THE SOUTH
A long with the Midwest the South has been the prideful parent of some of the best football teams in the nation through the years. No other area in the country currently produces and supports as much good football or as many good football conferences, and as a result the South frequently lacks enough good homegrown football players to fill the lineups. Periodic raids to the north have helped alleviate talent shortages, however, and it is not uncommon to find Dixie elevens dotted with young men from the hills of West Virginia or the mines of Pennsylvania.
Although the southern recruiters have well-organized posses prowling through the North, you can be sure they leave no stone unturned or high school unexplored in the ceaseless hunt through their own area for the kind of brawn that excels in football. This frequently leads to some pretty enthusiastic competition for the young athletes.
All of which brings to mind the case of Auburn, the 1957 national football champion as determined by the Associated Press poll of sports-writers. Alabama Polytechnic Institute, as Auburn is more formally known, makes its home in some sparsely populated farm country just over the border from Georgia. There are no particular natural attractions to lure football players to Auburn, Ala., so it followed that attractions must be created. The Auburn football team speaks for the success of this venture. In the past six or seven years quiet little Auburn has evolved from farm community to football capital. But in so doing, it has had to pay a price. Twice in the last three years Auburn has been caught and penalized by the NCAA for illegal recruiting. The last penalty, a three-year probation which bans the Tigers from bowl appearances and television revenues, was imposed only a few days before the first ban was to be lifted.
Getting caught does not necessarily have an adverse effect on the caliber of football a team will play, and this year Auburn is again favored to win the Southeastern Conference championship. Mississippi and Mississippi State figure to give the Tigers the most trouble in the SEC race, particularly since both these teams have the incentive to try to earn an invitation to play in one of the bowl games that is forbidden to Auburn.
Let us now move a hundred or so miles northwest of Auburn to Tuscaloosa, the quiet town that houses the University of Alabama, once the most awesome football academy in all the South. Lately, Alabama's football has fallen off, so the renowned coaching services of Paul (Bear) Bryant were retained as a remedy.
When Bryant pulled up his stakes at Texas A&M and breezed into Tuscaloosa with an air conditioner under each arm, Auburn's Coach Ralph (Shug) Jordan became noticeably less serene. Bryant is a tireless recruiter, and now he will be doing his recruiting along the same highways and byways that Jordan has had to himself the past several years.
The first thing Bear did when he returned to his old alma mater was buy a house. It was a big, $50,000 house, much more imposing than the one that his predecessor, J. B. (Ears) Whitworth only rented. Then he tore up the football offices on the first floor of the men's gym. He made six rooms where there had been eight, redesigning it so there would be an attractive reception area for a pretty young brunette to sit in and receive his callers. He chucked out Whitworth's wooden furniture, replacing it with modern stuff made out of metal tubes and light green real leather. Then came the air conditioners. The two he brought from Texas were installed in his own spacious office. With money from his own pocket he bought seven more, installed six of them in his assistants' offices and a seventh in the coaches' dressing room. Now, prepared to think big, the Bear will be out to woo Alabama's finest football talent away from Auburn.
However, Alabama will not be a championship contender this season. Not even Bear Bryant could perform that kind of miracle. But watch the Crimson Tide develop into the kind of tough, unrelenting team that has always marked Bryant's coaching.
The Atlantic Coast Conference, the South's other large confederacy of football-proud colleges, should likewise provide plenty of exciting football. Since its inception in 1953, the ACC has taken a back seat to the Southeastern Conference. But this year the ACC need not take a back seat to anyone. Clemson, South Carolina's old military college now turned civilian, will probably be the classiest of this group and is a definite contender for national honors. Its fate will be decided early for Clemson meets North Carolina, its No. 1 rival for the championship, on September 27. Three years ago Coach Jim Tatum, after years of outstanding success at Maryland, returned to North Carolina, where he himself had played as an undergraduate, and the seeds he has been planting are now ready to bring fruit at Chapel Hill.
While not enjoying the stature of either the SEC or the ACC, the Southern Conference, the South's oldest athletic group, contains several of the nation's better teams. Bo Sherman, the head coach at George Washington, sizes up the Southern Conference this way: "Picking West Virginia is like picking the Yankees."
Though the Mountaineers should go undefeated in the Southern Conference, Art Lewis, their coach, has his eye on bigger game. "I don't know anything about the Southern Conference," he says impatiently, pointing to a schedule that includes Oklahoma, Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Penn State. In recent years West Virginia has outgrown its conference neighbors and turned its attention toward more prominent rivals and the added football prestige that such opponents bring. As a result, West Virginia failed last year, for the first time in four years, to win the Southern Conference title. VMI with six conference victories and no defeats won it, while the Mountaineers with only three wins, came in second. VMI and West Virginia were not scheduled then, nor are they this year. So the same thing could happen again.
Georgia Tech, long a leading power, had a bad year in 1957. Immediately rumors of de-emphasis were bandied about, but nothing could be further from the truth. The team just had one of those seasons that even the most successful colleges are bound to run across once every 10 years or so. One factor in Tech's. 4-4-2 record in 1957 might be that Coach Bobby Dodd's famous offense, the belly series, has finally lost its effectiveness. The defenses have caught up with it, as they will with any basic offense in due course, so Tech will pass the ball a great deal more this season, lining up in spreads and splits and other open formations. If the throwing is successful, Tech should be among the top five teams in the South.
The South, too, will have its share of superstars in 1958, and one of the most exciting of these may turn out to be 148-pound Fran Curci of Miami. Curci is the biggest conversation piece on the Miami campus, and, they say, the best quarterback in the school's 30 years of football. Oddly enough, Curci was not sought by Miami. The pocketsize back was considered too small to be a college prospect, and Miami wasn't aware of its luck until Curci, unsolicited, turned up at practice. He is a genius at ball handling and times his pitchouts and handoffs with magical deception. If Miami cracks back into the top 10 teams in the nation this year little Fran will be the big reason.
Miami, incidentally, is one of the few major southern teams that is not included in one of the three conferences that blanket this 12-state area. It may not be an orphan for long, since rumors are still active that Miami will eventually join with major independents from coast to coast—teams like Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and the leading remnants of the now defunct Pacific Coast Conference—in a league stretching from coast to coast. If and when that happens, it will add one more, slightly superfluous, feather to the already gaudy cap of southern football.
ALABAMA
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
COLORS: Crimson and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 2, lost 7, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 25 of 30
WATCH FOR: One of the Southeast's better linemen, Dave Sington
THE DOPE: Paul (Bear) Bryant, the "great rehabilitates" at Maryland, Kentucky and most recently Texas A&M, now faces his stiff est challenge in 14 years as a head coach. He inherits from Coach J. B. Whitworth a squad that won only four of 30 games in the past three years. The Tide is loaaed with lettermen, 25 in all, but few of them appear outstanding. And his 64-man roster lists only 12 seniors. The team definitely lacks speed and adequate linebacking. Bryant also is hurting for a "take charge" quarterback. Bob (Bullet) Skelton may have the inside track here for his smart running of the option. He'll be challenged by two-year veteran Bobby Smith, an excellent long-range passer and punter, and Sophomore James Patton. Bryanv's halfbacks include Duff Morrison, a good runner and receiver who was ineligible last season because of poor grades, and Mack Wise. Red Stickney and Danny Wilbanks are leading fullbacks. Tackle Dave Sington, son of former 'Bama All-America Fred Sington, and Guard Don Cochron anchor the line. Look for improvement but no miracles.
