1902 Georgia Bulldogs football team


The 1902 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the Georgia Bulldogs of the University of Georgia during the 1902 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season. The Bulldogs compiled a 4–2–1 record, including victories over Auburn and Alabama and a 0–0 tie with Georgia Tech. The losses included Georgia's fourth consecutive loss to Sewanee. This was the team's second and final season under the guidance of head coach William A. Reynolds.

Before the season

was captain-elect, Georgia's first two-time captain. He was moved to end from the backfield. One account of Ridley reads "Ridley's first year on the team he played this position so well that Coach Heisman named his as the All-Southern end. He is quick and active and never hesitates to tackle a man, seldom being blocked."

Schedule

Game summaries

Furman

To open the season, Georgia beat Furman 11-0. The game's highlight was an end run for touchdown from Harman.

Georgia Tech

Georgia came in as 6-1 favorites to in-state rival Georgia Tech, and were held to a 0-0 tie. "It's the worst game we have ever played." said captain Ridley. The starting lineup was Bower, Willingham, Beaver, Ketron, Nix, Smith, Baxter, Harman, Dickinson, Ridley, Turner.

Alabama

Alabama was shutout 5–0 at Birmingham. Marvin D. Dickinson scored the only touchdown of the game for Georgia in the second half. Alabama was trying to tie up the game late, but time expired as the Tide reached the Georgia twelve-yard line.
The starting lineup was Bower, McIntosh, Beaver, Ketron, Willingham, Smith, Baxter, Harman, Dickinson, Ridley, Turner.

Davidson

was defeated 20–0.

Clemson

Sources:
On November 8, Georgia lost to SIAA champion Clemson by a score of 36-0. Despite the score, one writer called it "the hardest fought football game ever seen here." Frank McIntyre, Harman, and Smith all had to be carried off the field.
The starting lineup was Baxter, McIntosh, Beaver, Ketron, Willingham, Smith, Ridley, Harman, Allen, Dickinson, Turner.

Sewanee

defeated Georgia 11–0.

Auburn

Georgia upset Auburn 12-5. The same night, Rufus Nalley, great former Georgia star, died. Having learned of Georgia's victory; "He died with a smile on his lips", reported his brother.

Postseason

Ridley was selected an All-Southern along with teammates Harold Ketron and Sandy Beaver,