1919 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1919 Alabama Crimson Tide football Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 8–1 6–1 Xen C. Scott 1st Ike Rogers University FieldRickwood Field 1917 The 1919 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") represented the University of Alabama in the 1919 college football season. It was the Crimson Tide's 26th overall and 23rd season as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA). The team was led by head coach Xen C. Scott, in his first year, and played their home games at University Field in Tuscaloosa and at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. They finished the season with a record of eight wins and one loss (8–1 overall, 6–1 in the SIAA). After not fielding a team for the 1918 season due to the effects of World War I, in May 1919, Xen C. Scott was hired to serve as head coach of the Crimson Tide. Alabama then opened the season with four consecutive shutout victories at University Field in Tuscaloosa. After Scott defeated Birmingham–Southern in his debut as Crimson Tide head coach, the next week he defeated Ole Miss for his first SIAA victory. After a pair of blowout victories over both Howard and the Marion, Alabama defeated Sewanee, 40–0, in what was the most anticipated game of the season at Rickwood Field. After the Sewanee win, Alabama traveled to Nashville where they lost their only game of the season against Vanderbilt 16–12. After the loss, the Crimson Tide rebounded with wins at LSU and Georgia and at Birmingham over Mississippi A&M on Thanksgiving to close the season. Schedule Central October 4 w y Birmingham–Southern University Field Tuscaloosa, AL 27–0 2,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71346930/ The Birmingham News Panthers are beaten, but show gameness October 5, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com October 11 w Ole Miss University Field Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry 49–0 Ole Miss loses to Alabama 50 to 0 NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The New Orleans Item October 12, 1919 4 October 18 w Howard (AL) University Field Tuscaloosa, AL 48–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71347396/alabamas-crimson-tide-piles-up-big/ The Birmingham News Alabama's Crimson Tide piles up big score on Howard Bulldogs October 17, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com October 24 w y Marion University Field Tuscaloosa, AL 61–0 University team romps on Marion NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 25, 1919 5 November 1 w Sewanee Rickwood Field Birmingham, AL 40–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71347861/glorious-victory-over-sewanee-beyond/ Nashville Banner Glorious victory over Sewanee beyond all expectations November 2, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com November 8 l y Vanderbilt Dudley Field Nashville, TN 12–16 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71348185/commodores-blast-alabamas-hopes-for/ The Tennessean Commodores blast Alabama's hopes for championship November 9, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com November 15 w y LSU State Field Baton Rouge, LA rivalry 23–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71348390/alabama-victor-over-baton-rouge-in-a/ The Tuscaloosa News Alabama victor over Baton Rouge in a fast game November 16, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com November 22 w y Georgia Ponce de Leon Park Atlanta, GA rivalry 6–0 10,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71348625/crimson-takes-great-battle-from-georgia/ The Birmingham News Crimson takes great battle from Georgia November 23, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com November 27 w Mississippi A&M Rickwood Field Birmingham, AL rivalry 14–6 6,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71348812/ole-miss-is-winner/ The Vicksburg Herald Ole Miss is winner November 28, 1919 February 17, 2021 Newspapers.com https://rolltide.com/sports/2016/6/10/sports-m-footbl-archive-m-footbl-archive-1919-html.aspx?id=258 1919 Alabama football archive RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics February 29, 2012 Before the season After the departure of Thomas Kelley as head coach of the Crimson Tide following their 1917 season, then athletic director B. L. Noojin was chosen as his successor.Noojin to coach Crimson next year NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser December 20, 1917 2 However Noojin never led the team as head coach since the 1918 season was canceled due to the effects of World War I; multiple opponents had cancelled their contests against Alabama and there was a military policy that only allowed for the team to practice for less than one hour per week.Intercollegiate football abandoned at University 1 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=olQ_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=_UwMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2377%2C2159822 