1928 Florida Gators football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1928 Florida Gators football Florida Gators football team (1928).png 285 Southern Conference SoCon 8–1 6–1 Charlie Bachman 1st Notre Dame Box Goof Bowyer Fleming Field Late20Gatorsuniform.png The 1928 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 1928 Southern Conference football season. The season was future Hall-of-Famer Charlie Bachman's first of five as the team's head coach. The Gators finished 8–1 overall,2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20151208143532/http://web.gatorzone.com/football/media/2015/media_guide.pdf 2015-12-08 , University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 108 & 115 (2015). Retrieved August 15, 2015. and 6–1 in the Southern Conference (SoCon), placing third of twenty-three teams in the conference, behind the national champion Georgia Tech Golden Tornado (7–0 SoCon), and the Tennessee Volunteers (6–0–1 SoCon).2009 Southern Conference Football Media Guide, Year-by-Year Standings https://web.archive.org/web/20120220164221/http://www.soconsports.com/fls/4000/socon/files/09fbguide/74-77standings.pdf?SPSID=35576&SPID=1781&DB_OEM_ID=4000 February 20, 2012 , Southern Conference, Spartanburg, South Carolina, p. 74 (2009). Retrieved August 30, 2010. The Gators led the nation in scoring with 336 points, and were remembered by many sports commentators as the best Florida football team until at least the 1960s. The large scores were mostly due to its "Phantom Four" backfield which included: quarterback Clyde Crabtree, halfbacks Carl Brumbaugh and Royce Goodbread, and fullback Rainey Cawthon.McEwen 1974 98–99Chastain 2002 25 Other backs who were key contributors included: captain Goof Bowyer, sophomore halfback Lee Roy "Red" Bethea, alternate-captain and halfback Tommy Owens, and fullback Ed Sauls. One account reads: "There were twelve backs on the squad. Six of them can do the hundred in 10.1 seconds. Eight of them are fine punters and ten of them are great passers. And all of them are good receivers."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2666553/mount_carmel_item/ Mount Carmel Item December 15, 1928 June 22, 2015 5 No Uniforms For the Other Good Ones Newspapers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20160629201351/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2666553/mount_carmel_item/ 29 June 2016 At ends were future coach Dutch Stanley, and Florida's first-ever, first-team All-American, Dale Van Sickel. Van Sickel and quarterback Crabtree, who was ambidextrous and could throw passes with either hand, or punt with either foot, while on the run or stationary, were both unanimous All-Southern selections. Among the many football highlights of 1928 were the Gators' 26–6 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, which ended a six-game losing streak versus the Bulldogs, and the controversial loss to Tennessee ending their bid at an undefeated season and possible Rose Bowl berth. Before the season Head coach Charlie Bachman succeeded Tom Sebring, his former player at Kansas State. Bachman had attended Notre Dame and used Knute Rockne's system.http://www.stetson.edu/law/lawreview/media/remebering-a-great-dean-harold-l-tom-sebring.pdf 83–84, 103–106 Remembering A Great Dean: Harold L. "Tom" Sebring Bruce R. Jacob Sebring graduated from the University of Florida's College of Law,n He later became a circuit court judge and chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court. and left Bachman several recruits.Carlson 2007 33 Players not returning from the previous season included: Horse Bishop, Cecil Beck, Speedy Walker, Tom Fuller, Charlie Tucker, and Bill Middlekauff.McEwen 1974 90 Practice was opened on September 3.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19280823&id=EeBPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2451,1019842&hl=en New Gator Grid Mentor Prepares For Opening of Football Training Work Early Next Month The Evening Independent August 23, 1928 August 24, 2016 9, 11The Miami News August 24, 1928 Coaches Worry Over Material For New Season A wealth of talented players from Florida high schools was expected.The Miami News August 9, 1928 New Material To Help Team Better Lineup After spending just two weeks with the team, while many players were engaged in other sports, Bachman declared his backfield material as the finest he ever had.The Miami News August 21, 1928 Coach Bachman Outlines Hopes of the Season John J. Tigert became UF president in 1928, and began a drive to construct a new and larger stadium upon his arrival.Pleasants 2006 31–32 Schedule October 6 w y Southern College Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 26–0 4,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/orlando-evening-star-brumbaugh-stars-as/136474233/ The Sunday Reporter-Star Brumbaugh stars as Gators walk over Southern October 7, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com October 13 w Auburn Fleming Field Gainesville, FL rivalry 27–0 6,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-auburn-tigers-ou/89287257/ The Selma Times-Journal Auburn Tigers outclassed by Florida Gators October 14, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com October 20 w y y Mercer Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 73–0 8,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86089517/gators-run-wild-over-mercer-73-to-0/ The Tampa Tribune Gators run wild over Mercer, 73 to 0 October 21, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com October 27 w y NC State Fairfield Stadium Jacksonville, FL 14–7 13,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-florida-gators/136474380/ The Asheville Citizen-Times Florida 'Gators whip State, 14–7 October 28, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com November 3 w y Sewanee Fairfield Stadium Jacksonville, FL 71–6 6,500 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99910993/gators-slaughter-sewanee-by-716/ Tampa Sunday Tribune Gators slaughter Sewanee by 71–6 November 4, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com November 10 w y Georgia Municipal Stadium Savannah, GA rivalry 26–6 16,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-georgia-bulldog/136474491/ The Atlanta Constitution Georgia Bulldogs trampled by fighting 'Gators eleven, 6 to 26 November 11, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com November 17 w y Clemson Fairfield Stadium Jacksonville, FL 27–6 15,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-birmingham-news-florida-rallies-to-w/136474551/ The Birmingham News Florida rallies to wallop Clemson, 27 to 6 November 18, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com November 29 w y Washington & Lee Fairfield Stadium Jacksonville, FL 60–6 14,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-journal-florida-gators-tro/136474608/ The Knoxville Journal Florida Gators trounce Generals, 60–6, to continue bid for championship November 30, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com December 8 l y Tennessee Shields–Watkins Field Knoxville, TN rivalry 12–13 13,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2877343/manitowoc_heraldtimes/ Manitowoc Herald-Times 9 Tennessee upsets Florida December 10, 1928 December 8, 2023 Newspapers.com . Game summaries Week 1: Southern College Week 1: Southern College at Florida Southern Florida 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 October 6 Fleming FieldGainesville, Florida 4,000 Ted Arnold Sources: In the first game of the 1928 season, the Gators posted a 26–0 victory over Southern College, whose quarterback weighed just 98 lb kg.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19741218&id=caROAAAAIBAJ&pg=5949,5354888&hl=en John Valerine Moccasins Have Had Their Ups and Downs December 18, 1974 Lakeland Ledger 3B August 24, 2016 The Gators were held scoreless in the first half of the game, and achieved only two first downs; but then scored 26 points in the third quarter.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZLwwAAAAIBAJ&pg=6202%2C593348 October 7, 1928 Goodbread Scores First Touchdown During Late Rally St. Petersburg Times 1 August 24, 2016 The starting lineup was: W. DeHoff (left end), Norfleet (left tackle), Grandoff (left guard), Clemons (center), Perry (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Green (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Owens (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback). Week 2: Auburn Week 2: Auburn at Florida Auburn Florida 0 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 October 13 Fleming FieldGainesville, Florida 6,000 Rain Sources: In the second week of play, the Gators easily defeated the Auburn Tigers 27–0. Carl Brumbaugh ran for three touchdowns in a single quarter, including one scoring run of 85 yards.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3028243/kingsport_times/ Kingsport Times October 14, 1928 3 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com Florida Gators Crush Auburn U https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3029732/the_circleville_herald/ William J. Dunn Sportsmatter The Circleville Herald 2 December 3, 1928 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com The other touchdown occurred near the start of the second quarter, when Royce Goodbread carried a pass from Clyde Crabtree 16 yards to the goal. Dutch Stanley kicked the extra point. In less than three quarters of play, Crabtree had directed 8 touchdowns.