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1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 27 | LSU at Mobile, N (0-28) |
OCT. 4 | Vanderbilt at Birmingham, N (6-6) |
OCT. 11 | Furman, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Tennessee (0-14) |
OCT. 25 | at Mississippi State (13-25) |
NOV. 1 | Georgia (14-13) |
NOV. 7 | at Tulane, N (0-7) |
NOV. 15 | at Georgia Tech (7-10) |
NOV. 22 | Memphis State (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Auburn at Birmingham (0-40) |
AUBURN
Auburn, Ala.
COLORS: Orange and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: T with variations
1957 RECORD: Won 10, lost none
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 23 of 37
WATCH FOR: A lightning-fast attack featuring the running of Tommy Lorino
THE DOPE: The Tigers must be favored to repeat again even with stern opposition from the rest of the Southeastern Conference. Five others, including Mississippi, will make it tough for the national champions, but Coach Ralph (Shug) Jordan has nearly a carbon copy of the great team that whipped 10 straight opponents last year while yielding fewer yards per game and fewer points than any team in the country. Auburn lost All-America End Jimmy Phillips and leading scorer Billy Atkins; but a seasoned group of veterans return, including southpaw Quarterback Lloyd Nix and elusive Halfback Tommy Lorino. Lamar Rawson handles the other halfback post and Ronnie Robbs succeeds Atkins at fullback. Chief defenders on a starting line that averages 222 pounds are End Jerry Wilson, Guard Zeke Smith and Center Jackie Burkett. Jordan has outstanding team speed and depth, too, with backs Jim Pettus and Ed Dyas among the most promising newcomers. The Tigers may keep their title this year but can't go bowling until they complete another three-year probation period.
SEPT. 27 | Tennessee at Birmingham (7-0) |
OCT. 4 | Chattanooga (40-7) |
OCT. 11 | at Kentucky, N (6-0) |
OCT. 18 | at Georgia Tech (3-0) |
OCT. 25 | Maryland (no game) |
NOV. 1 | at Florida (13-0) |
NOV. 8 | Mississippi State (15-7) |
NOV. 15 | Georgia at Columbus (6-0) |
NOV. 22 | Wake Forest (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Alabama at Birmingham (40-0) |
THE CITADEL
Charleston, S.C.
COLORS: Blue and while
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 30
WATCH FOR: One of the best ends in the South, Paul Maguire
THE DOPE: The Bulldogs will be improved but so will the opposition, and another third-place finish in the Southern Conference may be out of reach for Coach Eddie Teague's players. The Citadel has lost only eight of its 30 lettermen and will be rich in experience at all but tackle and guard positions. End Paul Maguire and Tackle Dick Cleveland are key men in a big, fast line, and Fullback Barry Thomas is the main threat of a powerful running backfield averaging 205 pounds. Thomas lugs 225 pounds but has good speed for h's size. Jack Griffin, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior, can run from the option and throw the long pass well. Maguire and Bob Saunders will be his prime targets, although Halfbacks Bill Hughes and Joe Chefalo are good receivers. The Bulldogs have a fairly stout defense but the deep men need experience. Joe Keller will work at center. Team speed should be good and the running and passing better balanced. The Citadel will meet only one serious contender for the Southern Conference title, VMI, and should enjoy a winning season.
SEPT. 20 | Newberry, N (0-0) |
SEPT. 27 | George Washington, N (13-6) |
OCT. 4 | Davidson, N (21-7) |
OCT. 10 | Wofford at Orangeburg, N (0-34) |
OCT. 18 | at Memphis State, N (no game) |
OCT. 25 | at Furman (18-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Richmond (26-0) |
NOV. 8 | Presbyterian (14-0) |
NOV. 15 | VMI (7-33) |
NOV. 22 | at Georgia (no game) |
CLEMSON
Clemson, S.C.
COLORS: Purple and orange
BASIC OFFENSE: T and split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 19 of 30
WATCH FOR: The long, scoring passes of Harvey White
THE DOPE.-The Tigers are making a strong bid to recapture the Atlantic Coast Conference championship they lost last year to North Carolina State. Coach Frank Howard has an all-veteran back-field directed by Quarterback Harvey White, an excellent passer, and a better-than-average line keystoned by Center Bill Thomas. If there's any weakness, it's the lack of depth at guard and tackle, but plenty of sophomore beef should remedy that. Last year, White's 11 touchdown passes and 1,038 yards total offense set conference records, as he covered 841 yards with his 46 completions in 95 attempts. White will probably be teamed in the backfield by Fullback Rudy Hayes, Charlie Home, the team's leading ground-gainer, and George Usry. Coach Howard has lost nine men from his first two lines but will rebuild around a hard core of veterans such as Thomas, Ends Ray Masneri and Wyatt Cox, Tackles Jim Padgett and Harold Olson and Guards Jim Payne and (if his neck injury is sufficiently healed) Jim McCanless. This team could be great.
SEPT. 20 | Virginia (20-6) |
SEPT. 27 | North Carolina (0-26) |
OCT. 4 | at Maryland (26-7) |
OCT. 11 | at Vanderbilt, N (no game) |
OCT. 23 | at South Carolina (13-0) |
NOV. 1 | Wake Forest (13-6) |
NOV. 8 | at Georgia Tech (no game) |
NOV. 15 | at North Carolina State (7-13) |
NOV. 22 | Boston College (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Furman (45-6) |
DAVIDSON
Davidson, N.C.
COLORS: Black and red
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 15 of 22
WATCH FOR: Brilliant all-round play of Dave Warden
THE DOPE: The Wildcats have lost some real topnotchers but have sufficient size and experience to break even. Coach Bill Dole is forced to switch his leading ground-gainer, Fullback Dave Warden, to the center spot vacated by Bill Price. The 210-pound Warden is rated one of the best linebackers in the Southern Conference. His backfield replacement is Dave McCullough. Another major shift is that of Craig Wall, the 'Cats' top receiver, from end to halfback opposite Paul Barbee. Dole's quarterback is Charlie Benson, a left-handed thrower who completed 57% of his passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns and also a defensive whiz who intercepted nine aerials. Paul Biggers, whom Coach Dole regards as the best guard in the conference, is the main strength in the forward wall. Another lineman to watch is End Hal Westervelt, the strongest man on the squad. Davidson's running will be good, the passing fair. Dole lacks back-field depth, and his second team is practically all sophomore, so it looks like a second-division year.
SEPT. 19 | Catawba at Charlotte, N.C., N (26-7) |
OCT. 4 | at Citadel, N (7-21) |
OCT. 11 | at Presbyterian, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Carson-Neuman (no game) |
OCT. 25 | VMI (14-26) |
NOV. 1 | at Wofford, N (16-7) |
NOV. 8 | at William & Mary (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Richmond (23-19) |
NOV. 22 | Furman (2-6) |
DUKE
Durham, N.C.
