Conference, Spartanburg, South Carolina, p. 74 (2009). Retrieved August 30, 2010.
  3. "Drastic Rules Are Adopted By New Southern Conference To Keep College Sports Clean". The Atlanta Constitution. February 27, 1921. p. 2. Retrieved August 16, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. University of Florida 1923, p. 97
  5. "Florida Loses Initial Game To Furman By Close Score of 7-6 In Hard Fought Battle Saturday". Florida Alligator. October 1, 1922.
  6. "Furman Wins From Florida Eleven By Score of 7 to 6". Greensboro Daily News. October 8, 1922. p. 18. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. "Failure To Kick Goal Gave Game To Furman". Winston-Salem Journal. October 8, 1922. p. 7. Retrieved August 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. University of Florida 1923, p. 98
  9. "Gators Outclass Rollins; Score Three Touchdowns Game Was Played In Rain". Florida Alligator. October 15, 1922.
  10. "For 'Gators". Atlanta Constitution. October 26, 1922. p. 10. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Gators Take Third Game From State Legion team In Tampa By 14-0 Score". Florida Alligator. October 21, 1922.
  12. "Gators Swamp Howard Team; Score Is 58 to 0". Florida Alligator. October 28, 1922.
  13. "Harvard Is Held To 24 Points Only Ten After First Quarter". Florida Alligator. November 5, 1922.
  14. Associated Press (November 6, 1922). "Brilliant Battles Marked Saturday's Football Games". Durham Morning Herald. p. 7. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Harvard Subs Find Florida Team Easy". The New York Times. November 5, 1922. p. 26. Retrieved August 20, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. "Harvard Pierces Hide of 'Gators". Asheville Citizen. November 5, 1922. p. 18. Retrieved August 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. "Mississippi Unable To Score On Florida Varsity Wins 58-0". Florida Alligator. November 12, 1922.
  18. "Florida Beats Mississippi". The Wilmington Morning Star. November 13, 1922. p. 7. Retrieved August 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. "'Gators Ruin Mississippi". Atlanta Constitution. November 12, 1922. p. 2. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. Woodruff 1928, p. 222
  21. "'Gators Even Old Scores With Tulane, Take Game 27 to 6; Newton Is Star". Florida Alligator. November 18, 1922.
  22. "Heavy Florida Team Batters Down Tulane's Defense and Wins, 27-6". Atlanta Constitution. November 19, 1922. p. 3. Retrieved August 20, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. "Florida Gators Wallop Tulane's Battling Bunch". The Anniston Star. November 19, 1922. p. 8. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. "Prokop Duplicated Ark Newton's Feat". The Miami News. November 19, 1943.
  25. "Oglethorpe Holds Gators to Close Score of 12 to 0 Saturday". Florida Alligator. November 25, 1922.
  26. Paul Warwick (November 26, 1922). "Oglethorpe Is Defeated by Florida Gator, 12-0; Duncan Proves Big Star". Atlanta Constitution. p. 1. Retrieved August 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. "Florida Smother The Clemson Team 47 to 14". The Charlotte Observer. December 3, 1922. p. 1. Retrieved August 20, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. "Varsity Takes Final Game of Season From Clemson Piles Up 47 Points to 14". Florida Alligator. December 2, 1922.
  29. "University of Florida Wins Over Clemson, But Tigers Score Twice". Atlanta Constitution. December 3, 1922. p. 3. Retrieved August 30, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. "Florida's Force Baffles Tigers". The State. December 3, 1922.
  31. "Selection of Mythical All-Southern Grid Team Difficult Task; Much Star Talent of Dixie Elevens This Season". The Montgomery Advertiser. December 3, 1922.
  32. Harry Gardner Cutler (1923). History of Florida : Past and Present, Historical and Biographical. 2. p. 330.
  33. Carlson 2007, p. 27
  34. University of Florida 1923, pp. 99–104

Bibliography
  • Carlson, Norm (2007). University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators. Atlanta, Georgia: Whitman Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-0-7948-2298-9.
  • University of Florida (1923). The Seminole.
  • Woodruff, Fuzzy (1928). A History of Southern Football 1890–1928. 3.
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