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19281019&id=b7wwAAAAIBAJ&pg=5571,2111014&hl=en Bachman Lauds Clyde Crabtree October 19, 1928 St. Petersburg Times 2 Crabtree was an ambidextrous triple threat,https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1929/11/1/lining-them-up-pbflorida-comes-to/ Lining Them Up The Harvard Crimson November 1, 1929 able to pass with either arm and punt with either foot, and both while on the run.McEwen 1974 92, 98 Crabtree said he learned this technique "from sheer fright."McEwen 1974 98 Assistant Nash Higgins added "he played by instinct." "He was a double-quadruple option." said coach Bachman. thumb|125px|left|"Cannonball" Clyde Crabtree (pictured) could throw with either hand and punt with either foot. It began to rain as the third quarter started, and the Gators' substitutes were on the field. This hampered play and prevented a larger score. The rain sent the 6,000 spectators seeking shelter. The starting lineup was: Green (left end), Norfleet (left tackle), McRae (left guard), Clemons (center), Houser (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Nolan (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Van Sickel (right halfback), and Brumbaugh (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3929870/the_anniston_star/ Gators Score Four Times in Second Period October 14, 1928 12 The Anniston Star December 31, 2015 Newspapers.com Week 3: Mercer Week 3: Mercer at Florida Mercer Florida 0 0 0 0 14 28 19 12 October 20 Fleming FieldGainesville, Florida 8,000 Arthur R. Hutchins Sources: During Florida's homecoming celebrations, the Gators played coach Bernie Moore's Mercer Bears, winning 73–0, and setting a scoring mark that remains the fifth-highest single-game scoring total in team history. Tommy Owens scored four touchdowns, tying a school record; Brumbaugh scored three touchdowns; and Bowyer, Sauls, McEwan, and Stanley had one each. The Mercer Cluster wrote: "The student body is laughing at the football team."https://libraries.mercer.edu/ursa/handle/10898/1890 Mercer Cluster Why Complain? October 26, 1928 2 August 24, 2016 This was the last time Florida played Mercer.Wilder 2011 75 The starting lineup was: Green (left end), Norfleet (left tackle), Grandoff (left guard), Bono (center), Houser (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Nolan (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), McEwen (left halfback), Owens (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cbwwAAAAIBAJ&pg=5918%2C2356232 St. Petersburg Times Fighting Gators Overwhelm Mercer By 73 to 0 Score October 21, 1928 1 August 24, 2016 Week 4: North Carolina State Week 4: North Carolina State at Florida NC State Florida 0 0 0 7 0 6 6 2 October 27 Fairfield StadiumJacksonville, Florida 13,000 Arthur R. Hutchins Sources: Because of the hot autumn weather in Gainesville, the Gators had begun practicing at night.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023618/the_bee/ The Bee 6 'Gators Stage Night Practice October 23, 1928 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com In a closely contested game,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3028936/kingsport_times/ Kingsport Times 6 October 28, 1928 Florida Defeats North Carolina By Score 14 to 7 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com the Gators defeated coach Gus Tebell's North Carolina State Wolfpack 14–7 in Jacksonville, Florida, in front of an audience of 13,000. Both of Florida's touchdowns were scored by Royce Goodbread on 70-yard runs. One of those was around left end, and the other was a punt return. Dutch Stanley missed both extra points after the Gators' two touchdowns, but Rainey Cawthon made up for it when he netted a safety. The Wolfpack scored on the return of a punt blocked off the toe of Gators team captain Goof Bowyer. Just before the game ended, the Wolfpack missed on a long pass to a receiver with a clear field to the goal. The starting lineup was: Green (left end), Waters (left tackle), McRae (left guard), Bono (center), Houser (right guard), Allen (right tackle), Nolan (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), McEwen (left halfback), Owens (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback).https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/technician-v9n7-1928-11-03/pages/technician-v9n7-1928-11-03_0003#p Stubborn State 'Pack Loses One To Florida Team 3 The Technician Week 5: Sewanee Week 5: Sewanee at Florida Sewanee Florida 0 6 0 0 6 25 27 13 November 3 Fairfield StadiumJacksonville, Florida Walter Powell (Wisconsin) Sources:Jinx Follows Tigers To Florida; Score 71 to 6 The Sewanee Purple 2–3 46 November 7, 1928 11005/1307 In the fifth week, Florida crushed the mismatched Sewanee Tigers 71–6 in Jacksonville despite Sewanee's highly publicized aerial attack.n Florida had not played Sewanee since 1915.