1921 Florida Gators football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1921 Florida Gators football 1921 Florida Gators football team.png 285 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 6–3–2 4–1–2 William G. Kline 2nd Tootie Perry Fleming Field 21gatorsuniform.png The 1921 Florida Gators football team (variously "Florida", "Gators", or "UF") represented the University of Florida in the 1921 college football season. It marked the Florida Gators' 15th overall season, and its 9th and final as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). The Gators played their home games at Fleming Field in Gainesville, Florida. It was head coach William Kline's second season leading the Gators' football team. They finished the season with a record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties (6–3–2 overall, 4–1–2 in the SIAA), finishing sixth in conference play. The Gators improved their record against major collegiate competition with a notable win against the Alabama Crimson Tide (9–2) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Florida's two losses against the Tennessee Volunteers (0–9) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (10–14) were competitive and close. Coach Herman Stegeman of Georgia wrote in Spalding's Football Guide "Florida, for the first time, had a strong team. Aided by Dixon, the South's best punter, they combined a kicking game and a well-diversified offense to good advantage." Spalding's Football Guide Foot Ball in the South Stegeman H. J. 89 https://archive.org/stream/officialnational07nation#page/n89/mode/2up Captain Tootie Perry was the school's first-ever All-Southern selection. Before the season Professor of military science James Van Fleet joined Kline's coaching staff.Carlson 2007 24–25 Kline's staff faced heavy pressure from the alumni for a winning football team and so "five players were brought the University of Oklahoma and the western states" such as Ferdinand H. Duncan and Ark Newton.Graham 9 Newton allegedly first attended a practice only to watch, but the captain Tootie Perry was so impressed when he saw him that he offered Newton a uniform and coaxed him onto the field. Newton's punts sailed over the head of the return men and brought the attention of the coaches.McEwen 1974 75–76 Schedule October 1 w y y Fort Benning Columbus, GA 6–0 4,500 October 8 w y y 1921 Rollins Tars Rollins Orlando, FL 33–0 October 10 l y Carlstrom Field Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 0–19 October 15 w Mercer Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 7–0 October 22 l y Tennessee Shields–Watkins Field Knoxville, TN rivalry 0–9 October 29 w y Howard (AL) Gunter Parkhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/84451228/howard-helpless-in-game-with-florida/ The Montgomery Advertiser Howard helpless in game with Florida October 30, 1921 August 6, 2021 Newspapers.com Montgomery, AL 34–0 200 November 5 t y South Carolina Plant Field Tampa, FL 7–7 November 12 w y Alabama Denny Field Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 9–2 5,000 November 18 t Mississippi College Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 7–7 November 26 w Oglethorpe Fleming Field Gainesville, FL 21–3 December 3 l y y North Carolina Barrs Field Jacksonville, FL 10–14 7,500 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. 107–108 (2015). Retrieved August 15, 2015. Game summaries Week 1: at Camp Benning Week 1: Florida at Camp Benning Florida Infantry 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 October 1 Columbus, Georgia 4,500 A blocked punt proved the difference in the Gators' first win of the season over Camp Benning in Columbus, Georgia 6–0.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00334 Florida Alligator October 7, 1921 'Gator Machine With Perfect Team Works Triumph Over Camp Benning In a 6 to 0 Hard Fought Battle In the third quarter, Camp Benning's Crist attempted punt was blocked and recovered by Florida at the 20-yard line. Bill Renfro ran through the tackles for seven yards on first down. T. Hoyt Carlton ran the remaining 13 yards to score. Dickson missed goal. The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), Scott (left guard), Perry (center), Rosenhouse (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Newton (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback). Week 2: Rollins Week 2: Rollins at Florida Rollins Florida 0 0 0 0 8 0 7 18 October 8 Florida rolled up a large, 33–0 score on the Rollins Tars. In the fourth quarter, T. Hoyt Carlton faked a kick and ran 40 yards for the touchdown; the first of three scored by the Gators in the final period.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00335 Florida Alligator October 14, 1921 'Gators Smother Rollins 33 to 0 The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Beasley (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Newton (fullback). Week 3: Carlstrom Field Week 3: Carlstrom Field at Florida Aviators Florida 0 13 0 6 0 0 0 0 October 10 Gainesville, Florida The Gators lost to Carlstrom Field and its "baffling" display of passes and defense 19–0.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00335 Florida Alligator October 14, 1921 Arcadia Flyers Defeat Florida Gene Vidal's attempted drop kick was blocked, but he caught the ball off the rebound and ran 20 yards before the time spectators realized what happened. The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Doty (left tackle), C. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), Scott (right guard), Wuthrich (right tackle), Duncan (right end), Renfro (quarterback), Carlton (left halfback), Beasley (right halfback), Newton (fullback). Week 4: Mercer Week 4: Mercer at Florida Mercer Florida 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 October 15 Gainesville, Florida Buie (Davidson) The Gators defeated Josh Cody's Mercer Baptists 7–0.