1902 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1902 Vanderbilt Commodores football 1902Vandy.jpg 285 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association SIAA 8–1 5–1 Walter H. Watkins 2nd Huldy Davis Dudley Field The 1902 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 1902 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. W. H. Watkins was in his second year coaching Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt was playing in its 13th season of football. The Commodores had wins over Cumberland, Ole Miss, Central of Kentucky, Tennessee, 1902 Washington University Bears Washington University, 1902 Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky, Tulane and LSU. The Tulane and LSU contests were played with one day's rest between games for the Commodores. Schedule September 27 w y Cumberland (TN) Lebanon, TN 45–0 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93782032/vanderbilt-has-cumberland-at-mercy/ Nashville Banner Vanderbilt has Cumberland at mercy September 29, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com October 11 w Ole Miss Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 29–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-mississippi-finish/146505414/ The Commercial Appeal Mississippi finished fast October 12, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com October 18 w y 1902 Central University Central University Dudley Field Nashville, TN 24–17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-vanderbilt-team-plow/146505501/ The Atlanta Journal Vanderbilt team plowed through Central October 19, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com October 25 w y Tennessee Baldwin Park Knoxville, TN rivalry 12–5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82617816/vanderbilt-wins-university-of-tennessee/ Nashville Banner Vanderbilt wins, University of Tennessee defeated at Knoxville by Commodores October 27, 1902 August 1, 2021 Newspapers.com November 1 w y Washington University Dudley Field Nashville, TN 33–12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-st-louis-republic-vanderbilt-eleven/146505645/ The St Louis Republic Vanderbilt eleven defeats Washington November 2, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com November 8 w y Kentucky University Dudley Field Nashville, TN 16–5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98334769/vanderbilt-defeats-kentucky/ The Times-Democrat Vanderbilt defeats Kentucky November 9, 1902 March 24, 2022 Newspapers.com November 15 w y Tulane Athletic Park New Orleans, LA 23–5 8,000 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98859150/vanderbilt-23-tulane-5/ Chattanooga Daily Times Vanderbilt 23, Tulane 5 November 16, 1902 April 1, 2022 Newspapers.com November 17 w y LSU State Field Baton Rouge LA 27–5 1,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-democrat-vanderbilt-victors-s/145697137/ The Times-Democrat Vanderbilt victors; State University is defeated by score of 27 to 5 November 18, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com November 27 l Sewanee Dudley Field Nashville, TN rivalry 5–11 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-vanderbilt-is-g/146505965/ The Atlanta Constitution Vanderbilt is given drubbing November 28, 1902 May 2, 2024 Newspapers.com Game summaries Cumberland (TN) In the first week of play, Vanderbilt defeated the Cumberland Bulldogs 45–0.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93782032/vanderbilt-has-cumberland-at-mercy/ Nashville Banner Vanderbilt has Cumberland at mercy September 29, 1902 January 29, 2022 Newspapers.com Ole Miss Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt Miss. 0 0 Vanderbilt 23 6 October 11 Memphis, Tennessee Sources: Vanderbilt beat Ole Miss, 29–0. The game was a tale of two halves. Vanderbilt scored four touchdowns in the first half.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5162815/the_courierjournal/ 24 Vanderbilt 29, Mississippi 0. October 12, 1902 The Courier-Journal May 5, 2016 Newspapers.com The starting lineup was: Howell (left end), Lawler (left tackle), Morgan (left guard), Perry (center), Graham (right guard), Massy (right tackle), Bryan (right end), Kyle (quarterback), Davis (left halfback), Tigert (right halfback), Edgerton (fullback). Central Central at Vanderbilt Central 0 17 Vanderbilt 12 12 October 18 Dudley FieldNashville, Tennessee Sources: Central"n" In 1901, beset with financial difficulties and small enrollment, Central University of Richmond agreed to consolidation with Centre College. gave Vanderbilt a surprise as the Commodores edged the Kentucky team 24 to 17.