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19281102&id=H8pPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5752,2593476&hl=en The Evening Independent Bachman Shifts Gator Gridders For Tiger Game November 2, 1928 10A August 24, 2016 Clyde Crabtree and Tommy Owens had to sit out with injuries. Goof Bowyer, Red Bethea, and Broward McClellan were seen as the stars of the game. The Gators played substitutes throughout the second half, putting the first stringers back in by the middle of the fourth quarter. Florida's center, Frank Clark, also drew praise for his play on the line. This score placed the Gators in first place for scoring within the Southern Conference,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6360544/lincoln_evening_journal/ 16 Georgetown Top Scoring List In Collegiate Race Lincoln Evening Journal November 5, 1928 August 24, 2016 Newspapers.com and still remains one of the seven highest single-game scoring totals in Gators team history. The scoring started in the first period after some three minutes when Red Bethea caught a 25-yard pass from Goof Bowyer and ran the additional 10 yards for a touchdown.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3029058/the_anniston_star/ The Anniston Star Florida Swamps Sewanee, 71 to 6 12 November 4, 1928 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com Bethea also had a 14-yard touchdown run in the second period, and a 58-yard touchdown run in the third. Royce Goodbread had two touchdowns, on end runs around the Sewanee line of 15 and 25 yards. Ed Sauls also had two touchdowns, including the second-half kickoff return for 75 yards and a score. Bowyer, Cawthon, Clark, and McClellan all had one touchdown each. Bowyer netted four extra points, and the Gators had another conversion due to a Sewanee penalty. The starting lineup was: Green (left end), Waters (left tackle), Grandoff (left guard), Clark (center), Houser (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Nolan (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Yancey (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback).https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19281103&id=frwwAAAAIBAJ&pg=6299,3848367&hl=en 1 St. Petersburg Times Gators Favored To Cop Victory From Sewanee November 3, 1928 August 24, 2016 Week 6: at Georgia Week 6: Florida at Georgia Florida Georgia 6 7 7 6 0 6 0 0 November 10 Municipal StadiumSavannah, Georgia 16,000 Arthur R. Hutchins Sources:https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3018116/the_anniston_star/ 'Gator Eleven Sweeps Over Bulldogs 26–0 (sic) 11 August 15, 2015 Newspapers.com November 11, 1928 The Anniston Star Before the 1928 Florida–Georgia game, Georgia fans trumpeted the return of center Ike Boland to bolster its defense.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3018066/the_bee/ Gators-Bulldogs and Ga.Tech-Commodores Tilts Feature Program Morgan M. Beatty August 15, 2015 Newspapers.com The Bee November 9, 1928 11 Florida's defense, however, rendered the Georgia Bulldogs' running game, including that of fullback Herdis McCrary, ineffective en route to a 26–6 victory.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3018238/the_anniston_star/ Georgia Tech Heads List in Dixie Football August 15, 2015 Newspapers.com November 12, 1928 8 The Anniston Star This was Florida's first victory over Georgia in seven match-ups and solidified the Gators as legitimate contenders for their first-ever conference title.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3018084/the_waco_newstribune/ Waco News-Tribune November 11, 1928 August 15, 2015 Newspapers.com Georgia Overwhelmed 11 Two Bulldogs' fumbles, and two Gators pass plays, accounted for Florida's four touchdowns. The first score came after Rip Reeves recovered a Georgia fumble at the 30-yard line. On the second play after this, Red Bethea ran off left tackle for a touchdown. Goof Bowyer missed the extra point. By the second quarter Georgia had failed to consistently move the ball on the ground against Florida's line and tried to pass. Bulldogs' quarterback H. F. Johnson completed a 10-yard pass to back Frank Dudley, who ran 30 additional yards for a touchdown. Johnson missed the extra point and the score was tied. A 16-yard touchdown run by Florida's Clyde Crabtree, starting around right end, then reversing field, broke the tie.Kerasotis 2005 5 Carl Brumbaugh converted the extra point. A touchdown pass reception by end Dale Van Sickel of more than 30 yards provided another score in the third period, followed by Brumbaugh's extra point kick. To close the third quarter, fullback Rainey Cawthon made a 40-yard broken field run. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Crabtree passed to Brumbaugh for another score, but Brumbaugh's extra point attempt was blocked by the Bulldogs. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Gator fans rushed the field to tear down the goal posts, and fist fights broke out between Georgia and Florida fans. The starting lineup was: Van Sickel (left end), J. Clemons (left tackle), Steele (left guard), Clark (center), Reeves (right guard), Bryan (right tackle), Stanley (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Goodbread (left halfback), Bethea (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback).thumb|left|175px|Red Bethea (pictured in 1930). Week 7: Clemson Week 7: Clemson at Florida Clemson Florida 6 0 0 0 0 7 6 14 November 17 Fairfield StadiumJacksonville, Florida 15,000 Severance (Oberlin) Sources:https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3029185/the_anniston_star/ The Anniston Star November 18, 1928 8 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com Fast Florida Team Sweeps Over Clemson Coach Josh Cody's Clemson Tigers, captained by O. K. Pressley, held extra practices to prepare for the undefeated Gators.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023661/the_anniston_star/ The Anniston Star Along the Sidelines November 13, 1928 8 United Press August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com Clemson scored first on a 30-yard pass, leading 6–0 after the first quarter.Tie May Not Be Broken Until Early December https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023656/the_monroe_newsstar/ 11 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com The Monroe News-Star Morgan M Beatty From then on the Gators dominated, winning 27 to 6. Brumbaugh, Van Sickel, and Bethea were cited as players of the game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023653/the_anniston_star/ Florida Swamps Clemson 10 The Anniston Star November 19, 1928 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com In the second quarter, Florida's Owens went around end and Brumbaugh finished the drive with a touchdown. Florida used both the run and the pass effectively, as Bethea "looked for all the world like the famous Red Grange" according to Associated Press (AP) staff writer Benton E. Jacobs.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3018078/kingsport_times/ 3 Florida Continues March Toward Southern Victory Benton E. Jacobs August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com Kingsport Times Florida's second touchdown occurred in the second half, when Bethea caught a pass that went 25 yards in the air, and when he gathered it ran 36 yards more for the score. The third score came in the fourth quarter on a pass from Crabtree to Cawthon. The Gators' fourth and final score was on a pass from Brumbaugh to Van Sickel. The starting lineup was: Green (left end), Waters (left tackle), McRae (left guard), B. Clemons (center), Allen (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Nolan (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Goodbread (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback). Week 8: Washington & Lee Week 8: Washington & Lee at Florida W&L Florida 6 0 0 0 21 7 26 6 November 29 Fairfield StadiumJacksonville, Florida 14,000 Buck Flowers Sources: The 60–6 victory over coach Pat Herron's Washington & Lee Generals made the Gators the highest-scoring team in the entire nation in total points scored.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91861/aaron_sinton_ymca_race/ Florida 'Gators Sock W. & L. For 60–6 Row! 26 November 30, 1928 Reading Times August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com In front of 14,000 fans, Tommy Owens scored two touchdowns, as did Brumbaugh and Goodbread; while Bethea, Crabtree, and McEwan had one each. Morgan Blake wrote: "At this writing, it is a matter for serious debate as to which is the dizziest—the Washington and Lee football team or this groggy sports scribe from Atlanta ... Florida's great football team—magnificent in the fullest sense of the word, keen, alert, fast, and powerful—gave Washington and Lee the most crushing defeat it has encountered in many years." The Gators tallied 590 total yards.McEwen 1974 100 The starting lineup was: Baldwin (left end), Hicks (left tackle), Houser (left guard), Clark (center), Grandoff (right guard), Waters (right tackle), Green (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Goodbread (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PThPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6071%2C193388 Oliver S. Morton November 30, 1928 St. Petersburg Times Fighting Gators Lead Nation For Soring Honors 1 August 24, 2016 Week 9: at Tennessee Week 9: Florida at Tennessee Florida Tennessee 0 0 6 6 0 7 0 6 December 8 Shields–Watkins FieldKnoxville, Tennessee 13,000 Mud Lambert (Ohio State) Sources:https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2877393/the_anniston_star/ Dope Upset As Vols Win 13–12 In Fast Game July 24, 2015 12 Newspapers.com December 9, 1928 The Anniston Star The 1928 Gators played their final game against coach Robert Neyland's Tennessee Volunteers on the Vols' home field in Knoxville, Tennessee. Neyland was sick with the flu.