1922 Vanderbilt Commodores football team

The 1922 season included the new "try for a point" rule. Teams were allowed to either kick an extra point after a touchdown or to place the ball anywhere beyond the 5-yard line and try to score, either by touchdown or by a kick, and receive one point if successful. Under the "try for a point" rule, any foul by the defense meant the point was awarded to the offense and any foul by the offense invalidated the try."New Rule." Appleton Post Crescent [Appleton, Wisconsin] 23 September 1922: 9.

Centre and Georgia Tech were favorites to repeat as champions of the South. Both had lost more players in the offseason than other teams, however. Vanderbilt, along with Auburn, Georgia, and Sewanee, retained enough experienced players to still be considered contenders. Nationally, traditional Eastern teams Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, as well as Cornell and Navy were expected to play for the title. Michigan was favored to win the West.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|author=Grantland Rice|date=January 23, 1922|title=The Sportlight: The Title Hunter Prospects|newspaper=Boston Daily Globe|id={{ProQuest|504270187}}}}

Vanderbilt entered the first season of the new Southern Conference (SoCon) on March 9.{{Harvnb|Vanderbilt University|1922|page=113}} Freshmen were barred from play,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3021335/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Drastic Rules Are Adopted By New Southern Conference To Keep College Sports Clean|date=February 27, 1921|work=The Atlanta Constitution|page=2|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=August 16, 2015}} {{Open access}} and as such the coaches prepared to choose the roster spots from their pool of 23 veteran players.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2043050/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Vanderbilt to Pick Grid Team From 23 Candidates|date=July 18, 1922|page=13|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|access-date=March 22, 2015}} {{Open access}} The team included players from Nashville and central Tennessee, including captain Jess Neely, who came from Middle Tennessee State Normal School.{{Harvnb|Pittard|page=73}} His older brother Bill Neely was captain in 1910.

Fifteen starters returned from the previous season{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6677028/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Preliminary Skirmishes Set for September 23rd; Powerful Teams Certain|date=September 10, 1922|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|access-date=September 18, 2016}} {{Open access}} including: Neely, Doc Kuhn, Percy Conyers, Alfred Sharp, Tot McCullough, Hugh Mixon, Hek Wakefield, Red Rountree, Freddie Meiers, Tex Bradford, and Fatty Lawrence. Lynn Bomar, who played fullback in 1921, and backup quarterback Alvin Bell were returning for their sophomore campaigns.

Newcomers included guard Garland Morrow and halfback Gil Reese – who was given particular attention from first-year backfield coach Lewie Hardage. Guard Tuck Kelly was a transfer who had formerly played center for Kentucky.{{cite news|url=http://kdl.kyvl.org/catalog/xt7g4f1mh928_4/viewer|title=Freshman Class Elects Officers|date=October 13, 1915|work=The Kentucky Kernel|page=4|access-date=October 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091955/http://kdl.kyvl.org/catalog/xt7g4f1mh928_4/viewer|archive-date=December 25, 2017|url-status=dead}} Tom Zerfoss, the new varsity assistant and head coach of the freshman team, had also once transferred from Kentucky to Vanderbilt.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Players/Zerfoss_Tom.html|title=Tom Zerfoss|publisher=bigbluehistory.net|access-date=September 18, 2016}}

After last season, the yearbook noted the Commodores "should have a good chance to repeat the splendid record of '21", expecting to lose just captain Pink Wade{{refn|Though coach Dan McGugin was "moving heaven and earth" to get him to return for another year.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cQ8TAAAAIAAJ&q=%22Dudley+Field%22+1922+Vanderbilt&pg=PA753|title=The Sigma Chi Quarterly: The Official Organ of the Sigma Chi Fraternity|volume=41|page=753|year=1922}}|group="n"}} and Fats Bailey to graduation.{{Harvnb|Vanderbilt University|1922|page=117}} Georgia coach Herman Stegeman predicted a fine season for Vanderbilt in 1922. One commentator noted the Commodores' increase in weight.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1984274/vandy_22/|page=2|date=September 17, 1922|title=Better Outlook At Vanderbilt As Weight Is Added To Forwards|access-date=May 1, 2016|work=Atlanta Constitution}} {{Open access}}

Last season's leading scorer Rupert Smith also did not return; neither did end and punter Thomas Ryan, who preferred to remain at his job in the oil industry in Tampico, Mexico.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676988/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Vandy Loses Thomas Ryan|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|date=October 11, 1922|page=11}} {{Open access}} The team also lost tackle Pos Elam, who decided to attend the Middle Tennessee State Normal School.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6677004/the_atlanta_constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Vandy Works on Attacking|date=September 21, 1922|page=15|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

{{CFB schedule

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 30

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Middle Tennessee State Normal

| site_stadium = Curry Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| score = 38–0

| attend = 2,500

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/nashville-banner-vanderbilt-shows-good-f/136871425/|newspaper=Nashville Banner|title=Vanderbilt shows good form in win over Normal team|date=October 1, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 7

| time =

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1922|team=Henderson-Brown Reddies|title=Henderson-Brown}}

| site_stadium = Curry Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| score = 33–0

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-arkansas-gazette-henderson-brown-l/136871549/|newspaper=Arkansas Gazette|title=Henderson-Brown loses gamely to Commodores|date=October 8, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 14

| time = 2:15 p.m.

| w/l = t

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Michigan

| site_stadium = Dudley Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| score = 0–0

| attend = 16,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-michigan-and-vanderbi/136871634/|newspaper=The Detroit Free Press|title=Michigan and Vanderbilt play to scoreless tie in Commodores' stadium|date=October 15, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 21

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Texas

| site_stadium = Fair Park Stadium

| site_cityst = Dallas, TX

| score = 20–10

| attend = 11,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123424850/vandy-gets-an-early-lead-to-beat-texas/|work=The Commercial Appeal|title=Vandy gets an early lead to beat Texas|date=October 22, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 28

| time =

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Mercer

| site_stadium = Dudley Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| score = 25–0

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121115112/vandy-subs-win-from-mercer-11/|title=Vandy subs win from Mercer 11|newspaper=Knoxville Sentinel|date=October 29, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 4

| time =

| w/l = w

| away = y

| opponent = Tennessee

| site_stadium = Shields–Watkins Field

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 14–6

| attend = 7,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82823267/vanderbilt-again-winner-over-tennessee/|work=Nashville Banner|title=Vanderbilt again winner over Tennessee, score 14 to 6|date=November 5, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 11

| time = 2:30 p. m.

| w/l = w

| opponent = Kentucky

| site_stadium = Dudley Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 9–0

| attend = 12,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-vanderbilt-downs-ken/136871830/|work=The Atlanta Journal|title=Vanderbilt downs Kentucky|date=November 12, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 18

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Sanford Field

| site_cityst = Athens, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 12–0

| attend =

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-macon-news-georgia-unable-to-cope-wi/136871920/|work=The Macon News|title=Georgia unable to cope with Vandy's attack loses 12–0|date=November 19, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 30

| time = 2:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Sewanee

| site_stadium = Dudley Field

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 26–0

| attend = 20,000

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-state-big-crowd-sees-vanderbilt-win/136872001/|work=The State|title=Big crowd sees Vanderbilt win|date=December 1, 1922|accessdate=December 15, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

}}

{{cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/1922-schedule.html|title=1922 Vanderbilt Commodores schedule and results|publisher= sports-reference |access-date=23 August 2016}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 1: Middle Tennessee Normal at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Normal

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

| H1 = 7| H2 =25| H3 =0|H4 =6

| Date = September 30

| Location = Curry Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =2,500

| Weather =

| Referee =

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

Vanderbilt's season opened on September 30, with a 38–0 victory over the Middle Tennessee State Normal at Curry Field.{{refn|group="n"|After former Vanderbilt quarterback Irby "Rabbit" Curry, who died in aerial combat during the First World War. This was to distinguish it from the larger, new Dudley Field used later in the season, as the Commodores had outgrown their old stadium.{{Harvnb|Traughber|2010|page=84}}}} The Middle Tennessee State Normal School's team was led by Alfred B. Miles in his eighth season as head coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.ahsfhs.org/college/Teams/gamesbyyear.asp?year=1922&Team=Middle%20Tennessee%20State|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024191617/http://www.ahsfhs.org/college/Teams/gamesbyyear.asp?year=1922&Team=Middle%20Tennessee%20State|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2014|website=ahsfhs.org|access-date=October 23, 2016|title=Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders-1922}} The game was marked by "the brilliant running of Gil Reese".{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=187}} As well as Reese, game accounts praise quarterback Doc Kuhn and halfback Freddie "Froggy" Meiers for displaying skill while sprinting around broken fields.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=Y5EG50WOMTM1ODI4MTUwNS4xMzIyNzE6MToxNDoxMzIuMTk4LjE1NC40OQ&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=2&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=2&p_docnum=2&p_docref=v2:1126154AC3F56D80@EANX-1192EDB7DD56D958@2423338-1192EDB81BF2ADA8@5-1192EDB9EE625038@Sports+Vandy+Coaches+Working+Hard|title=Vandy Coaches Working Hard|work= Columbus Ledger|date=October 10, 1922}}

File:Circa1922MidTennNormal.jpg

Vanderbilt scored all of its touchdowns via end runs and forward passes, which the Normal School's publication The Normalite said attested to the underwhelming play of the Commodores' line against Normal's squad of "big stalwart, husky fellows, with proper training in the fundamentals of the game".{{cite journal |title=Vandy Defeats The Blue And White 38 to 0 |url=http://content.mtsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/mtsu1&CISOPTR=1403&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219193038/http://content.mtsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmtsu1&CISOPTR=1403&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-12-19 |journal=The Normalite |date=October 1922 |pages=52–54 }}{{refn|group=n|Before the game, writers noted the great size of the Normal line players, whose weight averaged {{convert|185|lb}}.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676899/the_atlanta_constitution/8|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Vandy Draws No Easy Foe|date=September 27, 1922|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=13}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676881/the_atlanta_constitution/|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Dixie Grid Teams Start Saturday|author=Cliff Wheatley|page=16|date=September 28, 1922}} {{Open access}}}} Normal's best play was its only first down, a {{Convert|12|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=on}} end run from its halfback Delay.

