1921 Centre Praying Colonels football team

Schedule

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Before the season

Centre College is a small college in Danville, Kentucky. From 1917 to 1924, Centre compiled a 57–8 record while playing against some of the best teams in the nation. The 1919 team first brought the Praying Colonels to national attention. In 1921, the school's student body numbered just 274.

The Colonels had closed the 1920 season by convincingly routing Texas Christian (TCU) in the Fort Worth Classic, 63–7. This season they started their schedule with much stronger competition than the previous year. Several publications relay: "In 1920, the slogan of Centre College was 'Score' ... In 1921 Centre changed the 'Score' slogan to 'Hold 'Em'."

Coach Charley Moran used a single wing system like his former mentor Pop Warner. Tiny Thornill, a former Pitt star under Warner, and future Stanford head coach, assisted as line coach.

In 1921, football used a one-platoon system, with players featuring on both offense, defense, and special teams. Center Red Weaver, who had posted record numbers for placekicking extra points, graduated and was replaced with Ed Kubale.

Game summaries

Week 1: Clemson

Danville, KY

Sources: Centre opened the season with a 14–0 victory over the Clemson Tigers. A 7-yard run behind left tackle from Tom Bartlett got the first touchdown. McMillin skirted right end for the game's other score.

The starting lineup was: Bradley (left end), Roberts (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (center), Cregor (right guard), James (right tackle), Gordy (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Bartlett (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Week 2: VPI

Danville, KY

Sources:

The next week was a 14–0 victory over VPI. Centre scored both touchdowns in the final quarter. They were scored in rapid succession by Tanner and Armstrong.

The starting lineup was: Bradley (left end), Roberts (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (center), Cregor (right guard), James (right tackle), Gordy (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Bartlett (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Week 3: at St. Xavier

Sources: Next was a 28–6 victory over St. Xavier of Cincinnati. This game marked the only time during the regular season that Centre gave up any points to an opponent.

The Saints outplayed the Colonels in the first half. Herb Davis recovered a fumble for a touchdown. "Trembling from excitement, Noppenerger missed the goal."

"McMillin, Covington and Armstrong carried the ball 46 yards to the one-foot line on three plays" before Tanner went over and kicked goal for the lead. In the third quarter, Thomasson bucked it over on runs of 9 and 1 yard. Davis once broke free, and with only Tanner to pass, had Tanner knife through three blockers to push him out of bounds. "The Colonels then showed their greatest offense when in five plays they took the ball 72 yards for a touchdown." Later, McMillin got the last touchdown.

The starting lineup was: Gordy (left end), Roberts (left tackle), Gibson (left guard), Kubale (center), Cregor (right guard), James (right tackle), Snoddy (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Bartlett (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Week 4: at Transylvania

Lexington, KY

Sources: In the fourth week of play, Centre easily defeated Transylvania by the score of 98–0. According to Spalding's Football Guide, McMillin ran back a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (center), Shedoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Thomasson (fullback).

Week 5: at Harvard

Main article: 1921 Centre vs. Harvard football game

Boston, MA

Sources: On October 29, 1921, Centre met Harvard University, a team that had never lost to a team outside the East, and had not lost a game since 1918. It was coming off a victory in the 1920 Rose Bowl after an undefeated national championship season in 1919 - the school's fourth national championship in the prior ten years.

Coming into the Centre game, Harvard was also undefeated and unscored upon in the 1920 season. Some reports recall the players wearing work clothes to cultivate the image of the underdog. Coach Moran had Happy Chandler, who was at Harvard Law School, scout the Harvard team and take copious notes.

After a scoreless half, early in the third quarter Red Roberts told Bo McMillin "it's time to score, ride my hump" and McMillin ran for a 32-yard touchdown. He dodged three of Harvard's secondary. Harvard coach Bob Fisher said after the game: "In Bo McMillin Centre has a man who is probably the hardest in the country to stop."

All around Danville students painted the "impossible formula" of C6H0. The campus post office has the last vestige of this on a side wall. Tulane coach Clark Shaughnessy later wrote the win "first awoke the nation to the possibilities of Southern football." In 1950, the Associated Press named C6H0 the greatest sports upset of the first half of the 20th century. In 2005, The New York Times called it "arguably the upset of the century in college football." In 2006, ESPN named it the third-biggest upset in the 138-year history of college football. On the return celebration in Danville on Monday, Governor Edwin P. Morrow remarked "I'd rather be Bo McMillin this moment than the Governor of Kentucky."

The starting lineup against Harvard was: James (left end), Moody (left tackle), Shadown (left guard), Kubale (center), Jones (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), Roberts (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Armstrong (left halfback), Snoddy (right halfback), and Bartlett (fullback)

Week 6: Kentucky

Danville, KY

Sources: Centre then defeated Kentucky 55–0. McMillin had three touchdowns. In the middle of the second quarter, up 7–0, McMillin skirted left end and cut back across the field for a 49-yard touchdown. Herb Covington next had a 39-yard touchdown. In the fourth, a 30-yard pass to Roberts was followed shortly by a 35-yard pass to Hennie Lemon for the touchdown. Bobby Lavin starred for the Wildcats.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Bartlett (fullback).

