1907 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1907 Vanderbilt Commodores football Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 5–1–1 3–0 Dan McGugin 4th Short punt Bob Blake Dudley Field SIAA champion The 1907 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 1907 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The team's head coach was Dan McGugin, who served his fourth season in that capacity. Members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the Commodores played five home games in Nashville, Tennessee and finished the season with a record 5–1–1 and 3–0 in SIAA. Vanderbilt shocked the football world when they tied 6-6 with the Eastern power Navy Midshipmen. The Commodores then went on to beat Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets by the record margin under coach John Heisman's tenure, followed by another victory over a powerful Sewanee Tigers team on a double pass play which Grantland Rice famously called the "greatest thrill" during his time as a sportswriter. The only loss they suffered that season came against the Western power Michigan Wolverines. Schedule October 5 w y Kentucky State College Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 40–0 1,800 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution/2326732/ The Atlanta Constitution Kentucky State is slaughtered October 6, 1907 May 6, 2024 Newspapers.com October 12 t y y Navy Worden Field Annapolis, MD 6–6 https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-navy-played-to-tie/146743978/ New-York Tribune Navy played to tie October 13, 1907 May 6, 2024 Newspapers.com October 26 w y 1907 Rose Polytechnic Rose Polytechnic Dudley Field Nashville, TN 65–10 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-rolls-up-huge-score/146744300/ The Detroit Free Press Rolls up huge score; Vanderbilt finds Rose team easy picking October 27, 1907 May 6, 2024 Newspapers.com November 2 l y Michigan Dudley Field Nashville, TN 0–8 8,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-and-tribune-michigan-won-har/146744525/ The Daily Journal and Tribune Michigan won hard game over Vanderbilt November 3, 1907 May 6, 2024 Newspapers.com November 9 w Ole Miss Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 60–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-commodores-win-wi/140909121/ The Birmingham Age-Herald Commodores win with great ease November 10, 1907 February 13, 2024 Newspapers.com November 16 w y Georgia Tech Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 54–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-tech-smothered-by/146744675/ The Birmingham Age-Herald Tech smothered by Vanderbilt November 17, 1907 May 6, 2024 Newspapers.com November 28 w Sewanee Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 17–12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-democrat-close-exciting-conte/136977659/ The Times-Democrat Close, exciting contest; Sewanee defeated by Vanderbilt November 29, 1907 December 17, 2023 Newspapers.com http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=1546&year=1907 Coaching Records Game by Game: Dan McGugin 1907 College Football Data Warehouse 2012-12-12 2012-11-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104021151/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_game_by_game.php?coachid=1546&year=1907 dead Game summaries Week 1: Kentucky State College Vanderbilt opened the season with a 40–0 defeat of Kentucky State College, boosting morale.Vanderbilt University 1908 46–47 1,800 people attended the game. Commodores Pile Up A Big Score https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109397605/the-tennessean/ The Nashville American Nashville, Tennessee October 6, 1907 8 September 11, 2022 Newspapers.com Commodores Pile Up A Big Score (continued) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109397662/the-tennessean/ The Nashville American Nashville, Tennessee October 6, 1907 9 September 11, 2022 Newspapers.com The starting lineup against Kentucky State: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), King (right guard), Hasslock (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback). Week 2: at Navy Vanderbilt at Navy Vanderbilt 0 6 Navy 6 0 October 12 Worden Field • Annapolis, Maryland 2:30 p. m. Tyler The Commodores held the Navy team to a 6–6 tie in one of the highlights of the season. McGugin proved prophetic; before the game he said "We have an even chance with the Navy."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4788268/the_tennessean/ Commodores Land At Annapolis The Tennessean October 12, 1907 8 March 31, 2016 Newspapers.com The Nashville papers said Vandy should've won,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4788270/the_tennessean/ The Tennessean October 13, 1907 1 Commodores Play Middies To A Standstill March 31, 2016 Wm. J. Ewing Jr. Newspapers.com and Grantland Rice criticized the officiating,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4788282/the_tennessean/ The Tennessean Grantland Rice Commodores and Navy Fight Drawn Battle 1 March 31, 2016 Newspapers.com October 13, 1907 as did coach McGugin.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5964524/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution Grantland Rice Vandy Holds Navy Eleven To Tie Game 8 July 24, 2016 Newspapers.com October 13, 1907 Navy's captain Tootsie Douglas called the tie "the bitterest pill I have ever had to swallow."