The Tuscaloosa News Tuscaloosa, Alabama Google News August 23, 1943 September 17, 2013 When football was reinstated for the next season, Xen C. Scott was hired to serve as head coach in May 1919.Xen Scott to coach Alabama football team next season NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser May 27, 1919 10 Scott had previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Naval Reserve team that upset the national champion Pittsburgh Panthers to close their 1918 season. Scott had also previously served as head coach for both Western Reserve University (1910) and the Case Institute of Technology (1911–1913) in Cleveland. Scott opened his first fall practice on September 1, 1919.Alabama football team is training NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser September 6, 1919 5 At that time, ten players from previous Alabama squads returned and included T. L. Brown, Jack Hovater, Walter E. Hovater, Ralph Lee Jones, Mullie Lenoir, Emmet Noland, J. T. O'Connor, Ike Rogers, Tram Sessions and Riggs Stephenson. After two weeks of practice, Scott divided the players into four teams in order to determine starting line-ups. At his time Scott also did not utilize a quarterback, but instead would simply snap the ball directly to the runner.University men getting started in football work NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser September 14, 1919 9 Before game preparation began for their game against Birmingham–Southern, Ike Rogers was selected as team captain for the season by the returning lettermen on September 25.Rogers is elected captain of state university team NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser September 26, 1919 10 Rogers was previously elected to serve as team captain for the 1918 season that was canceled. 1918 schedule (cancelled) In December 1917, Alabama released its tentative schedule for the 1918 season. At that time, the Crimson Tide were scheduled to open the season against Kentucky in Tuscaloosa and play Vanderbilt at Dudley Field. In the February that followed, the official schedule was released that featured four games in Tuscaloosa, two in Birmingham and one on the road.Alabama announces football games NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser Associated Press February 11, 1918 2 October 5 y 1918 Birmingham–Southern Panthers Birmingham College University Field Tuscaloosa, AL October 11 y 1918 Marion Cadets Marion University Field Tuscaloosa, AL October 26 Howard (AL) University Field Tuscaloosa, AL November 2 Sewanee Rickwood Field Birmingham, AL November 9 Vanderbilt Rickwood Field Birmingham, AL November 16 y LSU State Field Baton Rouge, LA rivalry November 28 Mississippi A&M University Field Tuscaloosa, AL rivalry Game summaries Birmingham–Southern BSC 0 0 0 0 Alabama 6 7 7 7 October 4 University FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama 2,000 Source:Panther warriors lose to University NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 5, 1919 13 Nearly after two years since their previous home game during the 1917 season, Alabama opened the 1919 season against Birmingham–Southern and shutout the Panthers 27–0 in the first all-time game between the schools.University team getting into shape NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 1, 1919 151919 Season Recap The opening kickoff was at 1:30 and was played in a newly expanded University Field with seating for 800 spectators.Crimson and White ready for blow-off NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 4, 1919 6 Mullie Lenoir starred in the game for Alabama as he scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters that gave the Crimson White a 20–0 lead. Charles Bartlett scored the final points of the game with his fourth quarter touchdown that made the final score 27–0. Ole Miss Ole Miss 0 0 0 0 Alabama 6 12 25 6 October 11 University FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama Sources:Mississippians swamped by the Alabama eleven NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 12, 1919 10 In their second game, Alabama shutout their SIAA rival, the Ole Miss Rebels 49–0 at Tuscaloosa. After being held scoreless for the first ten minutes, Alabama scored their first touchdown on Mullie Lenoir run late in the quarter. A pair of second quarter touchdown runs from first Riggs Stephenson and then by Charles Bartlett that made the halftime score 18–0. In the third quarter, the Crimson Tide scored 25 points and included a pair of long touchdown scores. The long scores came first on a 76-yard Lenoir run and the second on a 65-yard interception return by Stephenson. Lenoir and Stephenson each scored another touchdown as did J. T. O'Connor and make the final score 49–0. Howard (AL) Howard 0 0 0 0 Alabama 21 6 7 14 October 18 University FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama Source:Crimson White cracks Howard line at will; Wins by score of 48–0 NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 19, 1919 1 Behind a