COLORS: Blue and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3, tied 2
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 30
WATCH FOR: An All-America performance by Halfback Wray Carlton
THE DOPE: The Blue Devils' chances of making the jump from second to first place in the ACC depend on Coach Bill Murray's ability to shore up a team weakened by the loss of 18 lettermen. Murray has the nucleus of a powerful backfield in Halfbacks Wray Carlton and George Dutrow and Quarterback Bob Brodhead, plus a good first unit up front with Guard Mike McGee and Ends Bert Lattimore and Doug Padgett. But he is woefully short of guards and tackles and lacks depth, too, at fullback. If the holes are plugged and a sound second unit developed, the Blue Devils can make another bowl trip. Duke's biggest asset is Carlton, whose feats in '57 included 10 touchdowns, 14 conversions and 833 yards gained rushing. The 194-pound senior also paved the way for many runs by Dutrow, a triple-threater like Carlton, although weighing only 166. Andy Cottingham, the No. 3 man last year, is a likely fullback starter. Ron Bostian, McGee's probable running mate at guard, is among the most promising of the sophomores. Duke will give its opponents a bad time.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at South Carolina, N (26-14) |
SEPT. 27 | at Virginia (40-0) |
OCT. 4 | Illinois (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Baylor (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Notre Dame (no game) |
OCT. 25 | North Carolina State (14-14) |
NOV. 1 | Georgia Tech (0-13) |
NOV. 8 | at Louisiana State, N (no game) |
NOV. 15 | at Wake Forest (34-7) |
NOV. 22 | at North Carolina (13-21) |
FLORIDA
Gainesville, Fla.
COLORS: Orange and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: T with variations
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 2, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 38
WATCH FOR: The skillful ball handling of Quarterback Jim Dunn
THE DOPE: The Gators will not be far off their fine 1957 performance despite the loss of ace Halfback Bernie Parrish to pro baseball. Coach Bob Woodruff's 22 lettermen include pocket-sized Quarterback Jimmy Dunn, a 142-pound master of the option who is back for his third season as varsity signal caller. Dunn is a superior runner, a capable passer and punter. He's hard to fool on defense, too, leading the SEC last year in pass interceptions. Halfbacks Bill Newbern, the Gators' top receiver, and Billy Booker will also lug the ball, along with Fullback Charlie Roberts. The Gators are above average defensively, and the bright spots in the line are Ends Don Fleming and Dan Edgington and 230-pound Tackle Vel Heckman; Heckman ranks with the best in the Southeast. Woodruff is short on halfbacks and needs help from top soph prospects Scotty Dunlop, Don Deal and Gene Page. Last season's record was the best by a Florida team since 1929. The Gators can lose to Mississippi State, UCLA and Auburn and still top that mark.
SEPT. 20 | Tulane (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | Mississippi State (20-29) |
OCT. 10 | at UCLA, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Vanderbilt (14-7) |
OCT. 25 | at LSU, N (22-14) |
NOV. 1 | Auburn (0-13) |
NOV. 8 | Georgia at Jacksonville (22-0) |
NOV. 15 | Arkansas State (no game) |
NOV. 22 | Florida State (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Miami at Jacksonville (14-0) |
FLORIDA STATE
Tallahassee, Fla.
COLORS: Garnet and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: T, split-T and I
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 14 of 31
WATCH FOR: An explosive backfield directed by Joe Majors
THE DOPE: The Seminoles will be stronger this year, but their schedule will be the toughest in FSU history. Coach Tom Nugent's biggest problem is inexperience. Six of his probable starters are sophomores, with End Tony Romeo and Tackle Royce Bryan his best bets. Joe Majors, brother of former Tennessee All-America Johnny Majors, heads a corps of four quarterbacks. Majors completed 14 of 21 passes against Auburn and accounted for one of only four touchdowns scored all season against the national champions. Vic Prinzi and newcomers Bob Conrad and Gene McCormick also can pass. A flock of good halfbacks add up to Florida State's strongest backfield in years. Bob Renn, a triple-threat player who was one of the country's leading punters last year and a draft choice of the Cleveland Browns, will spark Nugent's running offense from left half. Ron Hinson, a converted end, Carl Meyer, a fine runner, will share the right half duties. Floyd Lawrence, a 202-pound junior, is expected to give FSU the kind of fullback it has needed.
SEPT. 13 | Tennessee Tech, N (no game) |
SEPT. 20 | Furman, N (27-7) |
SEPT. 26 | at Georgia Tech, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Wake Forest, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Georgia at Jacksonville, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Virginia Tech (20-7) |
OCT. 25 | at Tennessee (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Tampa (21-7) |
NOV. 7 | at Miami, N (13-40) |
NOV. 22 | at Florida (no game) |
FURMAN
Greenville, S. C.
COLORS: Purple and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T, with variations
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 28
WATCH FOR: The pass barrage of Bill Baker
THE DOPE: The Purple Hurricane will give it another try with a new coach, but there's little hope for an overnight transformation into a winner. Bob King, end coach at Illinois the past 11 seasons, inherits from Homer Hobbs a weaker team than last year's seven-time losers. "Since freshmen were eligible last season," says King, "there's no new help available from a freshman team, and all appearances indicate that among the seniors we lost were some of last year's top ballplayers." Biggest holes were left by Fullback Jim Gran4 halfbacks Bill Weir and Jerry Pen-lane an End Dick Pfeifer. King still has Jriui.back Hicky Horton, the 'Canes leading rusher; End Tom Avery, No. 1 receiver and scorer, and junior Quarterback Bill Baker. Baker completed 58.7% of his passes for 846 yards and six touchdowns, ranked with 88 completions as the fifth best passing total in the country. King's first team also includes End Ray Siminski, Center Jim Boroff, Halfback Dick Shaw and Fullback Marv Behlke, a 210-pound transfer from the University of Florida.
SEPT. 20 | at Florida State, N (7-27) |
OCT. 3 | at George Washington, N (13-12) |
OCT. 11 | at Alabama (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Wofford, N (12-13) |
OCT. 25 | Citadel (14-18) |
NOV. 1 | at Penn State (no game) |
NOV. 8 | at South Carolina (13-58) |
NOV. 22 | at Davidson (6-2) |
NOV. 29 | at Clemson (6-45) |
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Washington, D.C.
COLORS: Buff and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 2, lost 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 8 of 20
WATCH FOR: A wide-open passing game featuring Quarterback Ed Hino
THE DOPE: The Colonials must face such teams as William & Mary, West Virginia and Navy with only eight lettermen from a team that last year won only two games. With runners like Halfback Mike Sommer and Fullback Dick Claypool departed, Coach Eugene (Bo) Sherman hopes to pick up a few more touchdowns with a wide-open throwing game. Big gun will be Ed Hino, a daring quarterback whose short passes are better than his long ones. Sherman thinks Sophomore Quarterback Charlie Packen also has exceptional passing possibilities. Don Herman will do most of the receiving. Guard Bob Frulla, the Colonials' top lineman, and Ed Rutsch, Sherman's nomination for best tackle in the conference, are the big men up front, while Center Ron DeMelph is a good linebacker. Duane Whetstone shapes up as best of a thin reserve of fullbacks. Speedy Tom Haley replaces Sommer, and Ted Colna will man the other halfback slot. The Colonials lack depth at tackle. George Washington won't be sleeping, and its tremendous hustle may catch several teams napping.