Week 7: at Auburn

Birmingham, AL

Sources: In the seventh week of play Centre defeated Auburn 21–0. Roberts scored the first two touchdowns.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (Center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Week 8: vs. Washington & Lee

Louisville, KY

Sources: Washington & Lee was then defeated 25–0 in the mud in Louisville. McMillin threw a 25-yard pass to Armstrong for the last touchdown. Judge Robert Worth Bingham hosted a dinner dance in honor of the two football teams.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (Center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Bartlett (fullback).

Week 9: at Tulane

New Orleans, LA

Sources:

The season closed with the defeat of Tulane by a score of 21–0. The Colonels were favored, and McMillin played a part in all of the scoring plays. He threw touchdown passes to Bartlett and to Snoddy, and ran one score in himself. He also kicked all the extra points.

Centre finished the regular season undefeated at 9–0 having given up only 6 points all season.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (Center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Arizona—San Diego East-West Christmas Classic

San Diego, CA

Sources: In the San Diego East-West Christmas Classic, Centre defeated Arizona 38–0 as rain fell throughout the game. Red Roberts scored the first touchdown five minutes into the match. Bo McMillin went over the right tackle for another score. Centre led 18–0 at the half as Arizona was held to no first downs in two quarters of play.

Arizona later made an attempt to drive towards a score, but Centre intercepted an Arizona pass to keep the game scoreless.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Tanner (fullback).

Texas A&M—Dixie Classic

Dallas, TX

Sources: After a long trip back, the Colonels played in the Dixie Classic in Dallas, a precursor to the modern Cotton Bowl Classic. The day before the game, McMillin was married. Centre was upset by coach Dana X. Bible's Texas A&M 14–22. It is the game in which Texas A&M's 12th man tradition originated.

The Aggies scored first and early by catching Tom Bartlett behind his goal for a safety. Centre went up 7–2 in the third quarter, Terry Snoddy running in the score after an A&M fumble. The Colonels fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The Aggies got the ball and a pass from Puny Wilson to Jack Evans got the touchdown. Centre fumbled again on the next possession. Wilson scored this time. Centre got the ball back, but Ted Winn intercepted the ball and ran 45 yards for the A&M touchdown. Centre's Snoddy scored again later, but the game ended soon afterwards, 22–14.

The starting lineup was: Roberts (left end), Gordy (left tackle), Jones (left guard), Kubale (Center), Shadoan (right guard), Cregor (right tackle), James (right end), McMillin (quarterback), Snoddy (left halfback), Armstrong (right halfback), and Bartlett (fullback).

Awards and honors

The 1921 team produced the most stars for Centre's all-time team. Red Roberts was a first-team Walter Camp All-America selection, just the fourth in Southern history. Bo McMillin made Camp's second team and is recognized as a consensus All-American. McMillin was a unanimous All-Southern selection. Red Roberts made composite All-Southern, and Kubale and Snoddy made some selections.

Championships

The Colonels were recognized by writers generally as champions of the South. Georgia Tech, Georgia, and Vanderbilt split the SIAA championship. Centre was arguably the strongest of the four, for as one publication reads: "Out of eleven games against eastern teams, Centre and Georgia Tech furnished the only two victories and Tech was later trounced by Penn State." For Georgia coach Herman Stegeman, the contest for the theoretical title of greatest Southern team was between Centre, Georgia Tech, and Georgia. Fuzzy Woodruff explains that Centre "belonged to no governing association" with several players thereby accused of professionalism, and Tech was picked as champion "through force of habit".

Personnel

Coaching staff

• Charley Moran, head coach
• Chief Myers, assistant coach
• Tiny Thornhill, line coach
• John B. McGee, manager

Starters

Line

Backfield

Subs

Line

Backfield

Unlisted

Scoring leaders

The following is an incomplete list of statistics and scores, largely dependent on newspaper summaries.

Depth chart

The following chart provides a visual depiction of Centre's lineup during the 1921 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses. The chart mimics a single wing on offense.