Vanderbilt coaches expected more from their attempted line plunges and were concerned by the weak showing of the line which needed to improve if Vanderbilt was to have confidence in the mid-season, and in particular against Michigan.

The starting lineup was: McCullough (left end), Bomar (left tackle), Morrow (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Lawrence (right tackle), Neil (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Wakefield (left halfback), Neely (right halfback), and Porter (fullback).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5531615/the_tennessean/|page=13|access-date=June 9, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|work=The Tennessean|title=Vandy Backs Run Brilliantly In Swamping Normal|date=October 1, 1922}} {{Open access}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 2: Henderson-Brown at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Henderson

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

| H1 = 7| H2 =0| H3 =6| H4 =20

| Date = October 7

| Location = Curry Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee = Alf Adams

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

In the second game of the year, Vanderbilt beat Henderson-Brown 33–0. Vanderbilt was sluggish in the first half, which saw Doc Kuhn, Alvin Bell, and Freddie Meiers each play quarterback, but apparently failing to find a rhythm. Vanderbilt was limited to three first downs in the first half, while Henderson-Brown was limited to two. The only points scored during the half was a {{Convert|70|yard|meter|abbr=on|adj=on}} touchdown run in the first quarter as Commodore halfback Gil Reese darted through the entire Henderson-Brown defense.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=8&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=8&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-117BC6B1C2D2CB28@2423336-117BC6B290F53790@25-117BC6B645AC0E90@Vandy+Defeats+Arkansas+Team.+Although+Playing+Slovenly+Ball%2C+Commodores+Win+by+33-0 |title=Vandy Defeats Arkansas Team.|work= The Macon Daily Telegraph|date= October 8, 1922}} Hek Wakefield kicked a goal. Reese's long run was an anomaly in the first half. Vanderbilt's running backs were generally ineffective and its line was arguably outplayed by the weaker line of Henderson-Brown. The Commodores did not complete a single pass during the game. Henderson-Brown also had no success with the passing game; its only attempt was broken up by Vanderbilt's defense.

Vanderbilt found its stride in the second half, scoring 26 points including touchdowns on defense and a blocked punt. Halfback Red Rountree took over at quarterback, sparking the offense. Two drives resulted in nine first downs and two touchdowns, one by Jess Neely and the other by Rountree soon after the fourth quarter had started. Fatty Lawrence recovered a fumble in the end zone for Vanderbilt's fourth touchdown. Later in the fourth quarter, Garland Morrow broke through the line and blocked a punt that crossed the goal line and was recovered by Scotty Neill for the final touchdown. Hugh Mixon accounted for two extra points.

The starting lineup was: McCullough (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Morrow (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Walker (right tackle), Conyers (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Reese (left halfback), Neely (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback).

{{main|1922 Michigan vs. Vanderbilt football game}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 3: Michigan at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Michigan

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

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

| Date = October 14

| Location = Dudley Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 16,000

| Weather =

| Referee = Horatio B. Hackett

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The third game brought the high point of the season, a scoreless tie with Michigan Wolverines at the dedication of Dudley Field. The tie was the greatest of achievements for the underdog Commodores,{{cite news|title=Death Closes Long And Brilliant Career For Dan McGugin|newspaper=The Evening Independent|location=St Petersburg, Florida|date=January 20, 1936|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rONPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5057%2C3324553}} and "a great surprise to the sporting world."{{cite news|title=Football Squads Begin practice|newspaper=The Kingsport Times|date=September 14, 1923}} It features prominently in the school's history.{{cite web|url=http://www.vucommodores.com/ot/history-corner-083006.html |title=CHC- Vandy Ties Michigan in 1922 |author=Bill Traughber |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201232953/http://www.vucommodores.com/ot/history-corner-083006.html |archive-date=2016-02-01 }} According to one account: "The Commodores[,] surprising even to their followers, fought the Michigan eleven, headed by Coach Yost, to a standstill."{{Cite news|title = Vanderbilt Holds Michigan To A Tie|date = October 15, 1922|work = Lima News}} Another account reads: "Thousands of cheering Vanderbilt fans inspired the surge of center Alfred Sharp, guard Gus Morrow, tackle Tex Bradford, and end Lynn Bomar, who stopped Michigan cold in four attempts."{{Harvnb|Perrin|1987|page=113}} Commodore fans celebrated by throwing around 3,000 seat cushions onto the field.{{Harvnb|Traughber|2011|page=80}} Many publications called it "one of the big moments of the gridiron season".e.g. {{cite news|title=Leading Elevens Catch Tartars Saturday|author=David J. Walsh|newspaper=Rochester Evening Journal|date=November 16, 1922|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YhhgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1933,4928962}}

The game matched Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost against his former player and brother-in-law Dan McGugin. McGugin learned what he knew of football while playing under Yost as a guard on Michigan's "point-a-minute" offense; Yost recommended McGugin for the Vanderbilt job.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=9&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=9&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-117BC6B1C2D2CB28@2423336-117BC6B279B85248@22-117BC6B582FBF250@Vandy+Opens+South%27s+First+College+Athletic+Stadium+on+Saturday|title=Vandy Opens South's First College Athletic Stadium on Saturday.|work= The Macon Daily Telegraph|date=October 8, 1922}}{{cite journal|last=Campbell|first= Judith D. |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-12675387/vanderbilt-football-glory-years.html |title=Vanderbilt Football: The Glory Years.|journal= Nashville Business and Lifestyle|date=1992}}{{cite news|title=Playing Square|author=Jeff Mosher|newspaper=The Evening Independent|location=St Petersburg, Florida|date=January 20, 1936|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rONPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2553%2C3324127}} Owing to the relationship between Yost and McGugin, Vanderbilt and Michigan played nine times between 1905 and 1923, with Michigan winning eight times. The 1922 game was the first since 1913.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/freep/access/1873197002.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+15%2C+1922&author=SAM+GREENE&pub=Detroit+Free+Press+(1858-1922)&edition=&startpage=21&desc=Michigan+And+Vanderbitt+Play+To+Scoreless+Tie+In+Commodores%27+Stadium.|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104170555/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/freep/access/1873197002.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+15,+1922&author=SAM+GREENE&pub=Detroit+Free+Press+(1858-1922)&edition=&startpage=21&desc=Michigan+And+Vanderbitt+Play+To+Scoreless+Tie+In+Commodores'+Stadium.|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|title=Michigan and Vanderbilt play to Scoreless Tie In Commodores' Stadium: Southerns Spring Surprise on Rivals|author=Sam S. Greene|date=October 15, 1922|author-link=Sam Greene (sportswriter)}}"It's All In The Slant." Ironwood Daily Globe 18 September 1922: 6.

File:Dudley22.jpg during the game.]]

The Wolverines were a national power and the favorite to win the game.e.g. see "No Change Is Made In Lineup of Team." Ironwood Daily Globe 20 Oct. 1922: 10. Michigan had beaten Vanderbilt at all prior meetings,{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=12&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=12&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1231FD919F0C27A4@EANX-1238FE646BC63128@2423339-123432A0D6C9E0A8@23-1250E0C28BA9C45A@Seven+Times+Has+Michigan+Beaten+Vanderbilt+Team |title=Seven Times Has Michigan Beaten Vanderbilt Team.|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date= October 11, 1922}}. and had the much healthier lineup.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=15&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=15&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:123DD2ED27BA8D93@EANX-1246166D0EF5BA28@2423337-12442A4C70F2A3C0@7-12DDB015ED776780@Wolverines+Are+Ready+For+Game+With+Vanderbilt|title=Wolverines Are Ready For Game With Vanderbilt.|work= The Kalamazoo Gazette|date= October 9, 1922}}{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=13&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=13&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:0F99DDB671832188@EANX-105AAC1D35EBAD10@2423342-105AAC1DB4DE9324@11-105AAC2021BD7BED@Commodores%2C+Shy+Two+Stars%2C+to+Meet+Wolverines |title=Commodores, Shy Two Stars, to Meet Wolverines.|work=Dallas Morning News |date=October 14, 1922}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3713241/the_tennessean/|work=The Tennessean|page=11|date=October 11, 1922|access-date=November 27, 2015|via=Newspapers.com|title=Doc Kuhn and Tot McCullough Join Commodore Colony of Cripples|author=Blinkey Horn|author-link=Blinkey Horn}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|url=http://athnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/athnewspapers-j2k/view?docId=bookreader/ahd/ahd1922/ahd1922-1572.mets.xml#page/1/mode/1up|title=Vanderbilt's New $200,000 Stadium Will Be Dedicated|date=October 13, 1922|page=1|work=Athens Daily Herald}} During the pre-game dressing room talk, coach McGugin is reported to have said: "You are going against Yankees, some of whose grandfathers killed your grandfathers in the Civil War."{{Harvnb|Traughber|2011|page=33}} Also reported, probably more accurately,{{cite web|url=http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/historycorner/spec-rel/090512aab.html |date=September 5, 2012 |title=Q&A with George McGugin |author=Bill Traughber |website=vucommodores.com |access-date=October 23, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120001946/http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/historycorner/spec-rel/090512aab.html |archive-date=November 20, 2015 }}{{Harvnb|Scott|2008|pages=24–25}} as: "Out there lie the bones of your grandfathers ... and down on that field are the grandsons of the Yankee soldiers who put them there", referring to a nearby military cemetery.{{cite web|url=http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/obitht001/obit_l-obit_m/obit-mcgugindaniel.html |title=Obituary: Daniel Earle McGugin |access-date=September 18, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054933/http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/obitht001/obit_l-obit_m/obit-mcgugindaniel.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }} Ironically, Yost's father was a Confederate veteran, and McGugin's father was an officer in the Union Army.