SEPT. 19 | at Detroit, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Citadel, N (6-13) |
OCT. 3 | Furman, N (12-13) |
OCT. 17 | Richmond, N (6-13) |
OCT. 24 | William & Mary, N (7-0) |
NOV. 1 | at West Virginia (14-34) |
NOV. 15 | Navy (0-52) |
NOV. 22 | at Wichita (no game) |
GEORGIA
Athens, Ga.
COLORS: Red and black
BASIC OFFENSE: T, split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 26 of 36
WATCH FOR: Hard-charging Fullback Theron Sapp
THE DOPE: The Bulldogs may not climb out of the SEC's second division this year but they will be much improved over 1957. Coach Wally Butts, starting his 20th year at Athens, has 26 lettermen and the cream of an undefeated freshman team. That means plenty of speed and power, with experience at all positions. Butts's passing game is adequate and his running attack is extremely dangerous with such ball carriers as Fullback Theron Sapp, Quarterback Charley Britt and Halfbacks George Guisler and Gene Littleton. Sapp was the Southeastern Conference's third-best ground-gainer and was singled out as all-conference fullback in a preseason poll of coaches. Guard Cicero Lucas, Center Dave Lloyd and Tackle Nat Dye head a strong defensive first unit. Dye is one of the finest defensive tackles in the league and will be joined on the line by younger brother Pat, a sophomore guard. Other touted newcomers include Quarterback Francis Tar-kenton and Halfback Fred Brown. The Bulldogs have another imposing schedule but may attend a few more victory parties.
SEPT. 20 | at Texas, N (7-26) |
SEPT. 27 | at Vanderbilt, N (6-9) |
OCT. 4 | South Carolina (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Fla. St. at Jacksonville, N (no game) |
OCT. 25 | Kentucky (33-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Alabama (13-14) |
NOV. 8 | Florida at Jacksonville (0-22) |
NOV. 15 | Auburn at Columbus (0-6) |
NOV. 22 | Citadel (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Georgia Tech (7-0) |
GEORGIA TECH
Atlanta
COLORS: White and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Spread T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 4, tied 2
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 28 of 39
WATCH FOR: Terrific blocking, pass defending of Maxie Baughan
THE DOPE: The Yellowjackets, despite rumors that they might soon drop big-time football, are apparently headed for another era of southern supremacy. Having played more bowl games (13) and won more (11) than any other college, Tech expects to pull itself out of eighth place and again challenge the SEC leaders. But it may take another year for this virtually all-junior team to jell into a championship unit. "We must cut down on the number of mistakes and develop a good kicking game before we can even improve on last year's record," says Coach Bobby Dodd. The Engineers' 28 returning lettermen include Maxie Baughan, an outstanding linebacker, who is hailed as an even greater center than graduated All-America Don Stephenson. End Jack Rudolph is another defensive star. The Rambling Wreck had the best pass defense in the country last year and will again be rugged defensively. Dodd's running game features Halfback Floyd Fau-cette, with Fred Braselton calling signals Tech fans have been cautioned against overoptimism, but in Dodd they trust.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at Kentucky, N (13-0) |
SEPT. 26 | Florida State, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Tulane (20-13) |
OCT. 11 | Tennessee (6-21) |
OCT. 18 | Auburn (0-3) |
OCT. 25 | at SMU (0-0) |
NOV. 1 | at Duke (13-0) |
NOV. 8 | Clemson (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Alabama (10-7) |
NOV. 29 | at Georgia (0-7) |
KENTUCKY
Lexington, Ky.
COLORS: Blue and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 23 of 35
WATCH FOR: The power running of Halfback Bobby Cravens
THE DOPE: The Wildcats expect to claw their way out of the Southeastern Conference cellar but just how far out depends upon a litter of 42 sophomores. Coach Blanton Collier still has one of the league's finest halfbacks in Bobby Cravens, but All-America Tackle Lou Michaels and too many other experienced men have left to make Kentucky a serious contender for the SEC title. Few of the 23 returning lettermen saw much service last year, and the 'Cats will be relying heavily on such sophomore prospects as Backs Calvin Bird, Charles Sturgeon and Lloyd Hodge. Cravens is easily one of the South's best backs, a reckless line buster who was the conference's No. 2 ground-gainer. Collier's quarterback is Lowell Hughes, a good runner and the fourth best passer in the SEC his sophomore year. Glenn Shaw and Fullback Waymond Morris round out the starting backfield, which is extremely shallow. The top lineman is Guard Jim Miller, with Tackle George Boone another sturdy hope. This is a hustling young team which could upset one of the favorites.
SEPT. 13 | Hawaii at Louisville, N (no game) |
SEPT. 20 | Georgia Tech, N (0-13) |
SEPT. 27 | Mississippi at Memphis, N (0-15) |
OCT. 11 | Auburn, N (0-6) |
OCT. 18 | at Louisiana State, N (0-21) |
OCT. 25 | at Georgia (14-33) |
NOV. 1 | Mississippi State (no game) |
NOV. 8 | Vanderbilt (7-12) |
NOV. 15 | Xavier (27-0) |
NOV. 22 | at Tennessee (20-6) |
LOUISIANA STATE
Baton Rouge
COLORS: Purple and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Variable T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 26
WATCH FOR: The broken-field running of Billy Cannon
THE DOPE: The Bayou Bengals are definitely on the rise with a fast and powerful running attack built around Billy Cannon and J. W. Brodnax. Cannon, a 195-pound junior was the SEC leader in kickoff returns last season, helps make Coach Paul Dietzel's club one of the fastest in the conference. Brodnax, a real toughy, has played right half for two years but will shift to fullback to replace the graduated Jimmy Taylor. While LSU has high hopes of landing up in the first division, the team must fill Win Turner's capable shoes at quarterback and strengthen the right side of the line in order to do so. Warren Rabb is the only experienced signal caller left, and he will be backed up by Sophomore Darryl Jenkins. LSU is noticeably short of experienced linemen. Duane Leopard has been shifted from center to tackle in order to bolster the right side, and Max Fugler, an excellent linebacker, will start at center. End Billy Hendrix is another key lineman. Yet this team still has too many ifs to rank as a serious contender in such stiff competition as the SEC.
SEPT. 20 | at Rice, N (14-20) |
SEPT. 27 | Alabama at Mobile, N (28-0) |
OCT. 4 | Hardin-Simmons, N (no game) |
OCT. 10 | at Miami, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Kentucky, N (21-0) |
OCT. 25 | Florida, N (14-22) |
NOV. 1 | Mississippi, N (12-14) |
NOV. 8 | Duke, N (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Miss. State at Jackson, N (6-14) |
NOV. 22 | at Tulane (25-6) |
MARYLAND
College Park, Md.