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3048711/abilene_reporternews/ Volunteers of Tennessee Whip Florida Abilene Reporter- News December 9, 1928 4 August 19, 2015 Newspapers.com The game was played on a soft, wet field, following a hard rain, and both teams scored two touchdowns on the muddy field. The Volunteers missed one of their two extra-point conversion attempts after touchdowns, but the Gators missed two conversion attempts and lost the game by a single point, 12–13.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2877343/manitowoc_heraldtimes/ Manitowoc Herald-Times 9 Tennessee Upsets Florida December 10, 1928 July 24, 2015 Newspapers.com In what would become a trend in the series, controversy swirled around the contest. By all accounts, the playing surface had been a muddy mess. Some Gators claimed that the home team had watered down the field in an effort to slow down the speedy Gator backs.e. g. https://247sports.com/college/florida/article/16-games-that-shaped-the-football-history-of-the-florida-gators-78410/ 16 games that shaped UF history 247sports.com June 22, 2012 Franz Beard August 24, 2016 The Vols protested that the sloppy conditions were simply the result of heavy rain the night before the game.Pat Dooley http://www.gatorsports.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?p=1&tc=pg&AID=/20050913/GATORS24/209130325 Coach Meyer: Here's a primer on rivalry vs. UT The Gainesville Sun September 13, 2005 September 16, 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120226124956/http://www.gatorsports.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?p=1&tc=pg&AID=%2F20050913%2FGATORS24%2F209130325 February 26, 2012http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-10-13/sports/9002190253_1_gators-tennessee-bowl 1928 Gators Fell Into Watery Grave October 13, 1990 Craig Davis SunSentinel August 24, 2016 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061622/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-10-13/sports/9002190253_1_gators-tennessee-bowl dead One contemporary sportswriter called the game "the biggest upset of the year down South."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2877290/the_anniston_star/ The Anniston Star December 9, 1928 12 Newspapers.com July 24, 2015 Southern Grid Title Goes To Yellow Jackets Tennessee's usual quarterback, Roy Witt, was out with an injury, and was replaced by Bobby Dodd.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023613/lubbock_avalanchejournal/ Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Hopes of Florida of Championship are Ruined, 13–12 6 December 9, 1928 August 16, 2015 Newspapers.com thumb|left|175px|Coach Bachman Prior to the contest, coach Bachman used a motivational trick learned from Knute Rockne and waved a telegram in front of his players, telling them a win over Tennessee meant an invitation to the Rose Bowl, the only postseason bowl in those days, even though conference champion Georgia Tech was already invited. The loss curtailed Florida's hopes of its first conference title, and fans and players have long since mourned the missed chance at a Rose Bowl. Coach Bachman later added: "We would have beaten California in the Rose Bowl. Worse than Tech did on a dry field."McEwen 1974 96 thumb|220px|Tennessee quarterback Bobby Dodd depicted on a football card from the 1950s. Tennessee led the scoring for most of the game; Florida only making it close with late rallies. Early in the second quarter, Tennessee made the half's lone score. It was set up by a "bullet-like" 25-yard pass from Dodd, who was on the run to evade tacklers, to Paul Hug, who was downed at the 2-yard line. After Florida's defense held for three downs, Gene McEver scored between the center's legs on fourth down. The ensuing extra point on a pass from Dodd to Herc Alley would decide the game. Down 7–0 at the half, the Gators seemed to begin a comeback and scored two minutes into the third quarter. On a similar play to Tennessee's score, a 16-yard pass from Royce Goodbread was caught by Dale Van Sickel, down at the 1-yard line. Goodbread went over left tackle for the touchdown the very next play. Dodd deflected Carl Brumbaugh's pass for the extra point attempt. After the beginning of the fourth quarter, Florida had the ball inside its own 15-yard line after Tennessee turned it over on downs. Clyde Crabtree ran instead of punting, and was tackled just as he tried to execute a lateral to Goodbread near the 30-yard line. The lateral was intercepted by Tennessee's Buddy Hackman, who out-sprinted Brumbaugh to the goal. The Gators later drove to the 4-yard line before they were held on downs. After Dodd's punt to midfield, the Gators' engineered their final scoring drive. A 27-yard pass from Brumbaugh to Van Sickel got the Gators out of bounds at the 1-yard line. Crabtree ran it in for the touchdown, but Brumbaugh's place kick for the extra point was wide and short. Some sources, such as Peter Golenbock's Go Gators!, claim it was blocked.Golenbock 2002 3 The starting lineup was: Van Sickel (left