1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1920 Georgia Bulldogs football 20bulldogs.png 285 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 8–0–1 7–0 Herman Stegeman 1st Bum Day Sanford Field National champion (Berryman)SIAA co-champion 200 The 1920 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 1920 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The Bulldogs had an 8–0–1 record,1920 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 29, 2015 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia/1920-schedule.html outscored opponents 250–17, and were also co-champion of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, with in-state rival Georgia Tech as well as Tulane, which were also undefeated in conference play. 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.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2017/FBS.pdf 2017 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records The National Collegiate Athletic Association July 2017 Indianapolis January 24, 2019 111 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."The term "ten second backfield" generally refers to players capable (or thought to be capable) of running a 100-yard dash in 10 seconds—that is, fast runners.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-advent-has-ten-secon/154994972/ Advent has ten-second backfield The Cincinnati Post 6 November 11, 1913 September 9, 2024 newspapers.com Georgia upset rival Auburn. The Bulldogs also gave Furman their only loss, and did the same to Alabama in the year's biggest win.November 21, 1920 Great defense of Georgia is Alabama's end The Ledger NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers 2 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. Schedule October 2 w The Citadel Sanford Field Athens, GA 40–0 October 9 w y South Carolina Columbia, SC rivalry 37–0 October 13 w y Furman Manly Field Greenville, SC 7–0 October 23 w y y Oglethorpe Atlanta, GA 27–3 October 30 w y Auburn A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium Columbus, GA rivalry 7–0 7,000 November 6 t y y Virginia Lambeth Field Charlottesville, VA 0–0 5,000 November 13 w Florida Sanford Field Athens, GA rivalry 56–0 November 20 w y Alabama Ponce de Leon Park Atlanta, GA rivalry 21–14 11,000 November 25 w Clemson Sanford Field Athens, GA rivalry 55–0 5,000 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. Game summaries Week 1: The Citadel The Bulldogs opened the season with a 40–0 defeat of The Citadel. Citadel made one first down.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5079531/the_atlanta_constitution/ 2 Atlanta Constitution Georgia Defeats Citadel October 3, 1920 April 27, 2016 Newspapers.com The first score was a 60-yard run by Hartley. Week 2: at South Carolina Week 2: Georgia at South Carolina Georgia S. Carolina 10 13 14 0 0 0 0 0 October 6 Columbia, SC In the second week of play, Georgia easily defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 37–0, "principally through the ability of Hartley and Cheves to advance the ball by long runs". Hartley returned the second-half kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown, and had another 75-yard touchdown run two minutes later.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4688071/the_atlanta_constitution/ October 10, 1920 4 Georgia Defeats Carolina March 21, 2016 Newspapers.com The Atlanta Constitution 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).Woodruff 1928 111 Week 3: at Furman Week 3: Georgia at Furman Georgia Furman 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 October 13 Manly FieldGreenville, SC 2,500 A close-fought game with coach Billy Laval's Speedy Speer-led Furman Purple Hurricane brought the Bulldogs a 7–0 win and Furman's only loss on the year. Georgia scored thanks to a pass from Buck Cheves to Sheldon Fitts. A punting duel with Milton McManaway and Dave Collings featured throughout.http://redandblack.libs.uga.edu/xtf/view?docId=news/1920/rab1920-0140.xml&query=&brand=rab-brand 8 Ga. Barely Overcome Furman Crew October 22, 1920 The Red and BlackJune 2026 InternetArchiveBot Week 4: at Oglethorpe Georgia beat the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 27–3.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5079485/the_atlanta_constitution/ Georgia Emerges Winner John H. Mahoney October 24, 1920 3 April 27, 2016 Newspapers.com The Atlanta Constitution Oglethorpe's captain Knox scored the season's first points on the Bulldogs.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5079464/the_tennessean/ October 24, 1920 16 April 27, 2016 Newspapers.com The Tennessean Georgia University Wins From Oglethorpe Week 5: Auburn Week 5: Auburn at Georgia Auburn Georgia 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 October 30 McClung StadiumColumbus, GA 7,000 Jogger Elcock The Bulldogs upset the Auburn Tigers 7–0, getting revenge for last year's loss. The only touchdown of the game was a 20-yard pass from Buck Cheves to Dick Hartley. Frank Stubbs starred for Auburn.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4688052/the_atlanta_constitution/ March 21, 2016 Newspapers.com 2 October 31, 1920 The Atlanta Constitution Gene Hinton Georgia Upsets Dope and Defeats Auburn By A Single Touchdown 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).Woodruff 1928 125 Week 6: at Virginia Week 6: Georgia at Virginia Georgia Virginia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 6 Lambeth FieldCharlottesville, VA 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.https://www.newspapers.com/image/26941041 Georgia and Virginia Battle To Scoreless Tie In Death Grapple March 21, 2016 Newspapers.com November 7, 1920 The Atlanta Constitution 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).Woodruff 1928 128 Week 7: Florida Week 7: Florida at Georgia Florida Georgia 0 0 0 0 7 28 14 7 November 13 Sanford FieldAthens, GA W. R. Tichenor Georgia rolled up a large 56–0 score on the Florida Gators. Florida put up a hard fight until Georgia got its first touchdown across, pouring it on from there. Quarterback Sheldon Fitts was the star of the contest.