COLORS: Red and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 23 of 38
WATCH FOR: The speed and maneuverability of Guard Rodney Breedlove
THE DOPE: The Terrapins will be "considerably stronger this season," says Coach Tommy Mont, and he has in mind eight returning starters from last year's team along with a wealth of reserves unseen on the campus since Jim Tatum departed in 1956. The Terps have a standout offensive line with Rodney Breedlove and Tom Gunderman at the guards, Fred Cole and Kurt Schwarz at tackle, converted Guard Vic Schwartz at center and Ron Shaffer and Ben Scotti at end. The pros are drooling over Breedlove, who is rated on a par with former Terp All-America Bob Pellegrini. Maryland will pass more this season, and its running game will be improved even with the defection of Fullback Phil Perlo to the Washington Redskins. Mont has a connoisseur's collection of signal callers and ball carriers, including last year's regular quarterbacks, Bob Rusevlyan and Dickie Lewis. Watch for Soph Halfback Dwayne Fletcher, who is being compared with such alltime Terp runners as Chet Hanulak and Ronnie Walker. An outside chance here for top conference honors.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at Wake Forest (27-0) |
SEPT. 27 | at North Carolina State (13-48) |
OCT. 4 | Clemson (7-26) |
OCT. 11 | Texas A&M (13-21) |
OCT. 18 | at North Carolina (21-7) |
OCT. 25 | at Auburn (no game) |
NOV. 1 | South Carolina (10-6) |
NOV. 8 | Navy at Baltimore (no game) |
NOV. 14 | at Miami, N (16-6) |
NOV. 22 | at Virginia (12-0) |
MIAMI
Coral Gables, Fla.
COLORS: Orange, green and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 17 of 22
WATCH FOR: Fran Curci, fine ball handler, excellent on option play
THE DOPE: The Hurricanes, with Oregon, Wisconsin, Boston College and Houston on the schedule, will play as truly national a schedule as any major college. Coach Andy Gustafson retains nine of his 11 starters, including All-America prospects Fran Curci and Gary Greaves. Quarterback Curci's southpaw passing (41 completions in 85 tries for 376 yards and six touchdowns) and his running of the option (439 yards) make him extremely dangerous. Curci's backfield mates are Captain Joe Plevel, the team's leading scorer and an excellent pass receiver, Byron Blasko and Fullback Jim Stevens. Vester Newcomb is the only lineman missing from the stone wall that last year held foes to under 100 yards per game, a ground defense second only to Auburn's. Jim Otto replaces Newcomb, Doug Hildebrandt and Phil Geatz are back at ends, Don Wallace and Bill Hayes at guards and Greaves and Charley Diamond at tackles. Greaves is rated the best tackle in Miami history. The Hurricanes are definitely improved, with depth, and will enjoy a winning season.
SEPT. 26 | Wisconsin, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Baylor, N (13-7) |
OCT. 10 | Louisiana State, N (no game) |
OCT. 25 | at Boston College (no game) |
OCT. 31 | Vanderbilt, N (no game) |
NOV. 7 | Florida State, N (40-13) |
NOV. 14 | Maryland, N (6-16) |
NOV. 21 | Houston, N (0-7) |
NOV. 29 | at Florida (0-14) |
DEC. 6 | Oregon, N (no game) |
MISSISSIPPI
University, Miss.
COLORS: Red and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 9, lost 1, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 37
WATCH FOR: Fullback Charles Flowers, who averaged 7.4 yards in '57
THE DOPE: The Rebels have a couple dozen lettermen but only two starters-Center Milt Crain and End Bill Templeton—from the squad that finished second in the Southeast and plastered Texas 39-7 in the Sugar Bowl. Still, Coach Johnny Vaught should field another strong contender, powered by Fullback Charles Flowers and guided by nimble Quarterback Bobby Franklin. Vaught will miss Ray Brown's power running and defensive play, but what the 169-pound Franklin lacks in size he should make up in finesse. Flowers and Halfbacks Cowboy Woodruff and Kent Lovelace are dangerous runners. Flowers' 7.4-yard average last season was tops in the conference. Although the 6-foot 5-inch Crain is impressive on offense and an effective pass defender, he may lose the starting assignment at center to Ken Kirk. "We haven't had one like him before," beams Vaught. End Larry Grantham, Guard Hal Cooper and Tackle Aubrey Sanders are other line stalwarts. The championship of the SEC may well hang on the game between the Rebels and Mississippi State at season's end.
SEPT. 20 | at Memphis State, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | Kentucky at Memphis, N (15-0) |
OCT. 4 | at Trinity, N (44-0) |
OCT. 11 | at Tulane, N (50-0) |
OCT. 18 | Hardin-Simmons (34-7) |
OCT. 25 | Arkansas at Little Rock (6-12) |
NOV. 1 | at LSU, N (14-12) |
NOV. 8 | Houston (20-7) |
NOV. 15 | at Tennessee (14-7) |
NOV. 29 | Mississippi State (7-7) |
MISSISSIPPI STATE
State College, Miss.
COLORS: Maroon and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 2, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 34
WATCH FOR: A strong running attack sparked by Billy Stacy
THE DOPE: The Maroons may not be the strongest of the strong in this rugged Southeastern Conference, but they should finish somewhere close to the top again. Coach Wade Walker still has two-time All-Conference Quarterback Billy Stacy, who made most of the preseason All-America teams. He also has 20 other let-termen to give him a solid first unit and the nucleus of a second. Stacy's chief running companion is Bubber Trammell, a nifty broken-field specialist. Three other lettermen are available at halfback. Bill Schoenrock is the fullback. Passing, a weak spot last year, is expected to perk up with Stacy and his reliever, Tom Miller, tossing mostly to Trammell and Gil Peterson. The Maroons are strong at guard with Jack Benson, the best linebacker, and J. E. Logan. Bobby Tribble heads the tackles and Chuck Weatherly is probably the best of five lettermen at the ends. Jim Poteete is the only experienced center available. State starts the season with two major hurdles—Florida and Tennessee. If it gets over those, the season should almost surely turn out successfully.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 27 | at Florida (29-20) |
OCT. 4 | Tennessee at Memphis (9-14) |
OCT. 11 | Memphis State (10-6) |
OCT. 18 | Arkansas State (47-13) |
OCT. 25 | Alabama (25-13) |
NOV. 1 | at Kentucky, N (no game) |
NOV. 8 | at Auburn (7-15) |
NOV. 15 | LSU at Jackson, Miss., N (14-6) |
NOV. 29 | at Mississippi (7-7) |
NORTH CAROLINA
Chapel Hill, N.C.
COLORS: Blue and while
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 80
WATCH FOR: Smooth ball handling, passing of Jack Cummings
THE DOPE: The Tar Heels are now in their third year of rebuilding under Coach Jim Tatum, who has an excellent chance of producing his seventh bowl team. Tatum has 21 lettermen back from the team that scored surprising victories over Navy, Duke, Clemson and Miami. "We have much more over-all speed this year," says Tatum. "Jack Cummings heads a remarkable group of quarterbacks. Ronnie Koes at center and Phil Blazer and Don Redding at tackle anchor an experienced line." Cummings, a 180-pound junior from Lower Merion, Pa. started the last five games of the season and completed 39 of 76 passes for 640 yards and four touchdowns. The Tar Heels will miss Buddy Payne, their leading receiver, but Ends John Schroeder and Don Kemper should prove useful targets for Cummings. Jim Schuler, an excellent breakaway runner, Daley Goff, the Tar Heels' leading rusher, and Fullback Don Coker give Tatum a good gound attack. The Tar Heels face a rugged schedule which includes Notre Dame and Southern Cal but should enjoy a winning—if not a championship—season.
