1920 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football team

American college football season August 2022 August 2022 1920 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football 1920 Georgia Tech football team.jpg 285 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 8–1 4–0 William Alexander 1st Jump shift Buck Flowers Grant Field 200 The 1920 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football teamn Although Georgia Tech's teams are officially known as the "Yellow Jackets", northern writers called the team the "Golden Tornado" in 1917; the name was commonly used until 1928, and for many years afterwards, as an alternate nickname.Van Brimmer Rice 2011 147 It may have been coined by Morgan Blake.January 28, 2015 http://livinghistory.gatech.edu/new/traditions/tradition/tornado.html Golden Tornadoes https://web.archive.org/web/20160430210315/http://livinghistory.gatech.edu/new/traditions/tradition/tornado.html 30 April 2016 represented the Georgia Tech Golden Tornado of the Georgia Institute of Technology during the 1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The Tornado was coached by William Alexander in his first year as head coach. The team compiled a record of 8–1 (4–0 SIAA), outscored opponents 312 to 16, and tied for first place with Georgia and Tulane in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). Georgia Tech played its home games at Grant Field. Its only loss was a controversial one to Pop Warner's Pittsburgh Panthers at Forbes Field.https://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1971_49_3/30 8 Football's Greatest Coaches Edwin PopeChris Yandle http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102214aad.html GT Vault: It's Been Awhile February 23, 2015 Florent Gibson of the Pittsburgh Post rated Tech as the best team in the country. Tech also handed Centre College its first loss to a southern team since 1916. Several players received postseason honors. Tackle Bill Fincher made Walter Camp's first-team All-American, then just the fourth Southern player to do so. Captain and senior halfback Buck Flowers made some third-team All-America selections, and led the country with an average of 49.4 yards per punt.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19830411&id=S6EiAAAAIBAJ&pg=2753,6856766 Sumter Daily Item Renowned Athlete Buck Flowers Dies April 11, 1983 3A Before the season After last season, former coach John Heisman resigned and left Atlanta."n" It was ostensibly to prevent any social embarrassment to his former wife after their divorce, who chose to remain in the city.http://gtalumni.org/Publications/timeline/1910s.html Tech Timeline: 1910s Tech Traditions Georgia Tech Alumni Association 2007-05-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20071016201916/http://gtalumni.org/Publications/timeline/1910s.html 2007-10-16 dead New head coach William Alexander retained Heisman's scheme, using the pre-snap movement of his "jump shift" offense. One report reads: "Since Coach Alex has taken charge there is a change in the team. The youngest coach in major football, he is probably the most popular, and bids fair to prove himself the peer of them all. Not only is Coach the idol of members of the team, but of the student body as well."https://books.google.com/books?id=t8BABAAAQBAJ&pg=PT21 Jon Nelson A History of College Football In Georgia July 2012 21 9781614236139 Former Tech running back and Chippewa Indian Joe Guyon assisted Alexander. In 1920, football used a one-platoon system in which players played both offense, defense, and special teams. The team's most prominent players were in the backfield, including senior captain and halfback Buck Flowers, a small back who also handled drop kicks and punting. As a safety on defense, no player ever got past him for a touchdown.The Tornado of '20 Walter Coxe 22 http://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1953_32_2/22 https://web.archive.org/web/20160413133638/https://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1953_32_2/22 April 13, 2016 Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine 32 2 1953 Halfback Red Barron running behind fullback Judy Harlan was also renowned for its power."n" Future Tech fullback Sam Murray was asked about a certain strong runner in the 1930s, "He's good. But if I were playing again, I would have one wish – never to see bearing down upon me a more fearsome picture of power than Judy Harlan blocking for Red Barron."http://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/20 https://web.archive.org/web/20160319100221/https://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/20 March 19, 2016 Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine 51 The Cast of Characters 4 1973 18 Most prominent in the line was tackle Bill Fincher, who also was the team's placekicker. Fincher had a glass eye which he would covertly pull out after feigning an injury, turn to his opponents and say: "So that's how you want to play!"https://books.google.com/books?id=cm1TZA6jCSgC&q=bill+fincher+glass+eye&pg=PA28 SEC Football: 75 Years of Pride and Passion Richard Scott 28 9781616731335 2008-09-15 Schedule September 25 w y Wake Forest Grant Field Atlanta, GA 44–0 October 2 w y Oglethorpe Grant Field Atlanta, GA 55–0 6,000 October 9 w y Davidson Grant Field Atlanta, GA 66–0 October 16 w y Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 44–0 October 23 l y y Pittsburgh Forbes Field Pittsburgh, PA 3-10 37,000 October 30 w y Centre Grant Field Atlanta, GA 24–0 15,000 November 6 w Clemson Grant Field Atlanta, GA rivalry 7–0 November 13 w Georgetown Grant Field Atlanta, GA 35–6 November 25 2:00 p.m. w Auburn Grant Field Atlanta, GA rivalry 34–0 20,000 Game summaries Week 1: Wake Forest The first game of the year saw Georgia Tech pitted against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Tech won 44 to 0. Judy Harlan scored the year's first touchdown.Paul Warwick 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547848/the_atlanta_constitution/ September 26, 1920 Newspapers.com Atlanta Constitution It Wasn't a Great Exhibition But Everybody Had Fine Time Looking at Tornado, Says Paul Wake Forest failed to net a single first down.https://web.archive.org/web/20160306160912/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547869/the_charlotte_news/ March 6, 2016 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547869/the_charlotte_news/ The Charlotte News June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com September 26, 1920 16 Golden Tornado Won With Ease Harlan and Red Barron scored two touchdowns each and quarterbacks Jack McDonough and Pinkey Hunt one each. Captain Flowers gained consistently, and also drop-kicked a 26-yard field goal.https://web.archive.org/web/20150606160132/http://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547876/winstonsalem_journal/ June 6, 2015 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547876/winstonsalem_journal/ Winston-Salem Journal June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com September 26, 1920 1 Georgia Tech Wins Victory Week 2: Oglethorpe Week 2: Oglethorpe @ Georgia Tech Oglethorpe Ga. Tech 0 0 0 0 7 14 21 13 October 2 Grant FieldAtlanta 6,000 W. R. Tichenor Sources: In the second week of play, Georgia Tech defeated Jogger Elcock's Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 55 to 0.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547776/the_atlanta_constitution/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160304141112/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547776/the_atlanta_constitution/ March 4, 2016 Atlanta Constitution Petrels Are Crushed by Tech, But the Defeat Was Honorable; Harlan, Flowers, Barron, Star Paul Warwick 2 October 3, 1920 June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com Buck Flowers had a 68-yard touchdown run. He got his start on a "criss-cross" play near his own 32-yard line, and ran for the touchdown crossing the field laterally many times showing an assortment of moves. thumb|left|upright=.75|Harlan running interference for Barron. The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), O. Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback) Week 3: Davidson Week 3: Davidson @ Georgia Tech Davidson Ga. Tech 0 0 0 0 7 28 28 3 October 9 Grant FieldAtlanta Stricker Coles Sources: On October 9, Georgia Tech defeated the Davidson Wildcats 66 to 0. Red Barron scored four touchdowns, including an interception return of 76 yards.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547540/the_atlanta_constitution//the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution 3 October 10, 1920 June 3, 2015 Newspapers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092430/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547540/the_atlanta_constitution//the_atlanta_constitution/ March 4, 2016 Tech's Golden Tornado Destroys Defense of Valiant Davidsonians And Administers Terrible Defeat He also ran in a touchdown from 25 yards out after catching a forward pass from fullback Judy Harlan. Tech attempted six passes the whole game, completing 3 for 114 yards. One of Flowers' punts went 85 yards,http://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/20 https://web.archive.org/web/20160319100221/https://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/20 March 19, 2016 Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine 51 They Walked Away Into Legend... Lynn Hogan 4 1973 15–19 the longest in school history. The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), O. Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback)The Washington Post https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547495/the_washington_post/ Davidson Helpless Before Georgia Tech October 10, 1920 17 Newspapers.com Week 4: at Vanderbilt Week 4: Georgia Tech @ Vanderbilt Ga. Tech Vanderbilt 14 9 7 14 0 0 0 0 October 16 Curry FieldNashville, Tennessee Ed Finlay Sources: Georgia Tech dominated in a week 4 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores. The 44 to 0 victory was one of the largest at Old Dudley Field."n" The worst loss there for Vanderbilt since North Carolina won 48 to 0 in 1900.Russell, Fred, and Maxwell Edward Benson. Fifty Years of Vanderbilt Football. Nashville, Tennessee, 1938, p. 38 thumb|left|"The Golden Tornado" Georgia Tech had entered into the main part of its schedule after three dominating wins. Upcoming engagements with Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, and Centre were said to determine the season's outcome. Pittsburgh and Centre–but Pittsburgh especially, were the biggest opponents. Vanderbilt was seen as the warm up act to these two, for it was far superior to any of Tech's prior games. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=G6EI5FUXMTQwNjAwOTI0MC4yMTU0ODM6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=9&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=9&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1126154AC3F56D80@EANX-1195D0B29D6ABF18@2422611-1195D0B2F079C658@9-1195D0B525F7ECC8@Jackets%20Prepare%20for%20Vanderbilt Jackets Prepare For Vanderbilt The Columbus Ledger October 13, 1920 June 19, 2013 The first game of the year to have direct implications for the Southern championship, http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=G6EI5FUXMTQwNjAwOTI0MC4yMTU0ODM6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=9&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=9&p_docnum=10&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-117BC5EB26E4DD08@2422614-117BC5EBA00A87A8@7-117BC5ED2BA5ACF0@Southen%20Football%20Games%20Today%20to%20Have%20Bearing%20on%20Grid%20Title%20for%201920%3B%20Tech%20Plays%20 Southern Football Games Today To Have Bearing On Grid Title For 1920; Tech Plays Vanderbilt The Macon Daily Telegraph October 16, 1920 June 19, 2013 it was cited by some as the most interesting southern contest of the week. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=G6EI5FUXMTQwNjAwOTI0MC4yMTU0ODM6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=9&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=9&p_docnum=6&p_docref=v2:10EEA3CFD727D370@EANX-118206542569B688@2422613-11820655DC425060@18-1182066E38C49BA8@Big%20Teams%20to%20be%20Active%20Saturday%20by%20Jack%20Veiock%20International%20News%20Service%20Sports%20Editor Fort Worth Star-Telegram Big Teams To Be Active Saturday Jack Veiock October 15, 1920 June 19, 2013 thumb|upright=.75|Captain Flowers The Golden Tornado was the clear favorite. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=P60B4ATCMTQwNjYwMjQ0Mi43MTQ0MTE6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=22&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=22&p_docnum=16&p_docref=v2:114CF48AE24B9638@EANX-11A35D1F4A1D0CE0@2422614-11A35D1F83357CC8@3-11A35D20B1523880@Vandy%20Grapples%20with%20Georgians%20First%20Game%20Having%20Direct%20Bearing%20on%20Championship%20to%20be%20Played%20at%20Nashville Miami Herald Vandy Grapples With Georgians October 16, 1920 June 19, 2013 Georgia Tech outplayed Vanderbilt and had the ball for three-fourths of the game. Several of Vanderbilt's players left with injuries. Its ends were easily skirted by the Tech backs Buck Flowers, Red Barron, and Frank Ferst. Tech's first touchdown came when Barron ripped off a 55-yard run. Captain Flowers once made a drop kick from 44 yards out. Spalding's Official Football Guide Camp Walter American Sports Publishing Company 1921 https://books.google.com/books?id=kA_iAAAAMAAJ Ferst came in for Flowers in the middle of the second quarter when Georgia Tech started to use substitutes.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2044419/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution Joe Hatcher October 17, 1920 April 30, 2016 Newspapers.com 3 Georgia Tech Tears Down Defense of Vanderbilt And Rambles To Victory The third quarter saw Vanderbilt's one exciting offensive drive. "With Godchaux, Kuhn, and Raeburn subbing in the backfield, the Commodores opened a series of forward passes and runs that netted about 50 yards before Flowers intercepted a long pass on his own 10-yard line and raced 50 yards before being pushed out of bounds by a Vandy tackler". Fumbles cost Vanderbilt; one by Grailey Berryhill lead to Tech's third touchdown. In the fourth quarter, a fight broke out involving Gink Hendrick, some Tech players, and spectators."n" Hendrick claimed to be protecting Jess Neely from some player for Georgia Tech. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=P60B4ATCMTQwNjYwMjQ0Mi43MTQ0MTE6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=22&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=22&p_docnum=22&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EF3007AC5C788@2422615-127EF30082A0D411@2-137E6B03B80EB10C@Tech%20Wallops%20Vanderbilt%3B%20Georgia%20Barely%20Wins%3B%20Yale%20Beaten%3B%20Princeton%20A%20Victor Augusta Chronicle Tech Wallops Vanderbilt; Georgia Barely Wins; Yale Beaten; Princeton A Victor October 17, 1920 June 19, 2013 No ejections could be made since too many players were involved. Tech lost some 133 yards from penalties during the contest. The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), A. Staton (left tackle), O. Davis (left guard), Amis (center), Lebey (right guard), Fincher (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5111174/the_charlotte_news/ The Charlotte News October 16, 1920 3 April 30, 2016 Newspapers.com Golden Tornado To Meet Commodores Week 5: at Pittsburgh Week 5: Georgia Tech @ Pittsburgh Ga. Tech Pitt 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 10 October 23 Forbes FieldPittsburgh 37,000 C. J. McCarty (Germantown) Sources: The Golden Tornado suffered its only loss at the hands of Pop Warner's Pittsburgh Panthers at Forbes Field by a score of 10 to 3. The game was controversial and Pitt was considered lucky to have won, such that after the game Pitt's own players and coaches led the praise for Tech."n" Tech's shift was penalized for some 165 yards that day. Tech halfback Red Barron played with a broken jaw suffered during the Vanderbilt game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5103208/the_washington_herald/ November 8, 1920 April 29, 2016 Newspapers.com The Washington Herald Southern In Line For Mythical Team 8 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070241/http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/CFHSN/CFHSNv14/CFHSNv14n1f.pdf March 4, 2016 http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/CFHSN/CFHSNv14/CFHSNv14n1f.pdf College Football Historical Society 14 1 November 2000 Early Georgia Tech Football Coach Warner called Barron the greatest halfback ever to perform on Forbes Field. Pitt fullback Orville "Tiny" Hewitt injured Tech quarterback Jack McDonough's ankle, and Frank Ferst had to take his place for the rest of the season. In the first quarter, Pitt back Tom Davies was injured. Buck Flowers made the only points of the half with a 20-yard drop-kick. Flowers' performance against Pitt caused Grantland Rice to call him one of the best broken field runners in the country. His tackling on defense also drew praise. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Hewitt plunged over for a touchdown. By then Davies had returned and added the extra point. He later also added a 30-yard field goal. Due to concern's over Tech players' eligibility, Pitt refused to schedule another game with Georgia Tech.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5103194/pittsburgh_postgazette/ October 24, 1920 April 29, 2016 Newspapers.com The Gazette Times Pittsburgh Pitt Breaks Relations With Georgia Tech sec. 3, p. 2 The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), O. Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5106056/pittsburgh_postgazette/ October 24, 1920 April 29, 2016 Newspapers.com The Gazette Times Pittsburgh A Close Call sec. 3, p. 2 Week 6: Centre Week 6: Centre @ Georgia Tech Centre Ga. Tech 0 0 0 0 3 7 7 7 October 30 Grant FieldAtlanta 15,000+ Ed Hamilton Sources: Arguably the highlight of the year was the defeat of the Centre Praying Colonels by a score of 24 to 0. It was Centre's first loss to a southern team since 1916."n" Also, both schools had just recently fought against the North. Centre the week before played valiantly against Harvard, a foreshadowing of next year's game. A story goes that tackle Bill Fincher sought to knock Centre quarterback "Bo" McMillin out of the game, taking with him brass-knuckles or "something equally diabolical."Fincher, Guyon, Strupper-and Shaw Hardy The Miami News November 3, 1943 Before the game, Fincher said "You're a great player Bo...I feel awful sorry about it because you are not going to be in there very long—about three minutes."