File:Vandystad1922.png

The game, which featured the season's top-two defenses as measured by points against per game, saw little offense.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1922-standings.html|title=1922 standings|access-date=September 18, 2016|publisher=sports-reference.com}} Vanderbilt punted 17 times; Michigan punted 10 times. Some writers were surprised by Michigan's lack of offense, citing it as their best feature.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=20&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=20&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:122AFBBA107AC9E4@EANX-1235EE5DF9844DE0@2423344-122FB01303EF2FD8@13-12524224F7439027@Michigan+Attack+Proves+Lacking+Fails+to+Score+on+Vanderbilt--Buckeyes+Employ+Straight+Football+in+Beating|title=Michigan Attack Proves Lacking|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer|author=Francis J. Powers|date=October 16, 1922|author-link=Francis J. Powers}} During the entire game, Michigan made six first downs, two of which came from penalties, while Vanderbilt made one. Michigan's consensus All-American halfback Harry Kipke had been rendered moot for most of the game and later said: "I picked myself up very, very painfully from every blade of grass in the place."{{cite news|title=Kipke Recalls Vandy Game|newspaper=Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, South Carolina)|date=October 5, 1933|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19331005&id=1YksAAAAIBAJ&pg=5801,424793}} Fullback Franklin Cappon seemed to be the only Michigan player who could gain much for his offense.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=22&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=22&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFD1C52F3DBF5@2423343-127EFD1C578F01A2@1-13840EB342CC07C8@Powerful+Wolverine+Eleven+Held+To+Scoreless+Tie+By+Commodores |title=Powerful Wolverine Eleven Held To Scoreless Tie By Commodores.|work=Augusta Chronicle|date= October 15, 1922}} According to the 2012 Vanderbilt Football Fact Book, the tie was preserved when captain Neely recovered a fumble near the Commodore goal.{{Harvnb|Vanderbilt University|2012|page=119}}

A goal line stand was the Commodores' key play. A partially blocked Vanderbilt punt gave the Wolverines the ball at Vanderbilt's 25-yard line. Two end runs, two line bucks, and a forward pass brought them to first and goal after six minutes. The Commodores' defense repelled four touchdown attempts. Three runs straight up the middle were stopped before the goal line. Cappon made a yard, Kipke lost one, and Cappon then drove to within {{Convert|1|foot|meter|abbr=on|spell=in}} of the goal. Vanderbilt captain Jess Neely was heard shouting, "Stop 'em." On fourth down, Michigan faked a field goal and ran with Harry Kipke off tackle to the right.{{Harvnb|Traughber|2011|page=79}} Kipke was stopped very close to the end zone.{{cite news|title=Vanderbilt Christens Stadium By Tying Michigan, 0 to 0|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 15, 1922|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1922/10/15/107074493.pdf}} One Vanderbilt player pushed himself off the goal post in an attempt to generate a greater backwards thrust as the crowd cheered.

The starting lineup was: McCullough (left end), Bomar (left tackle), Morrow (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Bradford (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Neely (left halfback), Reese (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback).{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=198}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 4: Vanderbilt at Texas

| Visitor = Vanderbilt

| Host = Texas

| V1 = 13| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =7

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

| Date = October 21

| Location = Fair Park Stadium
Dallas

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 11,000

| Weather =

| Referee = A. M. Venne

}}

• Sources

{{AFB game box end}}

Vanderbilt then traveled to Dallas, to play the Texas Longhorns at the State Fair for the second consecutive year, beating them 20–10. Last year Texas, an experienced team, had been expected to defeat Vanderbilt's team of inexperienced players, but lost.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=L6FY62VVMTM4Nzk2NzQ4NS45NTU1NjY6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=23&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=23&p_docnum=44&toc=true&p_docref=v2:0F99DDB671832188@EANX-105AAC52CDBDD5FC@2423349-105AAC5337F75372@9|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|title=Rivals Sections Clash With Veteran Eleven Pitted Against Orange|date=October 21, 1922}} This year, Vanderbilt was the fourteen-point favorite.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=32&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=32&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:10EEA3CFD727D370@EANX-11823AA229EF7D28@2423348-11823AA3DDA9BC18@24-11823AA8AE9B55E0@Gridiron+Champs+and+near+Champs+Settling+into+Proper+Places |title=Gridiron Champs and near Champs Settling into Proper Places.|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=October 20, 1922}}{{cite news|url=http://corsicana.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewer.aspx?img=156348600¤tResult=9¤tPage=0|newspaper=Corsicana Daily Sun|title=Texas University Meets Vanderbilt Dallas Saturday|date=October 19, 1922}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}"Vandy Favored To Beat Texas By Large Score." Port Arthur Daily News 21 Oct. 1922: 3. Along with the Michigan game, the match up between Vanderbilt and Texas had been billed as one of the more important intersectional games since the beginning of the season,{{Closed access}}{{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=29&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=29&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:111ACD379A036C80@EANX-1152D8DEAD4756D0@2423321-1152D52772699808@5-131CBE3290B037B8@Great+Gridiron+Season+Sport+Gains+Admirers |title=Great Gridiron Season Sport Gains Admirers.|work=St. Albans Daily Messenger |location=St. Albans, Vermont|date=September 23, 1922}}{{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=30&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=30&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11A73E5827618330@EANX-11D6425930FAF890@2423322-11D6425C0E3B7E60@81-11D64266575FD748@Football+Season+to+be+Record+One.+About+Forty+Intersectional+Games+Are+Billed |title=Football Season to Be Record One. About Forty Intersectional Games Are Billed|work= Morning Oregonian |date= September 24, 1922}}{{cite news|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/98652154/|title = Football Is Past Trial Horse Stage|newspaper=New York Times|date=October 21, 1922}} and among the best of them in the South.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=31&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=31&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:0F99DDB671832188@EANX-105AAC1280176A88@2423340-105AAC12F3F2BE69@13-105AAC1557F2C601@Texas-Vanderbilt+Tickets+on+Sale |title=Texas-Vanderbilt Tickets on Sale.|work= Dallas Morning News|date=October 12, 1922}}

File:1922fairparkstadium.jpg

The teams were fairly even in terms of weight,"Orange Backs Average 165." The Mexia Evening News 19 Oct. 1922: 1. and Texas was strong between the tackles. A rough match was expected; an ambulance was kept at the ready near the stadium's entrance."Longhorns Are Too Late With Passing Game." San Antonio Light 22 Oct. 1922: 31. Several key Vanderbilt players were injured: Neely, Morrow, and McCullough all experienced problems, leading to a significantly shortened playing time.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=38&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=38&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:0F99DDB671832188@EANX-105AAC57FA53546D@2423350-105AAC580978FB1C@0-105AAC5A8F989BAA@Vanderbilt+Downs+Texa+Longhorns%2C+Long+Grid+Rivals |title=Vanderbilt Downs Texas Longhorns, Long Grid Rivals|work= Dallas Morning News |date=October 22, 1922}} Coach McGugin had said: "We are crippled beyond all repair, but we are going out to Texas to win."{{Closed access}} {{cite news|title=Crippled Vandy Team Confident|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=October 21, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|145958792}}}}

The first score of the game came from Texas. After the kickoff went to Vanderbilt, Scotty Neill quickly punted back to Texas, as Vanderbilt had much faith in its defense. A {{Convert|22|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} run around the edge by Texas quarterback Franklin Stacy was the highlight of the ensuing drive. A few plays later, Texas found itself on Vanderbilt's 18-yard line. Vanderbilt committed an offsides penalty, moving Texas to the 13-yard line. Texas then lost yards and was at the 17-yard line when Stacy kicked a field goal.

File:Gilreese.png.]]

Later in the first quarter, Vanderbilt kicked to Stacy, who fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Hek Wakefield at the 25-yard line. Gil Reese ran twice around the edge, placing the ball at the 13-yard line. After working it to the goal, Reese scored with a short run off-tackle. The try was good and Vanderbilt led 7–3."Big Gains Are Made On Punts And Wide Runs In Dallas Game." Fort Worth Star Telegram 22 Oct. 1922: 14. Captain Neely broke a streak of lethargic offense from both teams, running back a {{Convert|30|yard|adj=on|abbr=out}} punt return, to the 40-yard line. Soon after, Reese jetted around the end, "slipping here, twirling there", for a {{Convert|45|yard|adj=on |abbr=out}} touchdown. The try was missed and the score was 13–3.