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4788284/the_tennessean/ 2 The Tennessean The Navy's Captain October 13, 1907 Newspapers.com March 31, 2016 The starting lineup against Navy: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), King (right guard), Hasslock (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback). Week 3: Rose Polytechnic Vanderbilt beat Rose Polytechnic 65–10.Vanderbilt University 1908 48 Week 4: Michigan Michigan at Vanderbilt Michigan 8 0 Vanderbilt 0 0 November 2 Dudley Field • Nashville, Tennessee 8,000 Bradley Walker Vanderbilt's only loss was the first home loss in three years, and only the third in the four years of Dan McGugin's coaching career at Vanderbilt —and all were to Michigan teams. The Commodores had a 26-game home win streak until Michigan stopped them on November 2. The Commodores lost to the Michigan Wolverines 8–0, in front of a crowd of 8,000 at Dudley Field in Nashville, snapping a 26-game home win streak. The crowd was the largest up to that date to see a football game south of the Mason–Dixon line. The game was "a big society event in the south", and the elite of Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis were in attendance."n" Students from every college and preparatory school in Tennessee, including Belmont College and "other seminaries", also attended the game. The game matched Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost against his former player and brother-in-law, Dan McGugin. Owing to the relationship between Yost and McGugin, the two teams played nine times between 1905 and 1923, with Michigan winning eight games and tying one.Michigan vs Vanderbilt College Football Data Warehouse http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=3363 2016-03-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20111023101031/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/bigten/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=3363 2011-10-23 dead The game was played under clear skies and warm weather, the temperature being too warm "for the invaders' liking."Michigan Downs Vanderbilt: Defeat by Score of 8 to 0 Spreads Woe in Dixie Land: Graham's Kicking tells; Chicagoan Scores Twice From Placement; 8,000 See the Game Chicago Daily Tribune November 3, 1907 C1 https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/403666131.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+3%2C+1907&author=&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune+(1872-1922)&edition=&startpage=C1&desc=MICHIGAN+DOWNS+VANDERBILT https://archive.today/20130201035049/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/403666131.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+3,+1907&author=&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune+(1872-1922)&edition=&startpage=C1&desc=MICHIGAN+DOWNS+VANDERBILT dead February 1, 2013("Had there been another minute to play, though, the Michiganders would have negotiated a touchdown, for the ball was on Vanderbilt's one yard line when the last whistle blew.") "Octy" Graham scored all of Michigan's points, converting on two of three field goal attempts. The tide of the game was set when Vanderbilt's quarterback, Sam Costen, dropped six of the first punts he received. thumb|240px|Germany Schulz depicted on a football card, c. 1955 The game most prominently featured a duel between star German centers. The Michigan Alumnus wrote: "'Germany' Schulz was far and away the star of the game. In his usual style he was in every play, tackling runners for loss, falling on the ball in fumbles, and opening wide holes in the line for Michigan gains. . . . [H]e showed conclusively that he has no equal in the keystone position."Michigan, 8; Vanderbilt, 0 The Michigan Alumnus December 1907 104–105 https://books.google.com/books?id=aCNYAAAAMAAJ A Nashville source wrote "In the duel of centers, Stone of Vanderbilt, had the best of "Germany" Schulz. Michigan's massive center. Stone's play was spectacular all the way."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2326680/the_washington_times/ November 3, 1907 Vanderbilt Beaten By Yost's Men The Washington Times May 1, 2015 Newspapers.com The starting lineup against Michigan: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), King (right guard), Hasslock (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback). Week 5: vs. Ole Miss In a heavy rain, the Commodores defeated Ole Miss, 60–0. Vanderbilt had the substitutes in after ten minutes of play, and made ten touchdowns and ten goals. The starting lineup against Mississippi: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), Hall (right guard), King (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4888449/the_courierjournal/ The Courier-Journal Vanderbilt 60, Mississippi 0 31 November 10, 1907 April 9, 2016 Newspapers.com Week 6: Georgia Tech In the sixth week of play, Vanderbilt beat Georgia Tech by the largest margin in coach John Heisman's tenure, 54–0.