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6327532/the_nebraska_state_journal/ Sportlight Grantland Rice 12 July 19, 1940 August 22, 2016 Newspapers.com The Nebraska State Journal left|160px|thumb|Tech gave Bo McMillin (pictured) his first and only loss to a southern team. Red Barron starred in the game, including a 57-yard touchdown run: "twisting and dodging through the desperate Centre secondary."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547655/news_and_observer/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071136/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547655/news_and_observer/ March 4, 2016 News and Observer 13 Georgia Tech Beats Strong Centre Team By Score of 24 To 0 October 31, 1920 June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com In the third quarter, Ferst ran 55 yards for a score. One writer claimed: "even the great "Bo" McMillin was powerless against the Tech players."https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094929/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547665/boston_post/ March 4, 2016 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547665/boston_post/ Boston Post 12 November 1, 1920 June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com Sport Comment Arthur Duffy The Atlanta Constitution reported: "McMillin's forward passes outdid anything of the kind seen here in many years, but Tech seemed to know where they were going." The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), O. Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), Ferst (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback). Week 7: Clemson Week 7: Clemson @ Georgia Tech Clemson Ga. Tech 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 November 6 Grant FieldAtlanta Paul Magoffin Sources: Coach Alexander rested his starters for the game against the Clemson Tigers and played substitutes throughout: "to teach the gamblers and point-makers a lesson." Sub quarterback Pinkey Hunt scored the lone touchdown in the final quarter.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547701/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution In Featureless Game Tornado Second String Bests Clemson Tigers 3 November 7, 1920 June 4, 2015 Newspapers.com Wallace George End Georgie Ratterman was under treatment by a stomach specialist as the result of trouble supposedly caused by over-exertion during his confinement in a German prison during World War I. It was not known if he could still play. The starting lineup was: Mayer (left end), McCree (left tackle), Webb (left guard), Johnson (center), Berry (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), Gringer (right end), Glaver (quarterback), Brewster (left halfback), Scarboro (right halfback), Rushing (fullback) Week 8: Georgetown Week 8: Georgetown @ Georgia Tech Georgetown Ga. Tech 0 0 0 6 7 0 21 7 November 13 Grant FieldAtlanta Mike Thompson Sources: In the eighth week of play, the Golden Tornado faced the Georgetown Blue and Gray coached by former Carlisle great Albert Exendine, and won 35 to 6. Exendine countered claims of Tech running up the score, saying his safety men were not playing their best. "The sportsmanship displayed by the Golden Tornado was all that could be desired", said Exendine.https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094944/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547599/the_atlanta_constitution/ March 4, 2016 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2547599/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution 2 Hilltoppers Stage Noble Defense During First Half, but Crumble Finally; Reserved Used by Tech November 14, 1920 June 3, 2015 Cliff Wheatley Newspapers.com The outstanding feature of the game was Flowers' 80-yard, off-tackle touchdown run, still one of the longest in school history.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/08-media-guide-119-208.pdf Georgia Institute of Technology Records 122, 139 August 22, 2016 November 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151122163709/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/08-media-guide-119-208.pdf dead One of Flowers' punts went 82 yards. Ed Hamilton was umpire. The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), O. Davis (right guard), Johnson (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), Ferst (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback) Week 9: Auburn Week 9: Auburn @ Georgia Tech Auburn Ga. Tech 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 21 November 25 Grant FieldAtlanta 2:00 p. m. 20,000 Mike Thompson Sources: On November 25, Georgia Tech defeated the Auburn Tigers at Grant Field by a score of 34 to 0 for a share of the SIAA title. The Tigers had a powerful