File:TexLineup.png

In the second quarter, a short Texas punt and Reese's return, Vanderbilt found itself in good field position at Texas's 45-yard line. On the next play, the Longhorns' Edwin Bluestein blew through the line and stopped Reese for a loss. Then came a 15-yard penalty on Neill for slugging.{{refn|group="n"|Neill was going to be ejected but this did not occur because Texas victim, center and captain 'Swede' Swenson, told the referees to allow him to stay.{{cite news|url=http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth69312/m1/4/zoom/?q=vandy|newspaper=The Breckenridge Daily American|title=Longhorns Ready For Ala. University Sat|date=October 30, 1922}}}} The next play saw a clumsy toss to Neill resulting in a fumble recovered by Texas at the 29-yard line. Texas's James Marley then got loose for a {{Convert|21|yard|meters|abbr=out}} run. A short run by Marley then set up a touchdown from Yancy Culp. Texas closed the gap, 13–10. Two unsuccessful field goal attempts by Texas ended the first half.

During the second half, Reese recovered his own fumble at the 18-yard line, giving Texas a temporary edge in field position. Texas's chance to score was missed when a pass from halfback Ivan Robertson was intercepted by Lynn Bomar. The field position then shifted in Vanderbilt's favor when Neill netted a punt of about {{Convert|60|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}}. In the fourth quarter, Neely hit Bomar on a long pass that went {{Convert|23|yard|meter|abbr=out}} in the air, with Bomar running for some {{Convert|20|yard|meter|abbr=out}} more and down close to the goal."Commodores Win By Superior Play When Near Longhorns' Goal." Wichita Daily Times[Wichita Falls, Texas] 22 Oct. 1922: 9. Reese ran it in on the next play, and the try was good. Vanderbilt led Texas 20–10.

Robertson later recovered a Wakefield fumble on Vanderbilt's 20-yard line. The Longhorns worked the ball to the eight-yard line, but they failed to convert on the next series of downs as Marley fell short of the goal line. After a {{Convert|52|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} punt from Neill out of his own endzone, the teams traded interceptions. The last play of a vigorous drive saw a Texas run downed at about the 12-yard line as the game ended.

Gil Reese was the widely accepted player of the game, scoring all three of Vanderbilt's touchdowns.{{cite news|title=Vandy Commodores Win Over Texans|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=October 22, 1922|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NBFPAAAAIBAJ&pg=3394%2C1678210}} Doc Kuhn was praised for his contributions to the run game and his generalship at the quarterback position, as was Scotty Neill for his punting.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2030861/the_atlanta_constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Vandy Whips Texas Team|date=October 22, 1922|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=2}} {{Open access}} The result of the 1922 game was much closer than that of the previous year.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=46&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=46&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1126A744DB722B38@EANX-119AC8837B3E6990@2423350-119AC883C6F357B8@10-119AC884E95AE618@Vanderbilt+Noses+out+Victory+over+Texans |title=Vanderbilt Noses Out Victory Over Texans|work= The Columbus Enquirer|date= October 22, 1922}} Texas played better than was expected.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=45&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=45&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:10EEA3CFD727D370@EANX-11823C7DF1B47CC0@2423351-11823C7F2FEDD620@9-11823C821B8570D0@Longhorns+in+Battle+with+Vandy+Showed+Unexpected+Strength |title=Longhorns in Battle with Vandy Showed Unexpected Strength|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date= October 23, 1922}} The number of first downs seemed to favor Texas; the Longhorns had fifteen first downs compared with the Commodores' eight. Referee A. M. Venne said Vanderbilt defeated Texas because of its crafty play, and "head work".'"Vandy's Headwork Won From Texas Says Venne." San Antonio Express 24 Oct. 1922: 12.

The starting lineup was: Bomar (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Walker (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Lawrence (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Wakefield (left halfback), Reese (right halfback), and S. Porter (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 5: Mercer at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Mercer

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

| H1 = 0| H2 =12| H3 =0| H4 =13

| Date = October 28

| Location = Dudley Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee = Russ Cohen

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

For the fifth game, Vanderbilt beat the Mercer Baptists by a 25–0 score in a "featureless match".{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=205}} Mercer was coached by former All-Southern tackle and Vanderbilt football star Josh Cody. Mercer's team was reduced; many of its star players were experiencing dengue fever.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=49&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=49&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1126154AC3F56D80@EANX-1192EEAAE01F8E78@2423355-1192EEAB22D95360@5-1192EEAD204F5CC0@Mercer+is+off+for+Vanderbilt |title=Mercer Is Off For Vanderbilt|work=Columbus Ledger |date=October 27, 1922}} Included on the sick list were: Ed Irwin, Mercer's triple-threat end; right guard 'Judge' Dasher; left guard and team captain Carl Lancaster; halfback George Harmon, who had hurt his ankle; back-up center W. M. Barron, who had mumps; and tackle Beverly Gaines.{{cite news|url=http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/mercercluster/id:mer1922-0097|newspaper=The Mercer Cluster|title='Dengues Leave For Vandy's Game'|date=October 27, 1922}}{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=55&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=55&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFD51EECD2537@2423355-127EFD51F497BC2B@5-13843455485D8B31@Leaving+Five+Regulars+Behind+Mercer+Baptists+Hit+the+Trail+For+Nashville+to+Battle+Vandy+Team |title=Leaving Five Regulars Behind Mercer Baptists Hit The Trail For Nashville to Battle Vandy|work=Augusta Chronicle |date= October 27, 1922}}{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=54&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=54&p_docnum=4&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-1175EDEB79A44190@2423355-1175EDEC1B823898@7-1175EDEECB85FB50@Mercer+Team+Plays+Vanderbilt+Eleven.+Twenty-One+Are+off+for+Battle |title=Mercer Team Plays Vandy Eleven|work= The Macon Daily Telegraph |date= October 27, 1922}} It was reported that 'Coot' Lynch, replacement for Ed Irwin, was as good an end without Irwin's passing and punting ability. Glenn Carthron was to replace captain Lancaster, and though big, he did not compare to Lynch, who had just returned from an illness-related absence.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=56&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=56&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-1175EF0CB98FAC08@2423354-1175EF0D6F2D0AA8@7-1175EF102782C6D0@Rats+to+Tackle+Savannah+Squad.+Coach+Mosley+and+17+Men+Make+Trip+for+Contest+There |title=Rats To Tackle Savannah Squad|work= The Macon Daily Telegraph|date= October 26, 1922}} Injuries aside, the Baptists outweighed the Commodores by more than {{Convert|20|lbs|kg|abbr=out}} per man.{{Harvnb|Wilder|1982|page=38}}

File:Rountree.png

For the entire 1922 season, Mercer had been unable to play a full lineup of regulars. Scoring would have been an achievement for the Mercer Baptists. Vanderbilt therefore used this game to rest its injured players and played mostly substitutes.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=57&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=57&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11B0124EA8AEC7F0@EANX-11BE5CA59F3D15E8@2423357-11BE5CA604E32CC8@26-11BE5CA8021A3540@Vandy+Scrubs+Easily+Defeats+Mercer+Team+Nashville%2C+Tenn.%2C+Oct.+28|title=Vandy Scrubs Easily Defeats Mercer Team|work= The Montgomery Advertiser|date=October 29, 1922}} Replacement quarterback Red Rountree was the star of the game, making possible all four of the Commodores' scores with his punt returns and end runs.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676745/the_tennessean/|work=The Tennessean|author=Blinkey Horn|title=Rountree's Brilliant Runs Helps Vandy Subs to Conquer Mercer Team|date=October 29, 1922|page=10|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The Baptists' star was fullback Dave Rice, who got the majority of their yardage on the ground. The first score came early in the second when substitute quarterback Red Rountree ran for {{Convert|43|yards|meters|abbr=out}} around end.{{cite news|url=http://mercercluster.galileo.usg.edu/mercercluster-j2k/view?docId=bookreader/mer/mer1922/mer1922-0101.mets.xml;brand=mercercluster-j2k-brand#page/1/mode/1up|newspaper=The Mercer Cluster|title=M-"Dengues" Hold Big Vandy To 25-0|date=November 3, 1922}}{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=59&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=59&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-1175EE9E75B340E0@2423357-1175EE9FB2D6B5A0@15-1175EEA562E49248@Vandy+Subs+Are+Used+with+Only+Few+of+Varsity.+Many+Commodore+Regulars+Injured+and+Unable+to+Play |title=Vandy Subs Are Used with Only Few of Varsity|work=The Macon Daily Telegraph |date=October 29, 1922}} In the same period, Lynn Bomar hit Rountree on a {{Convert|28|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} pass, but Vanderbilt was unable to use this to score. The second touchdown came after a short punt from Mercer and a good return from Rountree set up a line buck into the end zone from Bomar.

In the fourth quarter, the Commodores saw two more touchdowns. A pass to Bomar, and a strong line plunge from S. T. Porter, accounted for the scores. Mercer's only chance to score came in the final quarter; after Vanderbilt had fumbled, Mercer completed a pass down to the 10-yard line when the game ended. Red Rountree finished the game with {{Convert|132|yard|meter|abbr=out}} rushing and {{Convert|109|yard|meter|abbr=out}} on punt returns.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=58&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=58&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFD590B8C2044@2423357-127EFD5912D53FCF@1-1384227741DE18E1@With+Majority+of+Regulars+On+Side+Lines%2C+Vandy+Wins+Easily+From+Crippled+Baptists%2C+25-0+Despite|title=With Majority Of Regulars On Side Lines, Vandy Wins Easily From Crippled Baptists, 25-0|work= Augusta Chronicle |date=October 29, 1922}} The Vanderbilt team gained {{Convert|241|yard|meter|abbr=out}} of offense.