SEPT. 20 | North Carolina State (0-7) |
SEPT. 27 | at Clemson (26-0) |
OCT. 3 | at Southern California, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | South Carolina (28-6) |
OCT. 18 | Maryland (7-21) |
OCT. 25 | Wake Forest (14-7) |
NOV. 1 | at Tennessee (0-35) |
NOV. 8 | at Virginia (13-20) |
NOV, 15 | at Notre Dame (no game) |
NOV. 22 | Duke (21-13) |
N.C. STATE
Raleigh, N.C.
COLORS: Red and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 1, tied 2
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of Sit
WATCH FOR: Halfbacks Ken Trowbridge and Ron Podwika
THE DOPE: The Wolfpack, picked for the second division last year, surprised with a 7-1-2 record that resulted in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. There will be no such Cinderella story this year at Raleigh with Coach Earle Edwards mourning the loss of 18 letter-men, including eight of his starters. Hardest shoes to fill are those of All-America Halfback Dick Christy and his sidekick, Dick Hunter. Ken Trowbridge and Ron Podwika will do much to take up the slack, however. Ernie Driscoll will quarterback, and Don Hafer, the Wolfpack's leading rusher, will start at fullback. Trowbridge, Guards Bill Rearick and Joe Rodri and End Bob Pepe will command most of the attention. Edwards may be able to field a letterman at each starting position, although he is woefully short of experience, particularly in the second unit. The Wolfpack's chances depend on a bumper crop of 45 sophomores, which includes such standouts as Claude Gibson at halfback and Jim D'Antonio at full. The feast may be followed by famine this year at State.
SEPT. 20 | at North Carolina (7-0) |
SEPT. 27 | Maryland (48-13) |
OCT. 4 | at Virginia (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Wake Forest (19-0) |
OCT. 18 | at William & Mary (6-7) |
OCT. 25 | at Duke(14-14) |
NOV. 1 | Virginia Tech (12-0) |
NOV. 8 | at Mississippi Southern (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Clemson (13-7) |
NOV. 22 | at South Carolina (29-26) |
RICHMOND
Richmond
COLORS: Red and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 17 of 27
WATCH FOR: The rocket take-offs of Halfback David Ames
THE DOPE: The Spiders are doubtful first-division contenders despite the return of 17 lettermen. Coach Eddie Merrick must find a replacement for Quarterback Jim Hoffman, Richmond's No. 1 signal caller and passer. Best bet is Senior Jerry Landis, but two other lettermen, Joe Rosetti and Frank Gagliano, also await a chance. Merrick needs another fullback behind Buddy Davis and more depth at guard since Bob Buffman is switching to tackle. The shift to end of Pat Lamberti, who has won All-Southern Conference second team honors the past two years, may have weakened the tackles some. On the credit side, the Spiders are set at end with their co-captains, Lamberti and Joe Biscaha, their top receiver. Chuck Boone, Tommy Stearns and Joe Arcudi give center a solid look. Dave Ames, leading-scorer Mickey Mar-inkov, Bob Dunnington and Art D'Arrigo present the Spiders with one of their best halfback combinations in the past four years. Ames, a breakaway runner, is the Spiders' top rusher with a six-yard average in three years of play.
SEPT. 20 | at West Virginia (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Dayton, N (7-12) |
OCT. 4 | VMI (6-28) |
OCT. 11 | at Rutgers (13-26) |
OCT. 17 | at George Washington, N (13-6) |
OCT. 25 | at Villanova (no game) |
NOV. 1 | Citadel (0-26) |
NOV. 8 | Virginia Tech (7-42) |
NOV. 15 | at Davidson (19-23) |
NOV. 27 | William & Mary (12-7) |
SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia, S.C.
COLORS: Garnet and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 36
WATCH FOR: A good running game built around Alex Hawkins and King Dixon
THE DOPE: The Gamecocks of 1958, says Coach Warren Giese, are "the most experienced team in my three years at South Carolina." But his hopes for the team to break even—or better—are dampened by the fact that the Gamecocks must start the season against Duke, Army, Georgia, North Carolina and Clemson in succession. Twenty-four lettermen are back, including star Halfbacks Alex Hawkins and King Dixon. Hawkins does every thing well, particularly on defense, and beat out Oklahoma's Clendon Thomas on Texas' all-opponents team last year. He and Dixon were 1-2 in passing and scoring at Columbia, with 65 points between them. Stan Spears, a good caller but weak passer, returns to quarterback, and bullish John Saunders completes the backfield. Giese needs more depth at halfback and adequate replacements for departed Guards Nelson Weston and Tommy Addison. Corky Gaines, Jack Ashton and Jimmy Merck will try to fill the bill at the guards. Jack Pitt, 215-pound sophomore end, is the fastest lineman on the squad. This is a dangerous second-division team.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Duke, N (14-26) |
SEPT. 27 | at Army (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Georgia (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at North Carolina (6-28) |
OCT. 23 | Clemson (0-13) |
NOV. 1 | at Maryland (6-10) |
NOV. 8 | at Furman (58-13) |
NOV. 15 | Virginia (13-0) |
NOV. 22 | North Carolina State (26-29) |
NOV. 27 | Wake Forest (26-7) |
TENNESSEE
Knoxville, Tenn.
COLORS: Orange and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Single wing
1957 RECORD: Won 8, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 14 of 31
WATCH FOR: Carl Smith, powerful and elusive fullback
THE DOPE: The Volunteers have been decimated by graduation but will threaten, nonetheless, for the SEC crown. End Tommy Potts is the only starter back from a '57 squad which knocked off eight opponents, including Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl. The heavy toll took Backs Bobby Gordon, Tommy Bronson and Bill Anderson. Carl Smith, one of the most explosive ball carriers in years at Knoxville, heads an otherwise green backfield corps. The single wing needs a triple-threater at tailback, and Coach Bowden Wyatt must decide from among two juniors and four sophomores. George Wright is the only candidate with varsity experience but will be challenged strongly by Bill Majors, younger brother of former Tennessee All-America Johnny Majors. Bobby Sandlin is a question mark at wing-back because of a knee operation. Key linemen are Potts, Captain Bobby Urbano at guard and Bo Shafer at tackle. If the sophomores don't run for the hills after playing Auburn, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech the first three weeks, the Vols may mature into a real contender.
SEPT. 27 | Auburn at Birmingham (0-7) |
OCT. 4 | Mississippi State at Memphis (14-9) |
OCT. 11 | at Georgia Tech (21-6) |
OCT. 18 | Alabama (14-0) |
OCT. 25 | Florida State (no game) |
NOV. 1 | North Carolina (35-0) |
NOV. 8 | Chattanooga (28-13) |
NOV. 15 | Mississippi (7-14) |
NOV. 22 | Kentucky (6-20) |
NOV. 29 | at Vanderbilt (20-6) |
TULANE
New Orleans
COLORS: Green and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 2, lost 8
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 17 of 28
WATCH FOR: A stepped-up aerial attack, featuring Richie Petilbon
THE DOPE: The Green Wave might inundate the opposition in almost any other league—but not in the Southwestern Conference this year. The Greenies are not yet ripe enough and the schedule is too tough to start talking championship. Coach Andy Pilney will have an improved club, however, and it might catch some favorites napping. There will be an improved passing game, a horde of strong running backs and more depth provided by an undefeated freshman team. The passing chores will fall to any one of four strong-armed quarterbacks—Richie Petitbon, Sophs Phil Nugent and Bob Wattigny and Junior Carlton Sweeney. Petitbon, brother of ex-Notre Darner John Petitbon, is also a fine runner and defender. Coach Pilney has good receivers in Ends Pete Abadie and Leo Young and Halfbacks Claude (Boo) Mason and Percy Colon. Shifty, 165-pound Mason is rated best of the backs. Connie Andrews is starting fullback, although Eddie Dunn and Tom Mason are both fine prospects. Watch center for Dave Painter, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound junior.