eleven, which beat Vanderbilt 56 to 6 to counter Tech's 44 to 0 win, and set a school record with 332 points in nine games. Some Auburn fans before the game predicted a victory over Tech and the conference title.https://web.archive.org/web/20160306201706/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2082716/the_charlotte_news/ March 6, 2016 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2082716// The Charlotte News October 26, 1920 2 March 27, 2015 Newspapers.com Dixie Football is Given Praise Flowers scored three touchdowns in the game, including punt returns of 82 and 65 yards and a 33-yard run from scrimmage, and also passed for a fourth touchdown.1279 Buck Flowers Member Biography College Football Hall of Fame September 5, 2014Golden Tornado Wins: Georgia Tech Crushes Alabama Poly by Score of 34 to 0 The New York Times November 26, 1920 19 https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1920/11/26/109801885.pdf Flowers also kicked a punt that went 65 yards in the air against Auburn.Golden Tornado Sweeps Through Auburn Team 34–0: "Buck" Flowers in Final Game of Career Plays Spectacular Football, Makes Two Eighty-Yard Runs The Spartanburg Herald November 26, 1920 14 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19201124&id=6F4sAAAAIBAJ&pg=6456,4049227 Sportswriter Morgan Blake said about Flowers' play against Auburn: "The Auburn Tiger came up with claws sharpened. As he writhed in death agony when the battle was over, he made one request, 'Please omit Flowers'." The Atlanta Journal wrote that Flowers was: "flitting like a phantom, an undulating, rippling, chromatic phantom, over the whitewashed lines." The yearbook remarked Bill Fincher: "began his great work on the sand lots of Tech Hi here in Atlanta years ago and ended it up by smearing "Fatty" Warren of the Auburn Tigers all over the flats of Grant Field on Turkey Day last."https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/14415/1921%20Athletics.pdf.txt?sequence=15 The Blueprint 1921 Georgia Institute of Technology August 22, 2016 The starting lineup was: J. Staton (left end), Fincher (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Ratterman (right end), Ferst (quarterback), Flowers (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), Harlan (fullback). Postseason 260px|thumb|Fincher kicking from placement. Awards and honors Nine of the eleven starters made some writer's All-Southern team."n" All except for center Dad Amis and quarterback Jack McDonough.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1908684// https://web.archive.org/web/20160307143420/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1908684/the_washington_post/ March 7, 2016 The Washington Post March 2, 2015 All-Southern Grid Eleven Is Named December 6, 1920 12 Newspapers.com Bill Fincher was selected first-team All-American by Walter Camp.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5302511/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution Flowers and Fincher Put on All-America Team by Walter Camp 3 December 5, 1920 May 18, 2016 Newspapers.com He was just the fourth southern player to receive this honor."n" Fuzzy Woodruff commenting on the All-Southern composite selection of the Atlanta Constitution and Atlanta Journal next season states "This composite pick has now been recognized as the south's official football hall of fame. No southern player can receive a higher honor unless he happens to be named on Walter Camp's All-American."https://web.archive.org/web/20150402193816/http://www.newspapers.com/clip/1908975/the_atlanta_constitution/ April 2, 2015 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1908975// March 2, 2015 December 4, 1921 Barron, A. Staton, Harlan Are Tornado Celebrities Getting on Big Outfit Atlanta Constitution Fuzzy Woodruff Fuzzy Woodruff Newspapers.com Fincher made 31 PAT attempts on the year, and closed his career with a record 122 of 136. Captain Flowers was selected as a third-team All-American by the United Press and the International News Service. Records conflict as to his rushing totals during the 1920 season. According to one account, which acknowledged it was based on incomplete records, Flowers rushed 80 times for 819 yards (10.2 yards per carry), and had 290 punt return yards (16.5 yards per return), in six games.Buck Flowers: He Could Do It All — Well Daily Item Sumter, South Carolina October 15, 1969 B2 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19691015&id=fXMiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1126,1790436 August 22, 2016 According to another account, published by the United Press in 1958, Flowers rushed for 1,425 yards in 1920.Henry L. Farrell Brilliant Backs Are Features of 1920 Eleven: United Press Scribe Picks An All-American Eleven Himself Middletown Daily Herald December 10, 1920 He also led the country with an average of 49.4 yards per punt; and had a school record for number of drop kicked field goals.