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5162723/the_atlanta_constitution/ The Atlanta Constitution Central Loses To Vanderbilt October 19, 1902 5 May 5, 2016 Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5151745/the_courierjournal/ 25 Vanderbilt 24, Central University 17 May 4, 2016 October 19, 1902 Newspapers.com Tennessee 1902 had one of Tennessee's strongest early elevens. Vanderbilt won 12 to 5 despite a weak line due to its running game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2091023/the_atlanta_constitution/ Atlanta Constitution Volunteers Lose To Commodores October 26, 1902 5 March 29, 2015 Newspapers.com John Edgerton scored both Vanderbilt touchdowns. Tennessee's only score was provided by an A. H. Douglas run around right end, breaking two tackles and getting the touchdown. Nash Buckingham had a 40-yard run through the line. Jones Beene blocked and tackled well. The starting lineup was: Howell (left end), Lawler (left tackle), Morgan (left guard), Perry (center), Graham (right guard), Massey (right tackle), Bryan (right end), Kyle (quarterback), Davis (left halfback), Tigert (right halfback), Edgerton (fullback). Washington University The Commodores beat the Washington University Bears 33–12. Both teams showed good offense but weak defense.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5162893/the_courierjournal/ Vanderbilt 33, Washington 12 The Courier-Journal 24 November 2, 1902 May 5, 2016 Newspapers.com Dan Blake had a 65-yard run. Kentucky State Vanderbilt beat Kentucky State 16–5. Vanderbilt fooled Kentucky multiple times using a fake pass.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5162872/the_courierjournal/ The Courier-Journal Vanderbilt 16, Kentucky 5 25 November 9, 1902 May 5, 2016 Newspapers.com The starting lineup was: Howell (left end), Lawler (left tackle), Morgan (left guard), Perry (center), Graham (right guard), Massey (right tackle), Bryan (right end), Kyle (quarterback), Davis (left halfback), Tigert (right halfback), Edgerton (fullback). Tulane Vanderbilt at Tulane Vanderbilt 23 0 Tulane 5 0 November 14 Athletic ParkNew Orleans, Louisiana 8,000 Sources: The Nashville Banner gave this report of the Commodores departure from Nashville: "November 14 -- The Vanderbilt football squad left Thursday night for New Orleans. The regular varsity team except for staunch quarterback Frank Kyle boarded the train for the longest, hardest trip of the year. Kyle was left behind with a lame back. Those making the trip are: Perry, Morgan, Graham, Massey, Lawler, Bryan, Howell, Blake, Hamilton, Harris, Love, Tigert, Capt. Davis, Edgerton, Coach Watkins, Manager Buckley, Assistant Manager Creighton, Dr. W. L. Dudley, Doswell Brown, Martin, Wade, Williamson, Barr and Dunbar. The boys will play Tulane Saturday and L.S.U. Monday." Joe Howell replaced Kyle. The Banner gave this report on the Tulane game played on Saturday, November 15: "About 8,000 spectators witnessed the easy victory of Vanderbilt over Tulane Saturday, the score being 23 to 5. It was the largest crowd of the season. The playing of the Vanderbilt team in the first half was fast and furious, and a score of 23 was made. Tulane was saved from a goose egg by the drop kick of Westerfield from the 35-yard line. "In the second half the game was close. Blake took the place of Davis, and Wade that of Perry. The aim of the Vanderbilt boys seemed only to hold the score. The weather was very hot, and made it especially hard on the visitors. Vanderbilt outclassed Tulane in weight and skill, and did not have much trouble in making their gains. The star players for Vanderbilt were Howell, Davis, Bryan and Hamilton. "The feature of the game was Howell's 95-yard run. He advanced the ball from the kick off, and almost every Tulane man made a tackle at him. Davis, as usual, made his gains and two long runs. Bryan was in the game from the start, and did good work. Hamilton made two touchdowns. He bundled the Tulane line for one of them, which was a pretty piece of work. Though Westerfield is a good sprinter, Tigert's punts equaled his every time. "Tulane has a gritty team, and though they played against odds, they improved as the game went on, and did their best to the end. The score does not show the relative merits of the two teams, because Kyle and Edgerton being out weakened the Vanderbilt team. Tulane was amazed at the quickness of Vanderbilt and while the Vanderbilt boys regret the score, it was not one to grieve over. Tulane only tried the drop kick as a last resort when they despaired of reaching the goal otherwise." LSU Vanderbilt at LSU Vanderbilt 11 16 LSU 0 5 November 17 State FieldBaton Rouge, Louisiana 1,000 Sources: The Banner gave this report on the Monday, November 17 game in Baton Rouge against LSU: "Vanderbilt defeated Louisiana State University, 27 to 5, yesterday. It was an ideal day and about 1,000 people witnessed the game. A place kick only saved Louisiana State University from a whitewash. The game was lacking in interest, for Vanderbilt displayed her superiority so strongly that Louisiana was outclassed. "Louisiana State University kicked off and Vanderbilt advanced the ball steadily for a touch-down. This was repeated, Tigert making the two touchdowns. Louisiana State University got the ball only once in the first half and lost on downs. At the end of the half the score stood 11 to 0. "Vanderbilt kicked off and Louisiana State University lost on downs in the second half. The visitors advanced the ball for a touchdown. Davis failed, in kicking a goal. Louisiana State University seemed to be very weak. Vanderbilt made her gains every time, and only lost the ball on fumbles. Louisiana State University never advanced far before losing on downs, they were entirely