The starting lineup was: Brown (left end), Bomar (left tackle), Orr (left guard), W. Porter (center), Lawrence (right guard), Walker (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Rountree (quarterback), Mixon (left halfback), Meiers (right halfback), and S. Porter (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 6: Vanderbilt at Tennessee

| Visitor = Vanderbilt

| Host = Tennessee

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

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

| Date = November 4

| Location = Shields–Watkins Field
Knoxville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 7,000

| Weather =

| Referee = Oscar Randolph

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

In the sixth game of the year, Vanderbilt beat the Tennessee Volunteers at Knoxville, 14–6 "principally due to the fact that Neill was able to outkick the great Campbell."{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=211}}{{refn|group=n|It was Vanderbilt's first game at Shields–Watkins Field, the Volunteers' new stadium.}} The Tennessee Volunteers were "after revenge"—they had only beaten the Commodores twice and Vanderbilt was ahead in points scored by 347 to 53.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676640/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Vandy Meets Vol Eleven|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|access-date=September 17, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=19|date=November 1, 1922}} {{Open access}}

Tennessee also hoped to improve its SoCon record after losing to the Georgia Bulldogs. Both teams had rested their starters the previous week; Vanderbilt won over Mercer and Tennessee beat Mississippi 49–0. It was therefore thought the game should be closer than in previous years, and Vanderbilt was only a slight favorite.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=68&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=68&p_docnum=2&p_docref=v2:114CE9E74A478FB0@EANX-118B87D7D02C80C0@2423363-118B87D7E0260E88@2-118B87D862E71AB8@Hard+Contests+Are+Scheduled+Three+Southern+Games+between+Teams+That+Are+Undefeated+This+Season+-+Vandy |title=Hard Contests Are Scheduled|work= The Lexington Herald |date=November 6, 1922}} The 18th meeting between Vanderbilt and Tennessee packed the stadium; it was the largest crowd of the season for Shields–Watkins Field.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=60&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=60&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D30DA68B248@EANX-114A0D2D200D5668@2423364-114A0D2E829CABB0@10-114A0D3552B34310@Vanderbilt+Wins+from+Volunteers+Hotly+Contested+Game+at+Knoxville|title=Vanderbilt Wins From Volunteers |work=The State |location=Columbia, South Carolina |date=November 5, 1922}} The game was hotly contested; several accounts wrote Vanderbilt was "outplayed but not outfought".

Tennessee drove down to the seven-yard line in the first quarter but was held on downs. The first score came from Vanderbilt in the second quarter on a {{Convert|31|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} touchdown pass from Jess Neely to Doc Kuhn. Wakefield kicked a goal. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee reached the one-yard line after a series of long passes. Tennessee fullback Roe Campbell went over the line for the touchdown. The Volunteers' Rufe Clayton failed to kick goal. Later, Vanderbilt intercepted a Tennessee pass in Volunteer territory, leading to a chance to score. After runs at the line failed, a {{Convert|5|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} pass from Neely to Lynn Bomar got the touchdown. Wakefield's try was successful.{{Harvnb|University of Tennessee|1923|page=110–111}}

After the game, Neilly, Lynn Bomar, Gil Reese, and Fatty Lawrence were all mentioned as the Commodores' best players; Campbell was cited as the star for the Volunteers. Accounts stated that Neill out-punted the Volunteers on nearly every occasion.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=61&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=61&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11B0124EA8AEC7F0@EANX-11BE5CB66F18D6C8@2423364-11BE5CB709E21338@31-11BE5CB932CD89F8@Tennessee+Fights+Hard%2C+but+Loses+to+Vanderbilt+Knoxville%2C+Tenn.%2C+Nov.+4 |title=Tennessee Fights Hard, but Loses to Vanderbilt.|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|date=November 5, 1922}} The Nashville Banner said Lawrence had been "in there doing a man's job blocking a kick and tackling with the deadliness of a tiger unleashed in a cave of lions." The same week, Tulane lost to North Carolina,{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1922/11/06/99095736.pdf|title=Six Teams Still Own Clean Slates|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 6, 1922}} leaving Vanderbilt as the only undefeated member of the Southern Conference.

The starting lineup was: McCullough (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Morrow (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Walker (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Neely (left halfback), Rountree (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 7: Kentucky at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Kentucky

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

| H1 = 3| H2 =6| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date = November 11

| Location = Dudley Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 12,000

| Weather =

| Referee = Ed Finlay

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

In the seventh week of play, Vanderbilt beat the Kentucky Wildcats in a "hard fought battle" by a 9–0 score. Although Vanderbilt was favored,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676601/the_atlanta_constitution/|author=Craddock Goins|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Jackets and Georgetown, Bulldogs and Virginians, Carrying Most Attention|page=3|access-date=September 17, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 5, 1922}} {{Open access}} a tough match was expected.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4004920/the_tennessean/|work=The Tennessean|author=Blinkey Horn|title=Vandy's New Line Must Stop Wildcats' Strong Running Game To Win Today|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=13|date=November 11, 1922|author-link=Blinkey Horn}} {{Open access}} Freddie Meiers was the star of the contest.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676553/the_tennessean/|title=Vandy Displays Strong Punch With Meiers As Ram and Wildcats Lose, 9 to 0|author=Blinkey Horn|work=The Tennessean|access-date=September 17, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=13|author-link=Blinkey Horn}} {{Open access}}

File:OWKuhn.jpg

Lynn Bomar's kickoff, fielded by Turner Gregg, was returned to the 16-yard line. Three runs from Kentucky gained {{Convert|9|yard|meter|abbr=out|spell=in}}, and on fourth down the Wildcats punted the ball out of bounds at midfield. After the punt, Vanderbilt moved deeper into Kentucky territory. The drive started poorly; Doc Kuhn lost yards on a run around end. The next play was the beginning of Vanderbilt's success—Freddie Meiers had an {{Convert|8|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on|spell=in}} run. Then on a fake kick, Bomar ran around the end for {{Convert|5|yard|meter|abbr=out}}. On the next play, an {{Convert|18|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} drop kick by Henry Wakefield split the uprights. Kentucky drove to Vanderbilt's 20-yard line on the next possession. Any attempt to move further was stopped by Vanderbilt's defense, and a {{Convert|35|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} dropkick from Gregg missed.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=69&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=69&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:114CE9E74A478FB0@EANX-118B87CEEB780958@2423371-118B87CF30336E88@16-118B87D1403E8FA0@Football+%27Cats+Hold+Vandy+to+9-0+Count%3B+Centre+Again+Trims+Washington+and+Lee+Gregg+Misses |title=Football 'Cats Hold Vandy to 9-0 Count; Centre Again Trims Washington and Lee Gregg Misses|work=Lexington Herald|date=November 12, 1922}}{{cite news|title=Wildcats Lose Hard Fought Game To Vandy Eleven At Nashville|newspaper=The Kentucky Kernel|date=November 17, 1922|url=http://eris.uky.edu/catalog/xt7qz60bwf6t_7|access-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219210355/http://eris.uky.edu/catalog/xt7qz60bwf6t_7|archive-date=December 19, 2013|url-status=dead}}

The Commodore's first drive of the second quarter centered around Kuhn, Meiers, and Jess Neely; but after reaching Kentucky's 35-yard line the ball was turned over on downs. Kentucky eventually punted away. The next series saw a {{Convert|70|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} drive from Vanderbilt.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676566/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Vandy Stops Kentucky 'U'|page=4|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|date=November 12, 1922|access-date=September 17, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} With fourth down on the one-yard line, Meiers punched it in for the touchdown.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3714442/the_tennessean/|work=The Tennessean|author=Blinkey Horn|title=Vandy Displays Strong Punch With Meiers As Ram and Wildcats Lose, 9 to 0|date=November 12, 1922|page=13|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Wakefield's try was missed. A later punt by the Wildcats saw Kuhn return the ball {{Convert|43|yard|meter|abbr=out}}, tackled by the last man before the end zone—Kentucky's punter Gregg.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3715601/the_tennessean/|work=The Tennessean|date=November 12, 1922|page=15|title=Kuhn Sprints 44 Yards|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The half ended before Vandy could use this to score.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=66&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=66&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFD9598CAA601@2423371-127EFD959B56B6F1@1-13840F23003F4BC6@Vanderbilt+Outplays+Kentucky+University+Drop+Kick%2C+Touchdown+Accounts+for+Points.+Score+Ends%2C+9-0+Kentucky+Threatens|title=Vanderbilt Outplays Kentucky University|work= Augusta Chronicle|date= November 12, 1922}}

File:ScotNeil.png, punter and end]]

Vanderbilt's play in the third quarter was hampered by fumbles. The ball was kicked off to Kuhn for a {{Convert|12|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} return. Meiers then fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Kentucky. During the ensuing possession, Vanderbilt jumped offside. Vanderbilt's defense made up for the Commodores' poor situation. Kentucky tried an end run that resulted in a loss of {{Convert|3|yard|meter|abbr=out|spell=in}} and on the next play a pass was intercepted by Bomar. The next Vanderbilt drive seemed promising with an average of more than {{Convert|5|yard|meter|abbr=out|spell=in}} per play, until Vanderbilt again fumbled the ball away. The Vanderbilt defense once more came to the rescue; Kentucky could not get {{Convert|10|yard|meter|abbr=out}} and the ball went over on downs.