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4888149/the_tennessean/ The Tennessean 9 Tech Beaten Down Grantland Rice November 17, 1907 April 9, 2016 Newspapers.com Grantland Rice "The rooters stridently called: "We want sixty! We want sixty!"Vanderbilt University 1908 50 According to sportswriter Grantland Rice, Heisman's team had a fine line but weak ends and backfield. The highlight of the first half came on a triple pass. Sam Costen passed the ball to Honus Craig, Craig passed it to Morton and Morton passed it to Bob Blake, who ran to the side and passed it 25 yards back to Costen. Costen ran the remaining 20 yards for a touchdown. Towards the end of the game, every regular with the exception of Stone was relieved with reserves. The starting lineup against Georgia Tech: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), King (right guard), Hasslock (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback). Week 7: Sewanee Sewanee at Vanderbilt Sewanee 6 6 Vanderbilt 11 6 November 28 Dudley Field • Nashville, Tennessee Bradley Walker 2:15 p. m. Vanderbilt faced one of Sewanee's greatest teams in its annual rivalry game which would decide the SIAA championship. Vanderbilt won a close game 17–12. thumb|left|130px|Stein Stone (pictured) caught the pass to beat Sewanee. With the Commodores down 11–12, the game featured a 35-yard catch by Vanderbilt center Stein Stone, on a double-pass play then thrown near the end zone by Bob Blake that set up the 3-yard Honus Craig touchdown run to win at the very end.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1944523// Atlanta Constitution Brown Calls Vanderbilt '06 Best Eleven South Ever Had February 19, 1911 March 8, 2015 52 Newspapers.com The double pass was cited by Grantland Rice as the greatest thrill he ever witnessed in his years of watching sports. Boston Daily Globe Grantland Rice Tells Of Greatest Thrill In Years Of Watching Sport April 27, 1924 497709192http://www.vucommodores.com/genrel/120507aaa.html?wappref=std CHC: Stein Stone's Famous 1907 Catch - Vanderbilt Official Athletic Site 2016-03-31 2016-04-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415021530/http://www.vucommodores.com/genrel/120507aaa.html?wappref=std dead McGugin in Spalding's Football Guide's summation of the season in the SIAA wrote "The standing. First, Vanderbilt; second, Sewanee, a mighty good second;" and that Sewanee back Aubrey Lanier "came near winning the Vanderbilt game by his brilliant dashes after receiving punts."https://books.google.com/books?id=Vws7AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA73 71–75 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association Foot Ball Dan McGugin The Official National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Guide National Collegiate Athletic Association 1907 Dan McGugin thumb|150px|Bob Blake The starting lineup against Sewanee: V. Blake (left end), McLain (left tackle), Sherrill (left guard), Stone (center), King (right guard), Hasslock (right tackle), B. Blake (right end), Costen (quarterback), Campbell (left halfback), Craig (right halfback), Morton (fullback).https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4788292/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution November 29, 1907 4 Sewanee Gives Tough Battle March 31, 2016 Newspapers.com After the season End Bob Blake made Walter Camp's All-America Honorable Mention, as well as the first team All-American selection of Michigan coach Fielding Yost. Sam Costen was elected captain for next year.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4887986/detroit_free_press/ Detroit Free Press 8 December 7, 1907 Costen Will Lead Vanderbilt On Football Field Next Fall April 9, 2016 Newspapers.com Vandy claimed the championship of the South. Players Depth chart The following chart provides a visual depiction of Vanderbilt's lineup during the 1907 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses. The chart mimics a short punt formation while on offense, with the quarterback under center. LE Vaughn Blake (6) J. J. King (0) LT LG C RG RT Fatty McLain (6) Horace Sherrell (6) Stein Stone (6) J. J. King (5) Louis Hasslock (5) Fatty McLain (0)Hall (1) J. J. King (1) RE Bob Blake (6)   QB Sam Costen (6) Hugh Potts (0) LHBRHB Vin Campbell (6)Honus Craig (6) FB David Morton (6)   Varsity letterwinners "Wearers of the V."Vanderbilt University 1908 237 Line Vanderbilt Commodores Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeBob BlakeEnd6 Cuero, TexasBowen School 6'0"170 22Vaughn BlakeEnd6 Cuero, Texas Bowen School 160 19Louis HasslockGuard5Nashville, Tennessee Montgomery Bell Academy 17319J. J. KingEnd, tackle, guard6Louisville, Kentucky Fatty McLainGuard6 Gloster, Mississippi 196 22Horace SherrellGuard6 Dellrose, Tennessee 21Stein StoneCenter6 Nashville, TennesseeMooney School 6'3" 180 25 Backfield Vanderbilt Commodores Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeVin CampbellHalfback6 St. Louis, Missouri 6'0"185 19Sam CostenQuarterback6 McKenzie, Tennessee 25Honus CraigHalfback6 Culleoka, TennesseeBranham & Hughes School 5'9"165 25David MortonFullback6 Louisville, Kentucky Branham & Hughes School Hugh F. PottsQuarterback0 Dallas, Texas Webb School Unlisted Pickens Pittman Souby Stewart Williams Staff H. E. Palmer, manager Notes n References 30em Bibliography https://books.google.com/books?id=2WkmAQAAIAAJ&q=editions:sbKkcx1liGUC Vanderbilt University Quarterly 1908 Vanderbilt University 8 Vanderbilt Category:Vanderbilt Commodores football seasons Vanderbilt Commodores football