The 1910 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University in the sport of American football during 1910 college football season. In Dan McGugin’s 7th year as head coach, the Commodores as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) compiled an 8 0 1 record (5 0 SIAA) and outscored their opponents 165 to 8, winning a conference championship.
The 1910 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Team
The 1910 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 1910 college football season. Under the guidance of head coach Dan McGugin in his 7th year, the Commodores achieved an impressive record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie (5-0 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA)), outscoring opponents 165 to 8 and clinching the conference championship.
The only blemish on Vanderbilt’s record was a scoreless tie against the defending national champions, Yale. This marked the first time Yale had been held scoreless at home, showcasing the South’s strength against an Eastern powerhouse. Notably, James Howell’s computer rating system later retroactively named Vanderbilt as the national champion.
The team was anchored by lineman Will Metzger and quarterback Ray Morrison. Metzger earned recognition as a third-team All-American by Walter Camp, becoming only the third player from the South to receive this honor.
Before the Season
Former player Bob Blake returned to Vanderbilt as an assistant coach after obtaining his law degree. The team captain was Bill Neely, brother to Jess Neely. New additions to the line included the Brown brothers from Gallatin: Charles (guard) and Tom (tackle).
During this era, football utilized a one-platoon system, with players participating in offense, defense, and special teams. The field measured 110 yards, touchdowns were worth 5 points, and field goals were 4 points. Teams that scored a touchdown had the option to either kick off or receive the next kick.
Schedule and Game Summaries
- Mooney School: Vanderbilt opened the season on September 24 with a 34-0 victory. Ray Morrison and Bill Neely excelled in the backfield under challenging heat.
- Rose Polytechnic: Vanderbilt triumphed 23-0, with Morrison and Neely again leading the charge. Tom Brown filled in due to Ted Ross’s injury.
- Castle Heights: The Commodores secured a 14-0 win, serving as practice for the match against Tennessee.
- Tennessee: Vanderbilt won 18-0, with notable plays including a touchdown by Bo Williams following a blocked punt.
- Yale: On October 22, Vanderbilt achieved a significant milestone with a scoreless tie, marking Yale’s first home shutout.
- Mississippi: Vanderbilt squeaked by with a 9-2 victory, highlighted by Ray Morrison’s 90-yard punt return touchdown.
- Louisiana State: The Commodores overwhelmed LSU 22-0, with multiple rushing touchdowns.
- Georgia Tech: Vanderbilt defeated Heisman’s Tech 22-0, with Ray Morrison shining as the star of the game.
- Sewanee: A 23-6 victory marked yet another strong performance, dismantling Sewanee’s defense.
Postseason Recognition
Players Morrison, Metzger, Freeland, and Neely were honored with selections to composite All-Southern teams. Metzger’s accolades included being named a third-team All-American by Walter Camp.
Legacy
Both Metzger and Morrison earned spots on the Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team for the era from 1869 to 1919.
Personnel and Depth Chart
The following chart illustrates Vanderbilt’s lineup during the 1910 season, reflecting games started at each position. The chart is structured to resemble a short punt formation, with the quarterback positioned under center.
Notes
Additional information and insights can be found through various references cited in the original documentation.
References
For comprehensive details, please consult the Vanderbilt University Quarterly, Vol. 10, published in 1910.
The 1910 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Team
The 1910 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 1910 college football season. Under the guidance of head coach Dan McGugin in his 7th year, the Commodores achieved an impressive record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie (5-0 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA)), outscoring opponents 165 to 8 and clinching the conference championship.
The only blemish on Vanderbilt’s record was a scoreless tie against the defending national champions, Yale. This marked the first time Yale had been held scoreless at home, showcasing the South’s strength against an Eastern powerhouse. Notably, James Howell’s computer rating system later retroactively named Vanderbilt as the national champion.
The team was anchored by lineman Will Metzger and quarterback Ray Morrison. Metzger earned recognition as a third-team All-American by Walter Camp, becoming only the third player from the South to receive this honor.
Before the Season
Former player Bob Blake returned to Vanderbilt as an assistant coach after obtaining his law degree. The team captain was Bill Neely, brother to Jess Neely. New additions to the line included the Brown brothers from Gallatin: Charles (guard) and Tom (tackle).
During this era, football utilized a one-platoon system, with players participating in offense, defense, and special teams. The field measured 110 yards, touchdowns were worth 5 points, and field goals were 4 points. Teams that scored a touchdown had the option to either kick off or receive the next kick.
Schedule and Game Summaries
- Mooney School: Vanderbilt opened the season on September 24 with a 34-0 victory. Ray Morrison and Bill Neely excelled in the backfield under challenging heat.
- Rose Polytechnic: Vanderbilt triumphed 23-0, with Morrison and Neely again leading the charge. Tom Brown filled in due to Ted Ross’s injury.
- Castle Heights: The Commodores secured a 14-0 win, serving as practice for the match against Tennessee.
- Tennessee: Vanderbilt won 18-0, with notable plays including a touchdown by Bo Williams following a blocked punt.
- Yale: On October 22, Vanderbilt achieved a significant milestone with a scoreless tie, marking Yale’s first home shutout.
- Mississippi: Vanderbilt squeaked by with a 9-2 victory, highlighted by Ray Morrison’s 90-yard punt return touchdown.
- Louisiana State: The Commodores overwhelmed LSU 22-0, with multiple rushing touchdowns.
- Georgia Tech: Vanderbilt defeated Heisman’s Tech 22-0, with Ray Morrison shining as the star of the game.
- Sewanee: A 23-6 victory marked yet another strong performance, dismantling Sewanee’s defense.
Postseason Recognition
Players Morrison, Metzger, Freeland, and Neely were honored with selections to composite All-Southern teams. Metzger’s accolades included being named a third-team All-American by Walter Camp.
Legacy
Both Metzger and Morrison earned spots on the Associated Press Southeast Area All-Time football team for the era from 1869 to 1919.
Personnel and Depth Chart
The following chart illustrates Vanderbilt’s lineup during the 1910 season, reflecting games started at each position. The chart is structured to resemble a short punt formation, with the quarterback positioned under center.
Notes
Additional information and insights can be found through various references cited in the original documentation.
References
For comprehensive details, please consult the Vanderbilt University Quarterly, Vol. 10, published in 1910.