end), Waters (left tackle), Steele (left guard), Clark (center), Reeves (right guard), Hicks (right tackle), Stanley (right end), Bowyer (quarterback), Bethea (left halfback), Owens (right halfback), and Sauls (fullback). Postseason Awards and honors The Gators scored 336 points, then one of few stats kept, the most of any team in the nation.http://floridagators.com/news/2006/8/10/10739.aspx Great Teams and Eras: 1920s Norm Carlson August 10, 2006 August 30, 2016http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/27/Sports/100_things_about_100_.shtml 100 things about 100 years of Gator football English Antonya Tampa Bay Times August 27, 2006 September 10, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160904141255/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/27/Sports/100_things_about_100_.shtml September 4, 2016 After the conclusion of the 1928 season, seven Gator players were tabbed for postseason honors by major media outlets: the "Phantom Four" as well as end Dale Van Sickel, and linemen Jimmy Steele and William McRae.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3029727/joplin_globe/ Joplin Globe Florida 'Gators Deserve a Hand 10 December 2, 1928 August 17, 2015 Newspapers.com thumb|150px|Dale Van Sickel (pictured) was the school's first All-American. Junior end Van Sickel was chosen a first-team, All-American, the first in Gators' team history, by the AP, Collier's Weekly, and the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA).Associated Press, " South-West Gain On All-U.S. Eleven", The New York Times, p. S3 (December 9, 1928). Retrieved August 18, 2015.Henry L. Farrell, " East Gets All-America Backfield", Reading Times, p. 18 (December 3, 1928). Retrieved August 18, 2015.Grantland Rice, "The All-America Football Team", Collier's Weekly, pp. 5–7 (December 22, 1928). Retrieved August 18, 2015. Sophomore guard Steele was a second-team, All-American selection by the NEA, and received honorable mention honors from the AP. Sophomore guard McRae was a second-team, All-American selection by United Press (UP).Frank Getty, " Three Big Ten Men On All-American", Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal (December 4, 1928). Retrieved January 19, 2013. Junior back Clyde Crabtree received third-team, All-American honors from each of the AP, the NEA, and UP.Alan J. Gould, " All-American Selections for 1928", The Free Lance-Star, p. 6 (December 8, 1928). Retrieved June 20, 2011. Crabtree and Van Sickel were both first-team, All-Southern selections of the AP and UP composite teams. Steele was a first-team, UP, All-Southern selection. Dutch Stanley, Dale Waters, Steele, Carl Brumbaugh, Royce Goodbread, and Rainey Cawthon received All-Southern honorable mention honors from the AP.All Southern Selections The Kingsport Times December 7, 1928 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3034470/kingsport_times/ August 17, 2015 Newspapers.com Departing seniors Seniors graduating included captain Goof Bowyer, Tommy Owens, Dutch Stanley, Jus Clemons, Willie DeHoff, and Chester Allen.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19290819&id=7GlIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5519,1869165&hl=en August 19, 1929 Gators Entering Grid Spotlight With Great Eleven For This Fall The Evening Independent Frank S. Wright All but DeHoff played all three years for the Florida varsity.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3023619/reading_times/ Florida 'Gators Lose Six Stars of Gridiron Reading Times December 25, 1928 18 August 18, 2015 Newspapers.com Despite this, hopes were high for the team and its backs in 1929. Four 1928 Gators would later play professional football in the National Football League (NFL): halfback/quarterback Carl Brumbaugh, halfback/quarterback Clyde Crabtree, halfback Royce Goodbread, and tackle Dale Waters.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/schools/florida/ Florida Players/Alumni profootballreference August 24, 2016 Brumbaugh went on to win multiple NFL Championships with the Chicago Bears in 1932 and 1933.n In the Bears' backfield with Brumbaugh were Bronko Nagurski and Red Grange.http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1986/01/10/page/25/article/in-1932-bears-broke-ground-indoors/ Chicago Tribune January 10, 1986 In 1932, Bears broke ground indoors Rudolph Unger 1, 6 August 24, 2016 Personnel Depth chart The following chart provides a visual depiction of Florida's lineup during the 1928 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses. The chart mimics a Notre Dame Box on offense. LE Harry Green (5) Dale Van Sickel (2) Loyd Baldwin (1) Willie DeHoff (1) Lloyd Wilson (0) LT LG C RG RT Muddy Waters (4) Bert Grandoff (3)Frank Clark (4) Mike Houser (4) Dashwood Hicks (6) Joe Norfleet (3) Bill McRae (3) Ben Clemons (3) Rip Reeves (2)Chester Allen (1) Jus Clemons (1) Jimmy Steele (2) Louis Bono (2)Chester