strong passing game, Alabama defeated the Howard (now known as Samford University) Bulldogs 48–0 at Tuscaloosa. Touchdowns in the game were scored twice each by Mullie Lenoir] and Riggs Stephenson and one apiece by Isaac M. Boone, Tram Sessions and Joe Sewell. In the game, the Crimson offense was dominant both running and passing the ball in the victory. Marionilitary Marion 0 0 0 0 Alabama 7 20 2 32 October 24 University FieldTuscaloosa, Alabama Source: As they entered their game against the Marion Military Institute, many of the Alabama supporters viewed the game against the Cadets as just a practice game before their anticipated match-up against Sewanee.Alabama priming for Sewanee Tigers NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser October 22, 1919 12 On a Friday afternoon, Alabama defeated the Cadets 61–0 at Tuscaloosa for their fourth consecutive shutout to open the season. Touchdowns in the game were scored three times by J. H. Emmett, twice each by Charles Bartlett and Mullie Lenoir, and one apiece by Walter E. Hovater and Morgan. Sewanee Sewanee 0 0 0 0 Alabama 7 7 12 14 November 1 Rickwood FieldBirmingham, Alabama Source:Alabama overwhelms Sewanee elevens and wins by score 40–0 NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser November 2, 1919 1 In what was the most anticipated game of the season, the entire University population and educators traveled to Birmingham for their game against Sewanee.Alabama is now preparing for Sewanee NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers Columbus Enquirer-Sun October 28, 1919 5 In the game Alabama defeated the Tigers 40–0 at Rickwood Field, in the largest margin of victory ever for Alabama over Sewanee to date. Alabama took an early 7–0 lead in the first quarter on a 15-yard Riggs Stephenson touchdown run and then extended it to 14–0 at halftime on a 45-yard Walter E. Hovater touchdown run in the second. Alabama then closed the game with four Mullie Lenoir touchdown runs, two in the third and two in the fourth quarter. Vanderbilt Alabama 0 0 6 6 Vanderbilt 0 13 0 3 November 8 Dudley FieldNashville, Tennessee Source:Alabama is defeated by own fumbles NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The New Orleans Item November 9, 1919 A week after their victory over Sewanee, Alabama traveled to Nashville where they were defeated by the Vanderbilt Commodores 16–12 on a muddy field for their only loss of the season. On their first drive of the game, Alabama took the ball to the Vanderbilt two-yard line, but then fumbled the ball that was recovered by Josh Cody of the Commodores to end the scoring threat. The second Alabama fumble resulted in the first touchdown of the game. Early in the second quarter, Riggs Stephenson fumbled the ball that was recovered by Tommy Zerfoss and returned 35-yards for a 7–0 Vanderbilt lead. They further extended their lead to 13–0 at halftime on a 20-yard Grailey Berryhill touchdown run. Alabama rallied in the second half with a pair of two-yards Stephenson touchdown runs in the third and fourth quarter that made the score 13–12. Cody then provided for the final margin in the 16–12 Commodores' victory with his 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The starting lineup was J. Hovater (left end), Brown (left tackle), Johnson (left guard), Sessions (center), Jones (right guard), Rogers (right tackle), Boone (right end), W. Hovater (quarterback), Lenoir (left halfback), O'Connor (right halfback), Stephenson (fullback).Woodruff 1928 96 LSU Alabama 0 0 3 20 LSU 0 0 0 0 November 15 State FieldBaton Rouge, Louisiana Source:Alabama beats LSU 23–0 NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers New Orleans States November 16, 1919 18 After they suffered their only loss of the season at Vanderbilt, Alabama traveled to Baton Rouge where they shutout the LSU Tigers 23–0. After a scoreless first half that saw two drives end inside the Tigers ten-yard line due to fumbles, Alabama took a 3–0 lead in the third quarter on a 20-yard Joe Sewell field goal. The Crimson Tide sealed the win with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter scored on short runs by Sewell, Mullie Lenoir and Riggs Stephenson. Georgia Alabama 3 3 0 0 Georgia 0 0 0 0 November 22 Ponce de Leon ParkAtlanta, Georgia 10,000 Sources:O'Connor's educated toe defeated Red and Blacks NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser November 23, 1919 11O'Connor kicks two field goals, winning game for Alabama 6–0 NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers Columbus Enquirer-Sun November 23, 1919 1 After their road win at LSU, Alabama traveled to Atlanta where they shutout the Georgia Bulldogs 6–0. The only points in the game came on a pair of J. T. O'Connor field goals. The first was from 45-yards in the first and the second from 25-yards in the second quarter. Both teams played strong defense throughout the game, and Georgia nearly pulled out a win when Buck Cheves intercepted an Alabama pass in the final seconds of the