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00301 9 'Gators Lose To Georgia In One-Sided Bout The Florida Alligator November 19, 1920http://redandblack.libs.uga.edu/xtf/view?docId=news/1920/rab1920-0164.xml&query=&brand=rab-brand November 19, 1920 8 The Red and Black 'Gators Are Beaten By Red and Black In One-Sided Game Fitts and Bohren scored two touchdowns. Paige Bennett, Hartley, Echols, and Collings had one each. Owen Reynolds starred again.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4688041/the_atlanta_constitution/ Georgia Bulldogs Enjoys Feast Of Choice Florida 'Gator Meat, Winning Game By Great Margin John H. Mahoney 3 March 21, 2016 November 14, 1920 Atlanta Constitution Newspapers.com 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).Woodruff 1928 131 thumb|left|230px|Photo from the Alabama game. Artie Pew is attempting to tackle Riggs Stephenson. Behind Pew is Puss Whelchel. Week 8: Alabama Week 8: Alabama at Georgia Alabama Georgia 0 7 7 0 14 0 0 7 November 20 PonceyAtlanta, GA 11,000 W. R. Tichenor The key win for the conference title was the 21–14 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. None of Georgia's touchdowns were scored by the offense.1920 Season http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/20-m-footbl-recaps.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20180913040045/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/20-m-footbl-recaps.pdf September 13, 2018 dead 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 touchdownJanuary 30, 2015 Longest Plays http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geo/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/14fb-history-longest.pdf January 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150130222407/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geo/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/14fb-history-longest.pdf dead Again Pew converted goal. The recovery by Cheves ranked fourth in The 50 Greatest Plays In Georgia Bulldogs Football History.The 50 Greatest Plays in Georgia Bulldogs Football History August 5, 2008 Patrick Garbin 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).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3181500/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution September 8, 2015 Newspapers.com November 21, 1920 3 Blocked Punt Enables Bulldog To Defeat Alabama In Final Five Minutes of Annual Game Cliff Wheatley Woodruff 1928 133–136 Week 9: Clemson Week 9: Clemson at Georgia Clemson Georgia 0 0 0 0 14 6 21 14 November 25 Sanford FieldAthens, GA 5,000 Cheves and Hartley starred again in a 55–0 romp over Clemson to end the season. Dave Collings was the star of the contest scoring two touchdowns.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4688092/the_atlanta_constitution/ March 21, 2016 newspapers.com Georgia Bulldogs' Offensive Bowls Over Clemson Tiger, and Athenians Rull Up 55 Points On Carolinian John Mahoney 14 November 26, 1920 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). After the season Owen Reynolds was elected captain for next year.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4688043/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution Reynolds To Lead Bulldog November 28, 1920 2 March 21, 2016 Newspapers.com Reynolds, Pew, and Day were all composite All-Southern selections. Whelchel also made several selections, and Joe Bennett made one.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1908684// March 2, 2015 All-Southern Grid Eleven Is Named December 6, 1920 12 Newspapers.com Rooters on either side of Georgia were happy as both the Bulldogs and Georgia 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 The Bulldogs were retroactively named the national champion for 1920 under the Berryman QPRS methodology.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/FBS.pdf National Poll Rankings National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2015 NCAA Division I Football Records NCAA 108 January 8, 2016 Personnel Roster Line Georgia Bulldogs Number Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age Thurston AnthonyTackle 11 Joe BennettTackle Statesboro, Georgia 1801913 Paige BennettEnd 1 Bum DayCenter Nashville, GeorgiaPorter Military Academy5'10"19022 W. Mercer MurrayGuard Fort Valley, GeorgiaGeorgia Military Academy5'11"17019 3 Owen ReynoldsEnd Douglasville, Georgia 6'3"1709 Artie PewTackle Damascus, Georgia 19522 Jim TaylorTackle Hazlehurst, Georgia 4 Nemo VandiverGuard 45 Hugh WhelchelGuard Dahlonega, Georgia 20020 Backfield Georgia Bulldogs Number Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age19 Buck ChevesQuarterback Richwood, Georgia Georgia Military College 145 1898 19205 Dave CollingsHalfback Atlanta, Georgia Boys High School (Atlanta) 1901 192029 Roy EcholsFullback Darlington Academy 31 Sheldon FittsHalfback Jemison, Alabama Georgia Military College 1899 192023 Dick HartleyHalfback Fort Valley, GeorgiaGeorgia Military Academy 1900 1920 Goat TannerHalfback Unlisted Georgia Bulldogs PlayerPaul AndersonDan BennettJoe BlackmonBill Campbell https://books.google.com/books?id=LdDCq3ybJPwC&q=%22jersey+number%22&pg=PA44 About Them Dawgs! 9780810860407 Garbin Patrick 2008http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/letterwinners-1920.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110101030311/http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/letterwinners-1920.html dead January 1, 2011 GEORGIADOGS.COM - University of University of Georgia Official Athletic Site - Football Scoring leaders The following is an incomplete list of statistics and scores, largely dependent on newspaper summaries. Georgia Bulldogs Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals PointsDick Hartley11 0066Sheldon Fitts70042Artie Pew228040Buck Cheves50030Dave Collings30121Bohran30018Joe Bennett2 3015Paige Bennett1006Bum Day1006Roy Echols1006Total36311250 Notes References Additional sources A History of Southern Football 1890–1928 Woodruff Fuzzy 1928 2 Georgia Category:Georgia Bulldogs football seasons Category:College football undefeated seasons Georgia Bulldogs football