Allen (1)Joe Bryan (1) Dashwood Hicks (1)Mike Houser (1)Loyd Baldwin (0) Bert Grandoff (1)Muddy Waters (1) Wayne Ripley (0) Tom Perry (1) RE Jimmy Nolan (5) Harry Green (2) Dutch Stanley (2) J. W. Chapman (0)   QB Goof Bowyer (9) Clyde Crabtree (0) RHB Tommy Owens (4) Royce Goodbread (2) Red Bethea (1) Dale Van Sickel (1) Harvey Yancey (1) Carl Brumbaugh (0) Broward McClellan (0) LHB Red Bethea (6) Red McEwen (2) Royce Goodbread (1) John Allen (0) Johnny Bryson (0) FB Ed Sauls (8) Carl Brumbaugh (1)Rainey Cawthon (0) Wilbur James (0) Elmer Ihrig (0) Varsity players Line thumb|350px|The Gator linemen in formation. Florida Gators white Number Player Position Gamesstarted High school Height Weight Age3 Chester Allentackle 2 Lakeland 6'0"1852420Louis Bonocenter2 Duval5'10"17823 25Frank Clark center 4Culver6'1"1701936Ben Clemonscenter 3Leon6'2"185221 Bert Grandoffguard4 Hillsborough5'7"2042112 Harry Greenend 5 Gainesville6'2"1822333Dashwood Hickstackle 6 Hillsborough 6'2"17621 32Mike Houser guard4Duval5'7"1702229Jimmy Nolanend 5Duval5'10"170204 Joe Norfleettackle 3Newberry6'0"175219 Bill McRaeguard3 West Palm Beach6'1"1721931Alex "Rip" Reeves guard 2Alabama5'8"1842221Dutch Stanleyend 2Hillsborough5'8"1812226Jimmy Steeleguard2 Hillsborough 6'0"1851939Dale Van Sickelend3 Gainesville5'11"170202 Dale "Muddy" Waterstackle4 Newcastle 6'2"18519 Backfield thumb|300px|The Gator backfield. Florida Gators Number Player Position Gamesstarted High school Height Weight Age23Red Betheahalfback 6Riverside5'9"1722138Ernest "Goof" Bowyerquarterback 9Lakeland5'10"1702428Carl Brumbaughhalfback 1West Milton 5'10"1642140Rainey Cawthonfullback0 Leon 5'11"1802017 Clyde "Cannonball" Crabtreequarterback0 J. Sterling Morton5'8"1472142Royce Goodbreadhalfback2 St. Petersburg 6'0"1902014Tommy Owens halfback4 Quincy5'11"14622 30Ed Saulsfullback 8Leon 5'11"18520 Varsity substitutes Line Florida Gators Number Player Position Gamesstarted High school Height Weight Age27Loyd Baldwincenter1 Miami5'11"1802010 Joe Bryan tackle 1Duval5'11"18223 J. W. Chapman end 15 Justin "Jus" Clemonstackle 1Plant City6'0"1842213 Willie DeHoffend 1 Spring Hill6'0" 1702224Tom Perry guard1 Daytona Beach5'10"160198 Wayne Ripleyguard Duval5'11"1902237Lloyd Wilson end Hillsborough5'10"16520 Backfield Florida Gators Number Player Position Gamesstarted High school Height Weight Age John Allen halfback 16 Johnny Brysonhalfback Duval5'6"1452119 Elmer Ihrigfullback Fort Myers5'8"17424 35 Wilbur James fullback Orlando5'11"186196 J. Milton "Red" McEwanhalfback 2Wauchula 5'8"15519 Broward McClellan halfback Blountstown 5 Harvey Yanceyhalfback1 Duval 5'10"16020 McEwen 1974 101–102https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19281107&id=I8pPAAAAIBAJ&pg=4980,3196898&hl=en Fifteen Gators Playing First Years Varsity Men At Florida The Evening Independent November 7, 1928 5A August 24, 2016 Scoring leaders Florida Gators Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Safeties Points Carl Brumbaugh1190075Royce Goodbread800048Tommy Owens600036Red Bethea600036Ed Sauls500030 Goof Bowyer2140026 Clyde Crabtree300018 Dale Van Sickel300018 Rainey Cawthon200114 Red McEwen200012Dutch Stanley140010Frank Clark10006Bo McClellan10006Ben Clemons01001TOTAL512801336 Coaching staff Head coach: Charlie Bachman Assistants: Joe Bedenk (line), Chigger Browne (director of intramurals), Brady Cowell (freshmen), L. G. Haskell (director of physical education), Nash Higgins (varsity assistant and chief scout), Joe Holsinger (backfield), Alvin Pierson (freshmen assistant), John Piombo (trainer), George Weber (freshmen assistant), Frank Wright (direct of publicity) Varsity manager: Bill Bond Graduate manager: James R. Boyd Athletic director: Everett Yon See also History of the University of Florida 1928 College Football All-Southern Team 1928 College Football All-America Team Notes n References 30em Bibliography Carlson Norm University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators Whitman Publishing, LLC Atlanta, Georgia 2007 978-0-7948-2298-9 https://books.google.com/books?id=fzsYAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA23 2002 1-4617-0340-9 Chastain Bill Taylor Trade Publishing Lanham, Maryland The Steve Spurrier Story Golenbock Peter Go Gators! An Oral History of Florida's Pursuit of Gridiron Glory Legends Publishing, LLC St. Petersburg, Florida 2002 0-9650782-1-3 Stadium Stories: Florida Gators Peter Kerasotis 0-7627-3777-8 Globe Pequot September 1, 2005 Julian M. Pleasants Gator Tales: An Oral History of the University of Florida University of Florida Gainesville, Florida 2006 0-8130-3054-4 McEwen Tom The Gators: A Story of Florida Football The Strode Publishers Huntsville, Alabama 1974 0-87397-025-X Gridiron Glory Days: Football at Mercer, 1892–1942 Robert E. Wilder Mercer University Press 2011 978-0-88146-267-8 Florida Category:Florida Gators football seasons Florida Gators football