SEPT. 20 | at Florida (no game) |
SEPT. 26 | Texas, N (6-20) |
OCT. 4 | at Georgia Tech (13-20) |
OCT. 11 | Mississippi, N (0-50) |
OCT. 18 | Navy at Norfolk (no game) |
OCT. 25 | at Kansas (no game) |
OCT. 31 | Texas Tech, N (no game) |
NOV. 7 | Alabama, N (7-0) |
NOV. 15 | at Vanderbilt (no game) |
NOV. 22 | LSU (6-25) |
VANDERBILT
Nashville
COLORS: Gold and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 3, tied 2
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 32
WATCH FOR: A varied attack directed by pass specialist Boyce Smith
THE DOPE: The Commodores are loaded with reserves, trick plays and optimism. They not only hope to navigate their way into the upper third of the SEC but also into a conspicuous place in the national rankings. Big reasons for all the cheerfulness at Nashville are Quarterback Boyce Smith, Guard George Deiderich and the best team depth in three years. The 165-pound Smith is a most deceptive director of Coach Art Guepe's multiple offense, and despite the lack of a strong arm, he led the SEC with 664 yards passing and eight touchdown throws. Deiderich is an outstanding tackier and the backbone of a starting line which is questionable at tackle and end. Guard Billy Grover and Center Ben Donnell are also top linemen. Smith's chief pass receivers are Ends Ron Miller and Lew Akin and Halfback Tom Moore. Mack Rolfe or Pete Thompson will replace Phil King, No. 1 draft choice of the New York Giants, at halfback, and Jim Butler is a big, fast man at fullback. Top sophomores include Backs Bobby Nay and John Fergusson, End Luther Boone and Tackle George Smith.
SEPT. 20 | at Missouri (7-7) |
SEPT. 27 | Georgia, N (9-6) |
OCT. 4 | Alabama at Birmingham, N (6-6) |
OCT. 11 | Clemson, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Florida (7-14) |
OCT. 25 | Virginia (no game) |
OCT. 31 | at Miami, N (no game) |
NOV. 8 | at Kentucky (12-7) |
NOV. 15 | Tulane (no game) |
NOV. 29 | Tennessee (6-20) |
VIRGINIA
Charlottesville, Va.
COLORS: Orange and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Wing T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 6, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 11, of 25
WATCH FOR: The line play of Dave Graham
THE DOPE: The Cavaliers, with a completely new coaching staff for the second time in three years, are in for a major overhauling. Dick Voris, formerly line coach and chief assistant to Earl Blaik at Army, takes over and brings with him a brand-new coaching staff and the wing T formation. The return of seven starters gives him fair backfield strength and a dependable but shallow line. Biggest losses are Fred Polzer, the conference's leading pass catcher for the past two years, and All-America Fullback Jim Bakhtiar. A good sophomore prospect, John Barger, will take Bakhtiar's place. Another promising newcomer is Guard Louis Martig. Veteran Reece Whitley will be calling signals, and returning to halfback are Ulmo Randle, the Cavaliers' second-best receiver, and Carl Moser, while Dave Graham will again anchor one end of the line. "We'll be outmanned by practically everybody we play," is Voris' dire prediction. The big one for Voris is Virginia's game at West Point after the Cavaliers have been softened up by Clemson and Duke.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at Clemson (6-20) |
SEPT. 27 | Duke (0-40) |
OCT. 4 | North Carolina State (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Virginia Tech at Roanoke (38-7) |
OCT. 18 | at Army (12-20) |
OCT. 25 | at Vanderbilt (no game) |
NOV. 1 | VMI at Norfolk (7-20) |
NOV. 8 | North Carolina (20-13) |
NOV. 15 | at South Carolina (0-13) |
NOV. 22 | Maryland (0-12) |
VMI
Lexington, Va.
COLORS: Red, white and yellow
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 9, lost none, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 20 of 31
WATCH FOR: A fast-charging backfield led by Sam Horner
THE DOPE: The Keydets are welcoming back most of the troops who conquered the Southern Conference last fall, and they stand a good chance of repeating as champs. Coach John McKenna has 20 lettermen, including seven starters, and his only complaint is the lack of experienced backfield depth. VMI will be able to start a letterman at each position and will be only one halfback and one tackle short of an all-letterman second unit. McKenna lost Duke Johnston but has two veteran seniors at quarterback—Bobby Ross, a fine passer, and Bill Nebraska, a power runner. Halfbacks Sam Horner, Johnny Engels and Art Brand-riff and Fullbacks Pete Johnson and Verne Keefer give the Keydets plenty of backfield speed; Engels is the only one not on the VMI track team. All-Southern Tackle Jim McFalls heads an experienced line which includes Tackle Bobby Dale, Guards Nick Ruffin and Lloyd Thacker, Center Jerry Borst and Ends Carl Kasko and Jim Sam Gillespie. VMI is a good solid team but will have to hustle all the way to keep its title safe.
SEPT. 20 | Morehead St. (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Villanova (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Richmond (28-6) |
OCT. 11 | William & Mary at Bluefield (14-13) |
OCT. 18 | at Tampa, N (7-0) |
OCT. 25 | at Davidson (26-14) |
NOV. 1 | Virginia at Norfolk (20-7) |
NOV. 8 | Lehigh at Lynchburg (12-7) |
NOV. 15 | at The Citadel (33-7) |
NOV. 27 | Virginia Tech at Roanoke (14-6) |
VIRGINIA TECH
Blacksburg, Va.
COLORS: Orange and maroon
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 11 of 29
WATCH FOR: Flankers and spreads featuring Carroll Dale
THE DOPE: The Gobblers have championship ambitions despite the loss of all but four starters. Coach Frank Moseley doesn't have a halfback who weighs more than 180 pounds, so the running will probably be wide. Likely starters are speedy Jay Whitesell and 165-pound Pat Henry. Son of former Tech great Mel Henry, Pat is a tricky runner who quarterbacked the '57 freshmen but will move to a halfback spot since Bill Holsclaw will again call signals. He's a good passer and runner, but erratic. Frank Eastman has the stronger arm and may figure prominently since Coach Moseley wants the team to do lots more passing. Tech's line will be inexperienced but one of the biggest (212 pounds) in Moseley's career. End Carroll Dale, an exceptional receiver, and Tackle Jim Burks, one of the South's better blockers, are the men to watch up front. Tech lost possession 46 times on fumbles, interceptions or downs last season, so a more alert, intelligent brand of football is called for if the record is to improve. Nonetheless, the Gobblers will be a better team this fall.