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00336 Florida Alligator October 21, 1921 Mercer Goes Down Before Orange and Blue Onslaught After a 30–0 loss last year, Mercer took it as a moral victory against a stronger Florida team this season.http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/mercercluster/id:mer1921-0062 Mercer Cluster 2 October 21, 1921 The TeamJune 2026 InternetArchiveBot thumb|130px|left|Tootie Perry. "Capt. Tootie Perry was again the star on defense." He recovered a Mercer fumble on the 15-yard line. On the ensuing fourth down T. Hoyt Carlton ran in a touchdown. Wilsky kicked goal. The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Carlton (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Renfro (right halfback), Newton (fullback). Week 5: at Tennessee Week 5: Florida at Tennessee Florida Tennessee 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 October 22 Knoxville, Tennessee Parrish (VMI) The Tennessee Volunteers defeated Florida 9 to 0.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00337 Florida Alligator October 28, 1921 Tennessee Wins Over 'Gators, Who Put Up Wonderful Defensive Fight Florida was inside Tennessee's 30-yard line just once, failing to convert a field goal. Tennessee's touchdown and safety were thanks to the forward pass. The safety was an interception by Florida tackled in the endzone. The Vols' Roe Campbell averaged 50 yards on 14 punts.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3148556/greensboro_daily_news/ Greensboro Daily News Tennessee Beats Florida With Overhead Passes October 23, 1921 20 September 3, 2015 Newspapers.com The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wuthrich (left tackle), Robinson (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Carlton (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Renfro (right halfback), Newton (fullback). Week 6: at Howard In a "drizzling rain" and "sea of mud" in Montgomery, ALhttps://www.newspapers.com/clip/3148589/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution Florida Defeats Howard, 34 to 0, In Sea of Mud 2 October 30, 1921 September 3, 2015 Newspapers.com Florida defeated the Howard Bulldogs 34–0 and gave up just one first down.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3134137/the_washington_post/ The Washington Post Florida Swamps Howard College October 30, 1921 29 September 1, 2015 Newspapers.com http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00338 Florida Alligator 'Gators Prove Too Much For Howard Winning By An Overwhelming Score November 4, 1921 Week 7: South Carolina Week 7: South Carolina at Florida S. Carolina Florida 7 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 November 5 Plant FieldTampa, Florida Hutchinson (Purdue) In a game in Tampa on Plant Field, coach Sol Metzger's South Carolina Gamecocks fought the Gators to a 7–7 tie. The Gamecocks scored early after a fumble recovery near the goal line. The Gators scored once in the second period, and "threatened to do so again and again from both attempted placement kicks and straight football, only to fall by missing the cross bars by inches and by gameness of the fighting Gamecocks."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3133318/the_atlanta_constitution/ 2 Atlanta Constitution November 6, 1921 Florida and S. C. In Tie August 31, 2015 Newspapers.com The Gators starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Wurthrich (left tackle), Scott (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Doty (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Carlton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback). Week 8: at Alabama Week 8: Florida at Alabama Florida Alabama 6 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 November 11 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 5,000 In the Gators first ever win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ferdinand H. Duncan accounted for all of Florida's points to upset the Tide at homecoming 9–2.Carlson 2007 26http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00339 Florida Alligator Orange and Blue Outclass Red and White in Fast Game November 18, 1921 After an early exchange of punts, Florida started with the ball on its 45-yard line. Duncan and Ark Newton, with one run from T. Hoyt Carlton, worked the ball down for the game's lone touchdown. Alabama scored on a safety after blocking a Ray Dickson punt into the endzone.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3064930/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution 14 November 12, 1921 August 22, 2015 Newspapers.com Alabama is Loser 9-2 A 20-yard drop kick was the Gators' final score. The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Robinson (left tackle), H. Perry (left guard), Wilsky (center), C. Perry (right guard), Scott (right tackle), Burnett (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Duncan (left halfback), Pomeroy (right halfback), Newton (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3161255/the_wilmington_morning_star/ The Wilmington Morning Star Florida Squad Puts One On Alabama Men September 5, 2015 Newspapers.com November 12, 1921 7 Week 9: Mississippi College Week 9: Mississippi College at Florida Mississippi Florida 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 November 18 Gainesville, Florida left|thumb|130px|Goat Hale. Florida battled coach Stanley L. Robinson's Mississippi College Choctaws to a 7–7 tie.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3132837/the_atlanta_constitution/ 'Goat' Hale Ties Florida November 19, 1921 Atlanta Constitution 10 August 31, 2015 Newspapers.com Florida had the greater weight and Mississippi College the greater speed.