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References

Bibliography

References

1. Hal Morris. (June 26, 2006). "ESPN ranks 1921 Centre-Harvard game among college football's greatest upsets".
2. (October 2, 1921). "Centre defeats Clemson by two touchdowns". The State.
3. (October 9, 1921). "Centre College downs Virginia "Gobblers" in desperate contest". The Roanoke Times.
4. (October 16, 1921). "Old Centre wins from St. Xavier by 28 to 6 score". The Owensboro Messenger.
5. (October 23, 1921). "Crimson team is crushed by mighty Centre". The Lexington Herald.
6. (October 30, 1921). "Centre wins battle 6 to 0". Boston Sunday Globe.
7. (November 6, 1921). "McMillin & Co. swamp Kentucky State". The Birmingham News.
8. (November 13, 1921). "Centre smashes way to win over Auburn". The Commercial Appeal.
9. (November 20, 1921). "Centre team wins from Generals, 25–0". The Washington Post.
10. (November 25, 1921). "'Bo' McMillan and Praying Colonels defeat Tulane". The Houston Post.
11. (December 27, 1921). "Centre overwhelms Arizona on muddy field, 38 to 0". The Arizona Daily Star.
12. (January 3, 1922). "Centre College goes down before fighting Texas Aggies". The Waco Times-Herald.
13. . ["Centre College Football Record (1920-1929)"](https://sc.centre.edu/sc/digital/football_1920.html). *[[Centre College]]*.
14. [http://www.centre.edu/web/athletics/football/history_football.html History and Records] {{webarchive. link. (2009-11-16 , Centre College, retrieved March 13, 2008.)
15. (December 1, 1919). "Kentucky School Wins". The Dekaly Daily Chronicle.
16. {{Harvnb. Camp. 1922
17. Foldesy, Jody. "Bowls burgeon as big business", ''The Washington Times''. December 21, 1997. Page A1.
18. Billy Evans. (November 23, 1921). "Billy Evans Tells How Centre Crosses 'Em Up". The Southeast Missourian.
19. (October 13, 1981). "Armstrong's death recalls glory years}}{{Dead link". The Milwaukee Journal.
20. "Charles Moran and "Tiny" Thornhill".
21. (December 24, 1920). "Kicks 90 Goals, "Red Weaver's Toe Stuff May Be Useless Next Year". The Wichita Beacon.
22. {{Harvnb. Camp. 1922
23. (October 2, 1921). "Centre Beats Clemson In Stubborn Contest; Old Spirit To Rescue". The Courier-Journal.
24. The Associated Press. (October 9, 1921). "Touchdowns Made In Final Quarter". Durham Morning Herald.
25. (October 16, 1921). "Victory". The Cincinnati Enquirer.
26. (October 23, 1921). "Transylvania Is Swamped". Cincinnati Enquirer.
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34. E. Benjamin Samuels. (October 28, 2011). "Remembering a Forgotten Upset".
35. {{Harvnb. Kaplan, Inc.. 2004
36. Clark D. Shaughnessy. (September 11, 1931). "Dixie Football At the Top, Says Loyola Mentor". The Tuscaloosa News.
37. "Centre College Remembers Day When It Was King of the Gridiron".
38. "C6-H0 plays a prominent part in nation's sports lexicon".
39. Merle Crowell. (January 1, 1922). "David Whips Goliath Again". Colver Publishing House.
40. (November 11, 1921). "Fighting Wildcats Are Humbled By The Centre College Crew". The Kentucky Kernel.
41. (November 13, 1921). "'We Were Outclassed' says Auburn coach". The Courier-Journal.
42. (November 13, 1921). "Moran's Men Defeat Alabama Poly Eleven In One-Sided Contest". The Courier-Journal.
43. (November 20, 1921). "Centre College Easily Takes The Measure of Washington and Lee". The Courier-Journal.
44. (November 20, 1921). "Dinner Dance". The Courier-Journal.
45. (November 24, 1921). "Colonels Favorite In Contest With Tulane On Southern Gridiron". The Courier-Journal.
46. (November 25, 1921). "'Bo' McMillan and Praying Colonels Defeat Tulane". Houston Post.
47. (September 28, 2000). "1921 Centre College football scores".
48. (December 27, 1921). "Centre Overwhelms Arizona on Muddy Field, 38 to 0". Arizona Daily Star.
49. (January 3, 1922). "Bo McMillin Married.; Centre College Football Star Weds Miss Miers at Fort Worth.". The New York Times.
50. Schoor, Gene. (1994). "The Fightin' Texas Aggies: 100 Years of A&M Football". Taylor Publishing Company.
51. (January 3, 1922). "Texas Aggies Defeat Centre By Score 22-14". The Taylor Daily Press.
52. George Trevor. (November 25, 1935). "1921 Team Produces Most Stars For Centre's All-Time Eleven". Pittsburgh Press.
53. (December 21, 1921). "Walter Camp's All-America Selections for 1921". The New York Times.
54. (December 4, 1921). "All-Southern Football Team". Charlotte Observer.
55. {{Harvnb. Camp. 1922
56. "Champions of the South regardless of conference affiliation".
57. (November 25, 1921). "Football Leads Went West In 1921 Records". Berkeley Daily Gazette.
58. {{Harvnb. Woodruff. 1928
59. {{Harvnb. Woodruff. 1928
60. W. C. Alcock. (February 21, 1940). "Sport Scope". The Advocate-Messenger.
61. (October 29, 1921). "Statistics of University and Centre Elevens". The Harvard Crimson.
62. (November 20, 1921). "Defeat In One Game Gave Centre Coach Who Made Team Famous". The Houston Post.