SEPT. 20 | West Texas St. at Roanoke, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | Wake Forest at Norfolk, N (10-3) |
OCT. 4 | William & Mary (7-13) |
OCT. 11 | Virginia at Roanoke (7-38) |
OCT. 18 | at Florida State (7-20) |
OCT. 25 | West Virginia at Richmond (0-14) |
NOV. 1 | at North Carolina State (0-12) |
NOV. 8 | at Richmond (42-7) |
NOV. 15 | at Mississippi Southern, N (no game) |
NOV. 27 | VMI at Roanoke (6-14) |
WAKE FOREST
Winston-Salem, N.C.
COLORS: Gold and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won none, lost 10
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 80
WATCH FOR: Line-buster Neil MacLean
THE DOPE: The Demon Deacons were winless in 10 games last season, so Coach Paul Amen seems fairly safe in predicting "a substantial improvement." Although Wake Forest will not set the conference afire, it should make itself felt with 22 lettermen returning and one of the best sophomore crops in years. The backfield will be stronger and the passing game more dangerous with the return to duty of Quarterback Charlie Carpenter. A back operation sidelined him after he finished the '56 season as the ACC's No. 2 passer. Jim Dalrymple switches back to his old halfback slot. The Deacons are solid at fullback with hard-running Neil MacLean, their top ground-gainer and scorer last fall. The backfield should also get help from Sophomore Norman Snead, who threw nine touchdown passes last year. The Deacons will have competent receivers in Aubrey Currie, John Niznik and young Bobby Allen. The Deacons are full of enthusiasm despite a back-breaking schedule which includes North Carolina, Clemson, Duke and Auburn all in succession.
SEPT. 20 | Maryland (0-27) |
SEPT. 27 | Virginia Tech at Norfolk, N (3-10) |
OCT. 4 | at Florida State, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | North Carolina State (0-19) |
OCT. 18 | at Villanova (no game) |
OCT. 25 | at North Carolina (7-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Clemson (6-13) |
NOV. 15 | Duke (7-34) |
NOV. 22 | at Auburn (no game) |
NOV. 27 | at South Carolina (7-26) |
WEST VIRGINIA
Morgantown, W. Va.
COLORS: Gold and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 2, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 15 of 28
WATCH FOR: The elusive running of Halfback Ray Peterson
THE DOPE: The Mountaineers, riding a 24-game winning streak in the Southern Conference, have every intention of unseating VMI and reclaiming the Southern Conference championship, which they lost last year for the first time since 1952. Coach Art Lewis has 15 of 28 lettermen back, and at least one is at every position but right guard. Two of Lewis' star guards, Chuck Howley and Joe Nicely, along with Fullback Larry Krutko, were drafted by the pros in the first three rounds. Ed Sommer and J. D. Miller will move up to the first-string guard spots, and Noel Whipkey or Glen Shamblin will succeed Krutko. Terry Fairbanks and 6-foot-4 Bruce McClung are the veteran ends. A new lineman to watch is 260-pound Sophomore Tackle Blaine Staats. Halfback Ray Peterson, a 9.7 sprinter, has averaged nearly seven yards per carry, while Dave Rider and Quarterback Dick Longfellow round out the starting backfield. One of the few teams to commit itself in advance on the new conversion rule, the Mountaineers intend to settle for the one point whenever possible.
SEPT. 20 | Richmond (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Oklahoma (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Indiana (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Boston U. (46-6) |
OCT. 18 | at Pittsburgh (7-6) |
OCT. 25 | Virginia Tech at Richmond (14-0) |
NOV. 1 | George Washington (34-14) |
NOV. 8 | Penn State (6-27) |
NOV. 15 | at William & Mary (19-0) |
NOV. 22 | Syracuse (7-0) |
WILLIAM & MARY
Williamsburg, Va.
COLORS: Green, gold and silver
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 13 of 23
WATCH FOR: The alert line play of Elliot Schaubach
THE DOPE: The Indians played their first season under the coaching of Milt Drewer last fall, bringing home four times as many scalps as in 1955 and '56 combined. One of these was a whopper of an upset over previously unbeaten and nationally ranked North Carolina State. Now the Tribe moves into the second year of its rebuilding program with a better-than-even chance of improving on last year's record and giving serious chase to the Southern Conference title. The running attack should be greatly improved with Len Rubal, the team's leading ground-gainer and one of the conference's best fullbacks, and hard-running Halfbacks Mike Chunta and Dave Edmunds. The Indians will also throw more this year with two capable passing quarterbacks, 210-pound Tom Secules and Bob Stoy. Tackles Elliot Schaubach and Mike Lashley, Guard Al Crow and Center Gray Lynn bolster a line that averages 216 pounds. Crow, a 250-pound junior, already is drafted by the New York Giants. They'll be whooping it up at Williamsburg this season.
SEPT. 27 | at Navy (6-33) |
OCT. 4 | at Virginia Tech (13-7) |
OCT. 11 | VMI at Bluefield (13-14) |
OCT. 18 | at North Carolina State (7-6) |
OCT. 24 | at George Washington, N (0-7) |
NOV. 1 | at Boston U. (no game) |
NOV. 8 | Davidson (no game) |
NOV. 15 | West Virginia (0-19) |
NOV. 27 | at Richmond (7-12) |
ILLUSTRATION
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DAVE SINGTON INSPIRES 'BAMA LINE
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SOUTHPAW TIGER PASSER: LLOYD NIX
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JOE KELLER BULWARKS THE CITADEL
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HARVEY WHITE MASTERMINDS CLEMSON
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DAVE WARDEN, WILDCATS' TOUGH CLAW
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BLUE DEVILS' NIFTY WRAY CARLTON
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FLORIDA FLANKER DAN EDGINGTON
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BOBBY RENN IS FSU TRIPLE THREAT
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JIM BOROFF BOLSTERS FURMAN LINE
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BOB FRULLA IS GW'S STAR GUARD
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THERON SAPP LEADS THE BULLDOGS
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POWERFUL TECH PIVOT MAXIE BAUGHAN
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GEORGE BOONE OF KENTUCKY BOONES
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LSU'S BIGGEST GUN, BILLY CANNON
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ROD BREEDLOVE HAS PROS DROOLING
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FRAN CURCI GUIDES THE HURRICANES
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CHARLES FLOWERS POWERS OLE MISS
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BUBBER TRAMMELL IS NIFTY IN OPEN
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TACKLE DON REDDING IS NC STANDOUT
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JOE RODRI LEADS WAY FOR WOLFPACK
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BOB BUFFMAN NOW MOVES TO TACKLE
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ALEX HAWKINS IS GAMECOCKS' BIG SPUR
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CARL SMITH CARRIES THE VOLS' AMMO
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RICHIE PETITBON OF THE STRONG ARM
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GEORGE DEIDERICH IS A BIG REASON
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DAVE GRAHAM FLANKS THE CAVALIERS
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BOBBY ROSS CALLS THE VMI SIGNALS
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TOP TECH RECEIVER IS CARROLL DALE
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NEIL MacLEAN, DEACONS'S BIG GAINER
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RAY PETERSON IS A 9.7 SPRINTER
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ELLIOT SCHAUBACH BOLSTERS THE LINE