game and made a sizable return before he was tackled by the Crimson Tide. The starting lineup was J. Hovater (left end), Brown (left tackle), Johnson (left guard), Sessions (center), Jones (right guard), Rogers (right tackle), Boone (right end), W. Hovater (quarterback), O'Connor (left halfback), Lenoir (right halfback), Stevenson (fullback).Woodruff 1928 101 Mississippi A&M Mississippi A&M 0 0 6 0 Alabama 0 0 7 7 November 27 Rickwood FieldBirmingham, Alabama 6,000 Source:Alabama winner over Mississippi in annual contest NewsBank: America's Historical Newspapers The Montgomery Advertiser November 28, 1919 1 In their final game of the season, Alabama defeated the Mississippi A&M (now known as Mississippi State University) Aggies 14–6 on Thanksgiving at Rickwood Field. After a scoreless first half, H. S. Little scored the Aggies' only points of the game with his 80-yard kickoff return that opened the third quarter. Alabama then took the lead later in the third on a short Riggs Stephenson touchdown run. They then made the final score 14–6 in the fourth after T. L. Brown blocked an A&M punt that was recovered by Ike Rogers in the endzone for a touchdown. After the season Alabama won eight games in a season for the first time, and was awarded by some organizations a share of the SIAA title.Kordic, p. xiiiThe SIAA did not award football championships officially by the conference. As such, any claimed SIAA titles are unofficial.Roger Saylor Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/CFHSN/CFHSNv06/CFHSNv06n2g.pdf LA84 Foundation College Football Historical Society February 1993 PDF October 1, 2013 March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055801/http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/CFHSN/CFHSNv06/CFHSNv06n2g.pdf dead http://homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~dwilson/rfsc/champs/Southern.txt Champions of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1895–1921) David Krysakowski October 1, 2013 "A" Fuzzy Woodruff recalls "Auburn claimed it. "We defeated Tech" said Auburn. "Yes, but we defeated you" said Vanderbilt. "Yes", said Alabama, "but Tech, Tulane, and Tennessee took your measure. We defeated Georgia Tech, who tied Tulane, so we are champions...The newspapers, however, more or less generally supported the claim of Auburn..."Woodruff 1928 105 Personnel Varsity letter winners Line Alabama Crimson Tide Player Hometown Position Gamesstarted Prep school Height Weight Age T. L. Brown Jasper, Alabama Tackle Alfred M. Boone Samantha, Alabama End Ike Boone Samantha, Alabama End6'0"190 J. H. Emmett Albertville, Alabama Halfback E. P. Hood Birmingham, Alabama Tackle Sidney Johnston Athens, Alabama Guard Ralph Lee Jones Jones Mills, Alabama Guard Ike Rogers Vina, Alabama TackleFlorence Normal School185 Harry Rowe Elba, Alabama Guard Tram Sessions Birmingham, Alabama Center Frank Boyd Thomason Albertville, Alabama End Backfield Alabama Crimson Tide Player Hometown Position Gamesstarted Prep school Height Weight Age Jack Hovater Russellville, Alabama Back/End190 Walter E. Hovater Russellville, Alabama Back Mullie Lenoir Marlin, Texas Halfback144 J. T. O'Connor St. Louis, Missouri Back Joe Sewell Titus, Alabama Halfback5'6"155 Luke Sewell Titus, Alabama Quarterback5'9"160 Riggs Stephenson Akron, Alabama Fullback5'10"1852011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 All-Time Tide Football Lettermen University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama 127–141 Coaching staff Alabama Crimson Tide Name Position Seasons atAlabama Alma mater Xen C. Scott Head coach 1 Alfred M. Boone Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1919) Adrian Van de Graaff Assistant coach 1 Alabama (1914)2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2011 All-Time Assistant Coaches University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama 142–143 Notes A References General Kordic Gregory A Damn Good Yankee: Xen Scott and the Rise of the Crimson Tide 2007 AuthorHouse Bloomington, Indiana 978-1-4259-6018-6 A History of Southern Football 1890–1928 Woodruff Fuzzy 2 1928 http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/19-m-footbl-recaps.pdf 1919 Season Recap RollTide.com University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics October 1, 2013 PDF April 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140425164043/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/19-m-footbl-recaps.pdf dead http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf 2012 Alabama Crimson Tide Football Record Book 2012 University of Alabama Athletics Media Relations Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama October 1, 2013 PDF dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115208/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/alab/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012FootballRecordBook.pdf March 4, 2016 Specific Alabama Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football seasons Alabama Crimson Tide football