File:Froggymeiers.png

The final quarter saw Kentucky attempt a hurried comeback led by forward passes. Only one was completed; a {{Convert|30|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} pass from Fuller to Hollowell. Vanderbilt sent in Gil Reese for Meiers, and Reese closed out the game. One play was a {{Convert|35|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} run; Reese failed to score because Kentucky's Brewer tackled his feet from behind. At Kentucky's {{Convert|35|yard|meter|abbr=out|adj=on}} line the drive was stalled with a turnover on downs.

At the end of the week, Vanderbilt was the only undefeated team left in the South; VMI had lost to North Carolina.{{refn|group="n"|West Virginia was also undefeated but was not considered part of the South.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=67&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=67&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:114CF48AE24B9638@EANX-117ECC960CB981E0@2423372-117ECC975D682708@7-117ECCA181790F58@Vanderbilt+Alone+Unbeaten+in+Dixie+Check+Shows+That+Highest+Scoring+Teams+Are+Not+Always+The |title=Vanderbilt Alone Unbeaten in Dixie|work= The Miami Herald|date=November 13, 1922}}}} The following week, Kentucky hosted the high-scoring Alabama Crimson Tide squad and was the only team of the season to hold that team scoreless.{{cite web|access-date=September 18, 2016 |url=http://www.databasefootball.com/college/teams/teamyear.htm?TeamID=46&Season=1922 |title=1922 Kentucky Wildcats |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204846/http://www.databasefootball.com/college/teams/teamyear.htm?TeamID=46&Season=1922 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}

The starting lineup was: Bomar (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Lawrence (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Morrow (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Meiers (left halfback), Neely (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback){{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=216}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 8: Vanderbilt at Georgia

| Visitor = Vanderbilt

| Host = Georgia

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

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

| Date = November 18

| Location = Sanford Field
Athens, Georgia

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee = Jogger Elcock

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The Georgia Bulldogs played Vanderbilt for their homecoming and were defeated 12–0,{{cite news|title=Four Stars Play Here For Last Time|newspaper=The Red and Black (University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia)|date=November 17, 1922|url=http://redandblack.libs.uga.edu/xtf/view?docId=news/1922/rab1922-0189.xml}} with Bomar described as a "holy terror" to the Bulldogs by W. C. Munday. Vanderbilt left the game as favorite to be crowned champions of the South."Vandy Favored For Dixie Title." Port Arthur Daily News 20 Nov. 1922: 7. The game marked the last time Georgia had lost two consecutive games at home to Vanderbilt, having also lost 46–0 at Athens in 1912.{{cite web|url=http://www.dawgsports.com/2008/10/17/637322/too-much-information-georg|title=Too Much Information: Georgia Bulldogs v. Vanderbilt Commodores|author=T Kyle King|date=Oct 17, 2008|access-date=September 18, 2016}} Georgia was without its quarterback Dick Mulvehill.{{cite news|work=Athens Banner|date=November 18, 1922|title=Mulvihill Out As Georgia Goes To Battle With Vandy|url=http://athnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/athnewspapers-j2k/view?docId=bookreader/adb/adb1922/adb1922-2537.mets.xml#page/1/mode/1up|access-date=January 31, 2015|archive-date=February 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204193847/http://athnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/athnewspapers-j2k/view?docId=bookreader/adb/adb1922/adb1922-2537.mets.xml#page/1/mode/1up|url-status=dead}} Governor-elect Clifford Walker was among the notables in the large crowd at Sanford Field.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1985080/vandy_uga/|title=Georgia Bulldogs Are Defeated by Vanderbilt 12 to 0|date=November 19, 1922|newspaper=Atlanta Constitution|author=Homer George|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|page=6}} {{Open access}}

Vanderbilt entered the Georgia game as slight favorites. Since it had held Yost's Michigan machine scoreless, it was thought Georgia could have a difficult time with the Commodores' defense. At that time, Vanderbilt usually beat Georgia; but the previous year, Vanderbilt had to fight to bring the game to a tie.

Every Georgia opponent had failed to score through its line during the 1920 and 1921 seasons,{{cite journal|page=85|url=https://archive.org/details/officialnational07nation|journal= National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Rules: Official Intercollegiate Football Guide|year=1922|title=Foot Ball in the South|author=H. J. Stegeman}} but the Bulldogs had defended the forward pass poorly in prior weeks. It was thought Vanderbilt should expose Georgia's defense by using the forward pass.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=71&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=71&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFDA434EBA84A@2423374-127EFDA43998E007@4-1384347AC167407F@Dope+Favors+Vanderbilt+Over+Georgia+Bulldogs+In+Game+To+Be+Played+In+Athens+Saturday+With |title=Dope Favors Vanderbilt Over Georgia Bulldogs In Game To Be Played In Athens Saturday|work=Columbus Ledger|date=November 15, 1922}} This seemed to work, for though the Commodores were 3 for 9 on pass plays, they made those three count for around {{Convert|90|yards|meters|abbr=out}}. These passes showed the mark of "ceaseless drill" and seemed to come once Vanderbilt had Georgia's defense looking for the run.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=72&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=72&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11B0124EA8AEC7F0@EANX-11BE5CDA536AAC30@2423381-11BE5CDA7AE54D10@5-11BE5CDB5696E9C8@Georgia+is+Ready+for+Final+Bow+of+Season+on+Gridiron%3B+Preparing+for+Hard+Game+Against+Alabama+Eleven|title=Georgia Is Ready for Final Bow of Season on Gridiron.|newspaper=The Montgomery Advertiser|author=Earle Watson|

date=November 22, 1922}}

File:CommodoreBattleArray.jpg

Vanderbilt found itself in another game where punts may have decided the victor.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=73&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=73&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11260DC9BB798E30@EANX-11496EE444715058@2423378-11496EE64AA908D0@37-11496EECDA12F128@Vanderbilt+Defeats+the+University+of+Georgia|title=Vanderbilt Defeats the University of Georgia|work= Charlotte Sunday Observer|date= November 19, 1922}} Scotty Neill punted 14 times with an average distance of {{Convert|47|yards|meters|abbr=out}}. Georgia punted 15 times with an average of {{Convert|34|yards|meters|abbr=out}}. Vanderbilt also had a play where, after a fair catch, the team lined up as if they were prepared to punt, and tried to recover a high, hanging onside kick from scrimmage. It was tried twice and failed, although Georgia seemed to be caught off-guard by the display.{{refn|group="n"|The Commodores may have tried the play because an onside kick saved them from losing to Georgia the year before.{{cite news|title=Aerial Attack By Vanderbilt Stars Won Game Saturday|author=Morgan Blake|newspaper=The Red and Black (University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia)|date=November 23, 1922|url=http://redandblack.libs.uga.edu/xtf/view?docId=news/1922/rab1922-0191.xml}}}}

File:GaVandyAction.jpg

The first score of the game came when Jess Neely hit Bomar on a long pass thrown from several yards behind the line of scrimmage at the 45-yard line. Bomar caught it near the seven-yard line and was downed by Georgia halfback Teany Randall after having run for {{Convert|5|yards|meters|abbr=out}} more, close to the three-yard line. The next series of downs saw a touchdown from Reese on a run at the left tackle.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=229}}

After a few series in the second quarter for both teams, Reese was hit hard on a punt return and fumbled. Georgia's Randall came out of the pile of players with the ball on Vanderbilt's 40-yard line; the crowd could be heard chanting, "Tie it up!" Fullback John Fletcher made {{Convert|9|yards|meters|abbr=out|spell=in}} on a double pass play. A few plays later, Randall hit Paul Anderson on a pass play to get Georgia inside the 20-yard line. Two more runs by Fletcher for a net gain of {{Convert|9|yards|meters|abbr=out|spell=in}} and Tanner barely getting the yard needed for a first down. Vanderbilt's defense stiffened after this, and a pass was knocked down at the two-yard line as the half ended.

To start the second half, Dave Collings kicked off to Freddie Meiers, who had the best run of the day with a return of {{Convert|40|yards|meters|abbr=out}}, giving Vanderbilt the ball at the 45-yard line. Neill punted to Randall, who fell on his own fumble at the 17-yard line. Reese returned the ensuing punt {{Convert|20|yards|meters|abbr=out}} to Georgia's 44-yard line. Soon after, on a play similar to the touchdown in the first quarter, Doc Kuhn dropped back and hit Bomar for an over {{Convert|40|yard|meters|abbr=out|adj=on}} touchdown pass, which went {{Convert|28|yards|meters|abbr=out}} in the air with Bomar running the rest of the way. Collings tackled Bomar as he was crossing the goal line, hurting himself. Wakefield missed the kick. Neither team had much success passing the ball in the fourth quarter and the game ended with a final score of 12–0.