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00339 'Gators Will Lock Horns With Miss.. This Afternoon November 18, 1921 Led by Hall of Fame quarterback Goat Hale, the Choctaws controlled the first half. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Florida led a comeback, scoring the tying touchdown after a series of forward passes.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3132551/the_charlotte_news/ 3 The Charlotte News Florida University Shows Aerial Play August 31, 2015 November 19, 1921 Newspapers.com During the game, Ark Newton had a 92-yard punt.https://www.si.com/vault/1997/01/01/223278/gators-humble-origins-in-its-107-year-history-florida-football-has-tantalized-more-than-it-has-triumphed Gators Humble Origins In Its 107-Year History, Florida Football Has Tantalized More Than It Has Triumphed dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160106021042/http://www.si.com/vault/1997/01/01/223278/gators-humble-origins-in-its-107-year-history-florida-football-has-tantalized-more-than-it-has-triumphed 2016-01-06 Week 10: Oglethorpe Week 10: Oglethorpe at Florida Oglethorpe Florida 0 0 3 0 14 7 0 0 November 25 Gainesville, Florida Florida defeated coach Jogger Elcock's Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 21–3, keeping the ball in Oglethorpe's territory most of the game.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00340 Florida Alligator Tootie's Gators Hand Oglethorpe A 21 to 3 Drubbing---Ends Season November 25, 1921 The Gators scored all 21 points in the first half, including two touchdowns in the first five minutes. The first touchdown was scored by a short run behind center from Ferdinand H. Duncan. An Oglethorpe punt was later blocked by Tootie Perry, recovered by Swanson for a touchdown. Ark Newton made both extra points. Oglethorpe intercepted a Florida pass at the 5-yard line. Perry and Merrin broke through the line, blocking the ensuing punt. Thomas then fell on the ball for Florida's final touchdown and Newton again kicked goal. A 28-yard drop kick from Oglethorpe's Morris got its points. Postseason Week 11: North Carolina Week 11: North Carolina at Florida N. Carolina Florida 0 7 7 0 3 0 7 0 December 3, 1921 Jacksonville, Florida 7,500 Scheduled since November,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3132487/the_high_point_enterprise/ The High Point Enterprise 1 November 19, 1921 Tar Heels To Play Post-Season Game August 31, 2015 Newspapers.com the Gators met the North Carolina Tar Heels in a postseason contest at Jacksonville, Florida on December 3.http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00028291/00341 Florida Alligator Entire Student Body Goes To Jacksonville To See the 'Gators Put Florida On The Map In Post Season Game With The N. C. Tar Heels December 2, 1921 It was the first ever meeting between the two schools.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3133296/the_high_point_enterprise/ The High Point Enterprise Carolina To Meet Florida Gators December 2, 1921 12 August 31, 2015 Newspapers.com Despite outweighing the Tar Heels, the Gators lost 14 to 10. Florida's scores came on Dickson's goal from placement and a 20-yard pass from Dickson to Carlton.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3132369/greensboro_daily_news/ Greensboro Daily News 14 December 4, 1921 University of North Carolina Triumphs Over Florida 14 to 10 August 31, 2015 Newspapers.com The starting lineup was: Swanson (left end), Robinson (left tackle), Gunn (left guard), Wilksy (center), C. Perry (guard), Doty (tackle), Duncan (end), Carlton (quarterback), Pomeroy (left halfback), Newton (right halfback), Dickson (fullback). Awards and honors Tootie Perry was the first Gator ever selected for an All-Southern team following the 1921 season. Among the selectors who honored Perry as such were J. L. Ray of the Nashville Banner, George A. Butler of the Chattanooga News, and John Snell of the Enquirer-Sun.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1983593// Scribes Are Finding Material Plentiful For All-Star Machines November 29, 1921 12 March 13, 2015 Atlanta Constitution Newspapers.com Players Line Florida Gators Number Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age R. H. Burnettend 5'10"180 Arthur Doty tackle 6'0"198 Ferdinand H. Duncan end Sioux City, Iowa University of South Dakota 6'2"200 Erret "Shorty" Gunn center Kissimmee 6'6"200 Mervin Mounts end 5'9"15513Carl "Tootie" Perry guard Rochelle Gainesville High 5'10"23025Henry Perry guard 6'0"247Robbie Robinson tackle Mobile, Alabama 6'0"17919Moses Rosenhouse guard 5'8"193Ivan Scott guard 6'0"180Robert Swansonend Texarkana 6'0"170Horace Tolbert guard 5'7"200Charlie Wilskycenter 5'10"170Emory Wuthrichtackle 5'8"185 Backfield Florida Gators Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeTully Hoyt Carltonfullback Wauchula 6'0"160J. O'Neal Cox halfback 5'7"150Ray Dickson fullback 6'0"202James Merrinfullback Rackmore, Georgia 5'10"155Ark Newtonhalfback Camden, ArkansasCamden High6'0"18118Stewart Pomeroyhalfback Tampa 5'6"150Bill Renfroe quarterback 5'8"160George Stanleyquarterback Jacksonville 5'8"148 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3181642/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution Florida Men Versatile 13 January 4, 1922 September 8, 2015 Newspapers.com The Seminole See also 1921 College Football All-Southern Team 1921 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season References Books Carlson Norm University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators Whitman Publishing, LLC Atlanta, Georgia 2007 0-7948-2298-3 http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00007572/00001/9j History of the University of Florida Klein Graham McEwen Tom The Gators: A Story of Florida Football The Strode Publishers Huntsville, Alabama 1974 0-87397-025-X Florida Category:Florida Gators football seasons Florida Gators football