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/71stats.pdf Tech's "Old Time" Football Records August 22, 2016 Georgia Institute of Technology March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130457/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/71stats.pdf dead Coach Alexander said Flowers was the best punter Tech ever had and the best back he ever coached, calling him "pound for pound, my greatest player". Championships Rooters on either side of Georgia were happy as both Georgia and Tech claimed SIAA titles.http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/conference_champs/champions.php?conid=181 Conference Championships – Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association August 22, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014352/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/conference_champs/champions.php?conid=181 September 30, 2007 Florent Gibson of the Pittsburgh Post rated Tech as the best team in the country.https://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1971_49_3/30 Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine 28 Letters 49 3 1971 Georgia Institute of Technology August 22, 2016 Personnel Depth chart The following chart provides a visual depiction of Tech's lineup during the 1920 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses. The chart mimics the offense after the jump shift has taken place. LE John Staton (7) R. P. Mayer (1)    LT LG C RG RT Bill Fincher (6) Dummy Lebey (6) Dad Amis (7) Oscar Davis (6) Albert Staton (5) J. P. McCrea (1)Oscar Davis (1)Charles Johnson (1) W. G. Berry (1)Charles Johnson (1) Albert Staton (1) B. P. Webb (1)Claire Frye (0) Dummy Lebey (1)W. P. Lyman (1) Jesse Fincher (0) Bill Fincher (1) RE Georgie Ratterman (6) H. W. Granger (1) Albert Staton (1)   QB Jack McDonough (4) Frank Ferst (3) Bill Glaver (1) Pinkey Hunt (0) RHB Red Barron (7) Dewey Scarboro (1) FB Judy Harlan (7) O. W. Rushing (1) H. Welchel (0) LHB Buck Flowers (7) Jimmy Brewster (1) Oats (0) thumb|300x300px|Starters Starters Line Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeJohn StatonEnd7Atlanta 18Bill FincherTackle, End7Spring Place, Georgia Tech High School 6'0"188 20Dummy LebeyGuard7Savannah, Georgia Dad AmisCenter7 25Oscar DavisGuard7 182Al Staton Tackle7Atlanta, Georgia Boys High School 18220Georgie RattermanEnd6Nashville, Tennessee Spring Hill College 22 Backfield Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeJack McDonoughQuarterback6Savannah, Georgia Buck FlowersHalfback8Sumter, South CarolinaSumter High School5'7"15521Red BarronHalfback8Clarkesville, Georgia 5'11"18020 Judy HarlanFullback8Ottumwa, Iowa Tech High School 5'11" 17823 Substitutes Line Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeW. G. BerryGuard1 Jesse FincherTackle Claire FryeCenter Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 160H. W. GrangerEnd1 Charles JohnsonCenter1 Atlanta, Georgia 6'0" 184 23W. P. LymanTackle1 R. P. MayerEnd1 J. P. McCreaTackle1 B. P. WebbGuard1 Backfield Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeJimmy BrewsterHalfback1 Newnan, Georgia 5'7" 15518Frank FerstQuarterback2 Bill GlaverQuarterback1 Pinkey HuntQuarterback OatsHalfback O. W. RushingFullback1 Dewey ScarboroHalfback1Moultrie, Georgia Moultrie High School 5'6" 145 21H. WelchelFullback Scoring leaders The following is an incomplete list of statistics and scores, largely dependent on newspaper summaries. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals PointsJudy Harlan12 0072Buck Flowers82462Red Barron100 060Bill Fincher031031Jack McDonough50030Frank Ferst20012Pinkey Hunt20012Bill Glaver1006Kenyon1006Dummy Lebey1006Patterman1006W. P. Lyman0303Dewey Scarboro0013Al Staton0303 Total43395312 Coaching staff Head coach: William Alexander Backfield coach: Joe Guyon Line coach: Fay Wood Reserve coach: Kid Clay Freshman coach: George C. Griffin Manager: F. L. Asbury Jr. See also 1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season 1920 College Football All-Southern Team 1920 College Football All-America Team Notes n Endnotes 2 References https://books.google.com/books?id=tfMjFXHLfZwC&pg=PT147 100 Things Yellow Jackets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die Van Brimmer Adam Rice Homer 2011 Chicago Triumph Books 978-1-61749-703-2 Georgia Tech Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football seasons Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football Category:1920s in Atlanta