The starting lineup was: Bomar (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Morrow (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Walker (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Reese (left halfback), Neely (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 9: Sewanee at Vanderbilt

| Visitor = Sewanee

| Host = Vanderbilt

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

| H1 = 14| H2 =6| H3 =0| H4 =6

| Date = November 30

| Location = Dudley Field
Nashville, Tennessee

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 20,000

| Weather =

| Referee = Horatio B. Hackett

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

Vanderbilt finished the season on November 30, Thanksgiving Day, with a game against its oldest rival, the Sewanee Tigers, at Dudley Field.{{cite web|url=http://www.vucommodores.com/ot/history-corner-100406.html|title=CHC- Sewanee Was Vandy's First Rival|author=Bill Traughber|access-date=2012-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810095105/http://www.vucommodores.com/ot/history-corner-100406.html|archive-date=2014-08-10|url-status=dead}} Vanderbilt beat Sewanee by a larger-than-expected margin,{{Closed access}} {{cite news|newspaper=Boston Daily Globe|title=The Sportlight: Concluding Dope|author=Grantland Rice|date=November 30, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|504469872}}}} 26–0. Clinching an undefeated season, the Commodores achieved 19 first downs to the Tigers' two.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=75&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=75&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1126154AC3F56D80@EANX-1192EE725D40FF98@2423390-1192EE72AA015390@6-1192EE7506ADA7E0@Vanderbilt+Easily+Wins |title=Vanderbilt Easily Wins|work=Columbus Ledger |date=December 1, 1922}} The crowd of 20,000 people was then the largest attendance ever at a football game in Nashville.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=77&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=77&p_docnum=2&p_docref=v2:11210D409F608820@EANX-1175EE6C97E69B48@2423390-1175EE6D70A9FA30@11-1175EE70DB881880@Vandy+Trounces+Sewanee%2C+26+to+0.+Game+Seen+by+Largest+Crowd+Ever+Present+in+Nashville |title=Vandy Trounces Sewanee 26 to 0|work= The Macon Daily Telegraph |date= December 1, 1922}}

Sewanee got the ball first and rushed to within a yard of a first down but decided to kick the ball away.{{cite news|newspaper=The Sewanee Purple|title=Sewanee Loses To Vanderbilt, 26-0|date=December 14, 1922|hdl = 11005/1158}} The Tigers went for an onside kick that was recovered by the Commodores on the 40-yard line. Scotty Neill then muffed a pass from center and was tackled for a {{Convert|10|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out}} loss. The ensuing punt by Neill went {{Convert|43|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out}}. Sewanee failed to gain much and had a short punt out of bounds at the 43-yard line. This led to Vanderbilt's first scoring drive, which was marked by dashes around end from Gil Reese and powerful runs off-tackle by Freddie Meiers.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=78&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=78&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:1252FEAF2D2D3A44@EANX-127EFDE2D9F6F026@2423390-127EFDE2DF5DEA99@5-138051C00DF54F42@Vanderbilt+Winner+Over+Sewanee%252C+Twenty+Thousand+See+%5BIllegible |title=Vanderbilt Winner Over Sewanee|work= Augusta Chronicle |date=December 1, 1922}} Reese went around the right end for {{Convert|13|yard|meter|abbr=out}}. Meiers then ran all the way to Sewanee's {{Convert|14|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out}} line, and Reese skirted around left end for ten more. After Meiers failed to gain on the next play, Reese carried the ball for a score on a flank attack, and Hek Wakefield kicked the extra point.

File:Dan McGugin (1921).jpg]]

A few minutes later, Vanderbilt scored another touchdown. Wakefield returned a kick for {{Convert|33|yard|meter|abbr=out}} and Doc Kuhn ran out of bounds for a six-yard gain. Sewanee was then caught off-guard by a trick play. Reese tossed to Kuhn who faked a run.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=228}} He tossed the ball to Lynn Bomar, who easily ran the remaining {{Convert|25|yard|meter|abbr=out|spell=in}} for the touchdown. Wakefield kicked the extra point.

In the second quarter, Sewanee tried to put a drive together unsuccessfully after holding Vanderbilt on downs at the 23-yard line. Near the end of the quarter, Bomar intercepted a Sewanee pass. Vanderbilt put together another scoring drive, this time started by Meiers running through Sewanee's line for a long gain. Reese then hit the line to no avail and a pass fell incomplete. Kuhn hit Neill on a {{Convert|10|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out}} pass to get the Commodores inside the five-yard line. On the next series, Kuhn faked his way through the line for a touchdown.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3704041/the_tennessean/|title=How The Tiger Was Conquered by Commodore, 26-0|page=12|date=December 1, 1922|work=The Tennessean|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The try failed.

The third quarter was Sewanee's best. After trading punts, Sewanee's offense started to click for the first time. The first long gain for Sewanee was because of a Vanderbilt penalty for roughness. Powers made {{Convert|9|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out|spell=in}} around end, and Gibbons plunged over behind his tackles for four more. A long pass from Powers to end 'Shucks' Shook got Sewanee to about the eight-yard line. Vanderbilt's defense responded again, throwing Gibbons for a loss, and Sewanee's attempted field goal from the 11-yard line narrowly missed.

Vanderbilt returned to its previous success in the final quarter, with a drive described as a "savage attack". The Commodores got to Sewanee's 17-yard line when two passes failed, one dropped by Tex Bradford at the five-yard line, to turn the ball over on downs. Sewanee started to get desperate with passes, one of which was intercepted by George Waller. Runs around end and through the middle took Vanderbilt down to the one-yard line. After Kuhn got a short gain needed for a first down up the middle, Reese took two runs which together accounted for {{Convert|19|yard|meter|abbr=out}}. Reese then ran up behind center to power his way into the end zone. The umpire was knocked down on this play and had a sprained ankle. Sewanee's last drive featured a {{Convert|29|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out}} pass from Powers to captain Bill Coughlan, which went to the Commodores' 42-yard line. Three more passes were unsuccessful. On fourth down, Sewanee hit a {{Convert|9|yard|meter|adj=on|abbr=out|spell=in}} pass, not enough for the first down. The game ended shortly after Vanderbilt's offense took the field, ensuring Vanderbilt's undefeated season.{{cite news|title=Vanderbilt wins from sewanee eleven, 26-0.|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 1, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|145953555}}}}

The starting lineup was: Bomar (left end), Bradford (left tackle), Lawrence (left guard), Sharp (center), Kelly (right guard), Morrow (right tackle), Sc. Neill (right end), Kuhn (quarterback), Neely (left halfback), Reese (right halfback), and Wakefield (fullback).{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=79&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=79&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11210D30DA68B248@EANX-114A0E02F479EA08@2423390-114A0E042E36C7B0@8-114A0E0805BF6B98@Big+Crowd+Sees+Vanderbilt+Win+Sewanee+Defeated+Twentysix+to+Nothing |title=Big Crowd Sees Vanderbilt Win|work= The State |location=Columbia, South Carolina|date= December 1, 1922}}

The 1922 season was among the best in Vanderbilt and in Southern football history. Many publications listed Vanderbilt's season as best in the South.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|title=The Sportlight: Football Alphabet|newspaper=The Boston Daily Globe|author=Grantland Rice|date=November 24, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|504491164}}}}e.g. {{Closed access}} {{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Vanderbilt Team Only Undefeated Eleven In South|date=December 2, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|145950809}}}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Few Titles Changed Hands During 1922|date=December 31, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|145942485}}}}"No Outstanding Football Eleven During The Year." New Castle News 27 Dec. 1922: 17.Farrell, Henry. "Sports Kings That Kept Crown." Middletown Daily Herald 31 Dec. 1922: 6. Among sportswriters, Georgia Tech seemed the only challenger for the mythical Southern crown,{{cite web|url=http://homepages.cae.wisc.edu/~dwilson/rfsc/champs/Southern.txt|access-date=September 18, 2016|title=Champions of the South regardless of conference affiliation.}} though the 1922 SoCon championship was officially a tie between Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina.{{Harvnb|Noel|2011|page=374}} The Commodores therefore shared a conference title for the second year in a row, having tied with Georgia Bulldogs for the SIAA championship in 1921. Vanderbilt's defense was universally acknowledged as the best in the South.e.g. {{Closed access}} {{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Alabama and V.M.I. Lead Dixie Teams|date=December 4, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|98809727}}}} One sports editor wrote: "Vanderbilt has a defensive system any coach would give his right eye to possess."{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6677084/the_atlanta_constitution/|title=Viewing the News|page=9|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 18, 2016|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|author=Cliff Wheatley|date=November 17, 1922}} {{Open access}} Vanderbilt's defense held Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas when all were within {{Convert|3|yard|meter|abbr=out|spell=in}} of the goal.

Coach Dan McGugin's record in intersectional matchups started to attract attention.{{Closed access}}{{cite news|title=The Sportlight:Song Of The Stalwart|newspaper=Boston Daily Globe|author=Grantland Rice|date=November 1, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|504468025}}}} He had beaten the Carlisle Indians 4–0 in 1906, tied Navy on the road in 1907, tied with Yale on the road in 1910, lost a close fight with Harvard 9–3 in 1912; to which could be added the 1922 scoreless tie with Michigan.cf. {{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=M4CT4BUCMTM3NjAxODQ0OS43NDU2NzM6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=14&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=14&p_docnum=10&p_docref=v2:114CF48AE24B9638@EANX-119ACA5879BE3230@2422989-119ACA589FE705D0@4-119ACA59707044C0@Great%20Struggle%20next%20Saturday%20When%20Georgia%20Tech%20Meets%20Pennsylvania%20State%3B%20Teams%20Are%20Well%20Matched|title=Great Struggle Next Saturday|newspaper=The Miami Herald|date=October 26, 1921}} The next year the Commodores were again scheduled to play Michigan and Texas.{{Closed access}}{{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=82&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=82&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:10EEA3CFD727D370@EANX-118230476DF98BE8@2423390-11823049D37B03C8@20-11823069203FFF28@Texas+Plays+Vandy+Again+next+Year+Nashville%2C+Dec.+1 |title=Texas Plays Vandy Again Next Year.|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|date= December 1, 1922}}"Vanderbilt To Play Michigan-1923." Augusta Chronicle 3 Dec 1922: 15. Both matches were to be away games, while the rest of the schedule would be played at home.{{cite news|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/145956746/|title=Seven Games Listed For Vanderbilt U|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 13, 1922}} At the annual football banquet on December 5, quarterback Doc Kuhn was elected captain of the Commodore squad for 1923.{{Closed access}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Kuhn Vandy's Pilot|date=December 6, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|145969467}}}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1937345/kuhn_elected_captain/|date=December 5, 1922|page=7|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|title=Kuhn Elected Captain|work=The Bee}} {{Open access}}

