1922 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football team

{{Infobox college sports team season

| year = 1922

| team = Georgia Tech Golden Tornado

| sport = football

| image =

| image_size =

| conference = Southern Conference

| short_conf = SoCon

| record = 7–2

| conf_record = 4–0

| head_coach = William Alexander

| hc_year = 3rd

| off_scheme = Jump shift

| def_scheme =

| captain = Red Barron

| stadium = Grant Field

| champion = SoCon co-champion

| uniform = 20sgatechuniform.png

}}

The 1922 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football team{{refn|group=note|Although Georgia Tech's teams are officially known as the "Yellow Jackets", northern writers called the team the "Golden Tornado" in 1917; the name was commonly used until 1928 and for many years afterwards as an alternate nickname.{{Harvnb|Van Brimmer|Rice|2011|p=147}} It may have been coined by Morgan Blake.{{cite web|access-date=January 28, 2015|url=http://livinghistory.gatech.edu/new/traditions/tradition/tornado.html|title=Golden Tornadoes}} }} represented the Georgia Tech Golden Tornado of the Georgia Institute of Technology during the 1922 Southern Conference football season. The Tornado was coached by William Alexander in his third year as head coach, compiling a record of 7–2 (4–0 SoCon) and outscoring opponents 157 to 59.

Red Barron made Walter Camp's second-team All-America.

Before the season

1922 is the first season of the new Southern Conference, and freshmen were barred from play.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3021335/the_atlanta_constitution/|page=2|work=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Drastic Rules Are Adopted By New Southern Conference To Keep College Sports Clean|access-date=August 16, 2015|date=February 27, 1921|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2043050/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Vanderbilt to Pick Grid Team From 23 Candidates|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|date=July 18, 1922|access-date=March 22, 2015|page=13|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In the line, at either end one finds brothers John and Al Staton. At guard was Oscar Davis, who with Barron was later named to an All-Tech Alexander era team.{{cite web |title=2007 Georgia Tech Football |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/HONORS.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008073817/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/HONORS.pdf |archive-date=October 8, 2018 |page=155 |url-status=dead}}

Schedule

{{CFB schedule

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 30

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Oglethorpe

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 31–6

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95928948/georgia-tech-beats-oglethorpes-eleven/|newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|title=Georgia Tech beats Oglethorpe's eleven|date=October 1, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 7

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Davidson

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 19–0

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108888282/davidson-holds-yellow-jackets-to-19-to-0/|work=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Davidson holds Yellow Jackets to 19-to-0 score|date=October 8, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 14

| w/l = w

| opponent = Alabama

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 33–7

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71415945/tech-victorious-over-alabama/|work=The Birmingham News|title=Tech victorious over Alabama|date=October 15, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 21

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Navy

| site_stadium = Worden Field

| site_cityst = Annapolis, MD

| score = 13–0

| attend = 20,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-navy-trims-golden-torn/136870837/|work=The Baltimore Sun|title=Navy trims Golden Tornadoes|date=October 22, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 28

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Notre Dame

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 13–3

| attend = 18,000–20,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-record-telegram-passes-prove/136870929/|work=Fort Worth Record-Telegram|title=Passes prove too much for Georgia Tech|date=October 29, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 4

| w/l = w

| opponent = Clemson

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 21–7

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-georgia-tech-beats-clems/136870992/|work=Greensboro Daily News|title=Georgia Tech beats Clemson team, 21–7|date=November 5, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 11

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Georgetown

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 19–7

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-georgia-tech-giv/136871077/|work=The Selma Times-Journal|title=Georgia Tech gives whipping to Georgetown|date=November 12, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 18

| w/l = w

| opponent = NC State

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 17–0

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-north-carolina-state-glorious/136871165/|work=The State|title=North Carolina State glorious in defeat|date=November 19, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 30

| w/l = w

| opponent = Auburn

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 14–6

| attend = 26,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-auburns-champion/136871297/|work=Birmingham Age-Herald|title=Auburn's championship hopes wrecked by mighty Tech machine in 14–6 battle|date=December 1, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia-tech/1922-schedule.html|title=1922 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Schedule and Results}}

Game summaries

=Oglethorpe=

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Oglethorpe at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Oglethorpe

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 = 0| V4 =6

| H1 = 6| H2 = 7| H3 = 6| H4 =12

| Date =September 30

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =Jogger Elcock

}}

Sources:

The season opened with a 31–6 defeat over the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5691071/the_tennessean/|date=October 1, 1922|page=13|title=Golden Tornado Sweeps Thru Oglethorpe; Wins|work=The Tennessean|access-date=June 26, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Red Barron scored two touchdowns, and Oglethorpe's Adrian Maurer had a 90-yard touchdown run.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Johnson (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=186}}

=Davidson=

In the second week of play, Tech beat the Davidson Wildcats 19–0. Red Barron ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns despite playing for only part of the contest.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=190}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Johnson (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchel(right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Rather (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).