outclassed in weight and skill. It is hard to say who were the star players for Vanderbilt. Every man played a good game. The playing of Edgerton, Davis, Tigert, and Lawler deserves special notice. For Louisiana State University the playing of Sales, deserves notice. thumb|150px|John Edgerton "The Vanderbilt boys are sore over the treatment they received. The Louisiana State University team couldn't take defeat in a sportsmanlike manner. They claimed that Vanderbilt knew their signals and made uncomplimentary remarks from their sidelines, and altogether the treatment was not as good as the team expected. Vanderbilt played a harder game than at Tulane, and Louisiana State University has a much better team than Tulane. Vanderbilt played a much faster game than Louisiana State University and every trick was a success. Louisiana State University depended entirely on straight football and never succeeded in working any trick. "The teams were entertained with an elegant dinner after the game by Mr. W. P. Connell, and the University Athletic Association invited the two teams to a theatre party." The Banner also gave this report on Vanderbilt winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association's (S.I.A.A.) championship after defeating LSU: "Vanderbilt University defeated Louisiana State University here yesterday by the score of 27 to 5; winning the championship of the South intercollegiate athletic association. Vanderbilt made it points on five touchdowns three by Edgerton and two by Tigert. Davis kicked goal twice. The feature of the game was the goal kicked by Landry of Louisiana from the forty-yard line. Time of halves, 25 minutes." In the same Banner edition, the resignation of Coach Watkins was announced: "The rumor that Coach Watkins will discontinue his connection with the Vanderbilt Athletic Association at the close of the present season is creating such interest in football circles. It is reliably stated that Mr. Watkins will resign his position as head coach of the Vanderbilt football and baseball teams in order that he devote attention to the study of law exclusively. " "Walter H. Watkins is a graduate of the Princeton class of '99. He was one of the stars on the baseball team, was prominent in track work and was first substitute on the football team for two years. His loss will be a hard blow to Vanderbilt, as his place will be hard to fill. It is understood that Vanderbilt will make an effort to secure the services of Coach Neil Snow, provided he is not retained by the University of Nashville.""n" Snow resigned from Nashville never to coach again, accepting a construction position in New York.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5194409/detroit_free_press/ Detroit Free Press Neil Snow Has Given Up Coaching 9 December 4, 1902 May 8, 2016 Newspapers.com Sewanee Sewanee at Vanderbilt Sewanee 6 5 Vanderbilt 5 0 November 27 Dudley FieldNashville, Tennessee Sources: Overconfident, Vanderbilt was drubbed by rival Sewanee 11–5. Vanderbilt did not score until the second half, when John Edgerton scored the first touchdown on the Tigers since 1897. Sewanee played desperately, and Henry D. Phillips went over for the winning touchdown.1–2 Vanderbilt Is Given Drubbing Atlanta Constitution November 28, 1902 Newspapers.compart1 part 2 The starting lineup was: Williamson (left end), Lawler (left tackle), Morgan (left guard), Perry (center), Graham (right guard), Massey (right tackle), Bryan (right end), Howell (quarterback), Davis (left halfback), Tigert (right halfback), Edgerton (fullback).https://dspace.sewanee.edu/bitstream/handle/11005/748/The%20Sewanee%20Purplev19n141261902.pdf Sewanee Purple Vanderbilt is Vanquished, the Purple Wave Triumphant December 6, 1902 19 14 September 24, 2025 February 8, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20250924060758/https://dspace.sewanee.edu/bitstream/handle/11005/748/The%20Sewanee%20Purplev19n141261902.pdf dead Players Line Vanderbilt Commodores Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeClaiborne N. Bryanright end Webb School5'10"16819Irish Grahamright guard Nashville, Tennessee Bowen School 6'1"175 19Frank K. Houstoncenter Mooney School 5'11"17520Joe Howellleft end Wallace University School5'6"14518John Lawlerleft tackle Webb School5'11"16522W. S. Loveright end Mooney School 5'10"15520Lewis E. Martinleft tackle 5'11"17621Felix Masseyright tackle 5'9"17526A. J. Morganleft guard 5'9"19027Alexander Perrycenter Wallace University School 6'3" 15423J. B. Wadecenter 6'1"17020James R. Williamsonleft end 6'0"15021 Backfield Vanderbilt Commodores Player Position Gamesstarted Hometown Prep school Height Weight AgeDan Blakehalfback Cuero, Texas Bowen School5'10"15520Huldy Davisleft halfback Webb School5'8"14523John Edgertonfullback 5'8"17523Ed Hamiltonfullback Franklin, Tennessee Mooney School5'11"16320Frank Kylequarterback Mooney School 5'11"16020John J. Tigertright halfback Nashville, Tennessee Webb School6'3"17320 Notes n References Bibliography https://books.google.com/books?id=u2cmAQAAIAAJ&q=football Vanderbilt University 3 Vanderbilt University Quarterly 1903 Vanderbilt Category:Vanderbilt Commodores football seasons Vanderbilt Commodores football