Lynn Bomar received first team All-American honors from Frank G. Menke. He was also selected as a second team All-American by Walter Camp, a third team All-American by Walter Eckersall, and appears on Billy Evans' National Honor Roll. Bomar was one of the first Southern players to make Camp's team. Grantland Rice wrote the next year, "there was no better end in the country last fall."{{Closed access}} {{cite news|newspaper=Boston Daily Globe|title=The Sportlight|date=October 18, 1923|id = {{ProQuest|497536866}}}} Jess Neely, Doc Kuhn, and Scotty Neill got Camp's honorable mention. Bomar was one of two consensus All-Southern selections; the other was Red Barron of Georgia Tech.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zH0sAAAAIBAJ&pg=4006%2C6628338|newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald|title=All-Southern Grid Warriors Chosen By Dixie Coaches|date=December 9, 1922}} Kuhn appeared on Billy Evans' National Honor Roll,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2871111/the_wichita_beacon/|work=The Wichita Beacon|title=National All-Star|date=December 17, 1922|page=18|access-date=May 1, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} and was the second quarterback after Herb Covington of Centre to be selected for Evans' Southern Honor Roll. Scotty Neill appeared on Evans's Southern Honor Roll, the All-Southern team of Zipp Newman, sports editor for The Birmingham News,{{Closed access}}{{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=83&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=83&p_docnum=1&p_docref=v2:11B0124EA8AEC7F0@EANX-11BE5CF152AA9468@2423392-11BE5CF1B18FC650@18-11BE5CF36158B288@Selection+of+Mythical+All-Southern+Grid+Team+Difficult+Task%3B+Much+Star+Talent+of+Dixie+Elevens+This+Season+Covington+of+Centre |title=Selection of Mythical All-Southern Grid Team Difficult Task|work=The Montgomery Advertiser |date= December 3, 1922}} and on the second team of All-Southerns chosen by Homer George, sports editor for The Atlanta Constitution.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6676815/the_atlanta_constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|title=Fletcher, Georgia Star, And Barron at Halfback; Covington Quarterback|date=December 3, 1922|via=Newspapers.com|access-date=September 18, 2016|page=2}} {{Open access}} Gil Reese also appeared on Evans' Southern Honor Roll and on George's second team. Other Commodores on Evans' Southern Honor Roll were Tex Bradford and Tuck Kelly.{{Closed access}}{{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/HistArchive?d_viewref=doc&p_docnum=-1&p_nbid=W5EI4FONMTM1ODMzMzEzNy4zMDY4Njk6MToxNToxMzIuMTk4LjIyNC4yMDk&f_docref=v2:1231FD919F0C27A4@EANX-1238FEE8612FAAA0@2423398-123433640645AAC8@0&toc=true&p_docref=v2:1231FD919F0C27A4@EANX-1238FEE8612FAAA0@2423398-12343366122D9C38@15-12507590D3C50322 |title=Billy Evans' Honor Roll|work= The Grand Rapids Press |date=December 9, 1922}} T. H. Alexander selected the entire Vanderbilt eleven as his All-Southern team.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8160180/the_tennessean/|title=By the Way|author=T. H. Alexander|page=4|date=December 3, 1922|work=The Tennessean|access-date=January 3, 2017|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

File:VandyCoaches1922.jpg

Assistant coach Wallace Wade left the Vanderbilt football team for the head coaching position at Alabama,{{Closed access}}{{cite news|newspaper=New York Times|title=Wade To Coach Alabama|date=December 17, 1922|id = {{ProQuest|99407002}}}} where he had much success establishing Alabama's dynasty.see {{cite web|url=http://crimsonreplay.com/news/bp/2012/crimson_fame/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810003245/http://crimsonreplay.com/news/bp/2012/crimson_fame/|archive-date=August 10, 2012|title=Crimson Fame|author=Keith Dunnavant}} He was first pursued by the University of Kentucky,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6677068/the_atlanta_constitution/|newspaper=The Atlanta Constitution|access-date=September 18, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|title=KY. Is After Coach Wade|date=December 6, 1922|page=9}} {{Open access}} but refused that option because he felt they had kept him too late with a committee hearing.{{Harvnb|Pope|1955|page=282}} Dan McGugin was first pursued by Alabama but felt content with Vanderbilt and recommended Wade for the position.{{Harvnb|Scott|2008|pages=30}}{{Harvnb|Whittingham|2001|page=63}} In his eight years at Alabama, Wade went 61–13–3 with the school's first three national titles, and had the first Southern team to play in a Rose Bowl.{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/09/two_programs_one_legend_wallac.html|date=September 15, 2010|author=Don Kausler|title=Two programs, one legend: Wallace Wade brought football prominence to Alabama, Duke}} His replacement at Vanderbilt was Josh Cody, Mercer Bears coach and former Vanderbilt player.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=Cody Vanderbilt Coach|date=January 8, 1923|id = {{ProQuest|149410644}}}}

The following chart provides a visual depiction of Vanderbilt's lineup during the 1922 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.

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File:Bomar.png, 'The Blonde Bear']]

File:Neely.png]]

File:Hek.jpg]]

{{clear}}

• Dan McGugin (Michigan '03), head coach
• Wallace Wade (Brown '16), line coach
• Lewie Hardage (Vanderbilt '12), backfield coach
• Tom Zerfoss (Vanderbilt '19), assistant and freshman coach.
• Joe Killebrew, manager

{{Portal|College Football}}

• 1922 College Football All-America Team
• 1922 College Football All-Southern Team

{{reflist|group="n"|30em}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=25em}}

• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5dAAAAAMAAJ|first=Louis Henry|last= Baker|year=1945|title=Football:Facts and Figures}}
• {{cite book|last=Hawthorne|first=Bobby|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUtYTsvdVEsC&q=vanderbilt%20football%201922&pg=PA14|title=Longhorn Football: An Illustrated History|location=Austin|publisher=University of Texas|year= 2007|isbn=9780292714465}}
• {{cite book|last=Noel|first=Tex|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9nR10yS0f60C&pg=PA374|title=Stars of an Earlier Autumn An Unofficial College Football Records Book|year=2011|publisher=iUniverse |isbn=9781462053063}}
• {{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/footballcollegeh00perr|url-access=registration|quote=lynn bomar .|title=Football: a college history|publisher=McFarland & Company Incorporated Pub|year=1987|first=Tom |last=Perrin|isbn=9780899502946}}
• {{cite book|url=http://digital.mtsu.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/mtsu1/id/1904/rec/4|title=The First Fifty Years: A History of Middle Tennessee State College|first=Homer |last=Pittard}}
• {{cite book|last=Pope|first=Edwin|url=https://archive.org/stream/fottballsgreates00pope#page/282/mode/2up|title=Football's Greatest Coaches|location=Atlanta|publisher=Tupper and Love|year=1955}}
• {{cite book|last=Russell|first=Fred|title=Fifty Years of Vanderbilt Football|location=Nashville, Tennessee|year= 1938}}
• {{cite book|last=Scott|first=Richard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cm1TZA6jCSgC|title= SEC Football: 75 Years of Pride and Passion|location=Minneapolis |year=2008|isbn=9781616731335}}
• {{cite book|url=http://yearbook.lib.utk.edu/index.php?bid=10&pg=114|title=The Volunteer Yearbook|year=1923|author=University of Tennessee|access-date=2012-11-09|archive-date=2014-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085436/http://yearbook.lib.utk.edu/index.php?bid=10&pg=114|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite book|last=Traughber|first=Bill|title= Nashville Sports History: Stories from the Stands|year=2010}}
• {{cite book|last=Traughber|first=Bill|title=Vanderbilt Football: Tales of Commodore Gridiron History|isbn=978-1-60949-423-0|publisher=The History Press|year=2011}}
• {{cite book|title=The Commodore|year=1922|author=Vanderbilt University}}
• {{cite book|title=The Commodore|year=1923|author=Vanderbilt University}}
• {{cite book|url=http://issuu.com/vucommodores/docs/2012_fact_book_pdf/|author=Vanderbilt University|year=2012 |title=Vanderbilt Football Fact Book}}
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RS4VAAAAQBAJ&q=Vanderbilt%20football%201922&pg=PA120|title=Where Football Is King: A History of the SEC|first=Christopher J. |last=Walsh|year=2006|publisher=Taylor Trade |isbn=9781461734772}}
• {{cite book|last=Whittingham|first= Richard|title=Rites of Autumn: The Story of College Football|year=2001}}
• {{cite book|last=Wilder|first= Robert E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lUafJmAa9RcC|title= Gridiron Glory Days: Football at Mercer, 1892–1942|location= Macon, Georgia|year= 1982|isbn= 9780881462678 }}
• {{cite book|title=A History of Southern Football 1890–1928|last=Woodruff|first=Fuzzy|year=1928|volume=2}}

{{commons}}

• [http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/speccol/exhibits/Athletics/VU_Sewanee1922.pdf Program for the Vandy-Sewanee game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114355/http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/speccol/exhibits/Athletics/VU_Sewanee1922.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}

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