=Alabama=

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Alabama at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =Alabama

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 = 7| V4 =0

| H1 = 21| H2 = 12| H3 = 0| H4 =0

| Date =October 14

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =

}}

Sources:

Tech defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 33–7. Alabama's score came when Country Oliver returned a kickoff 95 yards.{{cite web |title=1922 Season |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/22-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130942/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/22-m-footbl-recaps.pdf |archive-date=September 12, 2018 |url-status=dead}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Cornell (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), McWhorter (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=195}}

=Navy=

Red Barron played well in the 13–0 loss to the Navy Midshipmen.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5694211/the_washington_times/|date=October 22, 1922|page=1|work=The Washington Times|title=Georgia Tech Is Beaten By Middies, 13-0, Before 20,000|access-date=June 26, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Connell (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), McWhorter (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).

=Notre Dame=

Tech played Knute Rockne's Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the first time. The Four Horsemen were sophomores playing their first year on the varsity, and beat Tech 13–3.{{cite web|url=http://savannahnow.com/adam-van-brimmer/2007-08-28/epic-defines-georgia-tech-notre-dame-series|title=Epic defines Georgia Tech-Notre Dame series|work=savannahnow.com}}{{cite web|url=http://ndsmcobserver.com/2006/09/irish-insider-nd-gt-series-history-is-rich-in-tradition/|title=Irish Insider: ND-GT series history is rich in tradition // The Observer|work=The Observer}} The Irish stopped Red Barron.{{cite news |title=Scholastic Football Number |url=http://archives.nd.edu/Football/Football-1922s.pdf |work=The Notre Dame Scholastic |issue=10 |volume=LVI |page=301}}

File:Jimm Brewster and Jack McDonough (c. 1922).jpg

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Usry (left tackle), McConnel (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback){{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=205}}

=Clemson=

The Clemson Tigers were defeated 21–7. Coach Alexander used a different platoon each quarter.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|pages=212–213}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Usery (left tackle), McConell (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).

=Georgetown=

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Georgetown at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =Georgetown

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 = 6| V4 =0

| H1 = 6| H2 = 6| H3 = 7| H4 =0

| Date =November 11

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =Echols (W and J)

}}

Sources:

Tech's backfield starred in a 19–7 defeat of the Georgetown Blue and Gray. Jack McDonough scored two touchdowns and Brewster another. Flavin scored for Georgetown.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5694098/greensboro_daily_news/|title=Golden Tornado Rips The Georgetown Line|page=29|date=November 12, 1922|work=Greensboro Daily News|access-date=June 26, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Usry (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).

=NC State=

{{AFB game box start

| Title = NC State at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =NCST

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 7| H2 = 7| H3 = 0| H4 =3

| Date =November 18

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =

}}

Sources:

The Tornado shutout the NC State Wolfpack 17–0. Henry Reeves made a 40-yard drop kick.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|pages=218–219}}

The starting lineup was Gardner (left end), Johnson (left tackle), McConnell (left guard), Fleetwood (center), Borum (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback)

=Auburn=

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Auburn at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Auburn

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 = 0| V4 =6

| H1 = 0| H2 = 7| H3 = 7| H4 =0

| Date =November 30

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =Ed Finlay

}}

Sources:

Tech beat coach Mike Donahue's rival Auburn Tigers to secure a share of the SoCon championship. The 1922 team is considered one of Auburn's greatest football teams,cf. {{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19550116&id=lg0wAAAAIBAJ&pg=1645,6354628|title=Auburn's Gator Bowl Champs Rated Among Top Tiger Teams|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|date=January 16, 1955}} and they had lost only to undefeated Army. Still Tech held the Tigers without a first down in the second and third periods.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5174339/asheville_citizentimes/|work=Asheville Citizen-Times|date=December 1, 1922|page=10|title=Plainsmen Bow Before Tech Eleven By Score of 14 to 6 In Annual Turkey Day Game|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Ed Sherling scored Auburn's touchdown on a 16-yard rush.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Usry (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), Hunt (fullback).{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|pages=225–227}}

Postseason

Red Barron and Vanderbilt's Lynn Bomar were the only unanimous All-Southern selections.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zH0sAAAAIBAJ&dq=lynn%20bomar&pg=4006%2C6628338|newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald|title=All-Southern Grid Warriors Chosen By Dixie Coaches|date=December 9, 1922}}

Personnel

=Depth chart=

The following chart provides a visual depiction of Tech's lineup during the 1922 season with games started at the position reflected in parentheses. The chart mimics the offense after the jump shift has taken place.

style="text-align:center;"|

{| style="width:100%"

| align="left" |

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

! LE

John Staton (8)

Gardner (1)

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" ! LT !! LG !! C !! RG !! RT
Usry (4)	John McIntyre (6)	Claire Frye (8)	Oscar Davis (8)	W. P. Lyman (6)
Johnson (3)	McConnell (3)	Fleetwood (1)	Borum (1)	Albert Staton (3)
Connell (2)