Old Knoxville Football: UT's first game with Florida

Friday, September 25, 2015

UT's first game with Florida

On October 28, 1916, the Volunteers were in Tampa for a game against the Florida 'Gators. That would be the first of many meetings.

The 1916 season found UT going undefeated with a 8-0-1 record, while getting five shutouts.

2015 UT Football Media Guide
from UTSports.com

The University was so proud of the team that they were featured at the beginning of the 1917 annual.

1916 UT Football team
from the 1917 Volunteer

The press thought that the fans in Florida were interested in a bit of pregame news. "The Tennessee team is an aggregation of fine-looking young men and our Florida boys evidently have their work cut out for them."

Ocala Evening Star - October 27, 1916
from Chronicling America

In Tampa, where the game was to be played, had some school spirit, and a welcoming heart.

The Tampa Tribune - October 27, 1916
from GenealogyBank.com

And then came the game preview. UT seems a bit light on the front line, but heavier than Florida.

The Tampa Morning Tribune - October 27, 1916
from GenealogyBank.com

Interesting to see the officiating crew was from other schools. Arnold from Auburn as referee, Coles from Clemson as umpire, and Ramey from Purdue as head linesman. Also interesting is to see who is allowed on the field. "...none but officials and active newspaper men...". And parking seems to be at premium. Some things never change.

Tennessee beat Florida with a score of 24-0. The Tampa sports pages were slathered in the coverage, with the headline of: Florida Is Unable to Halt March of the Victorious Volunteers.