October 7
GOLDEN TORNADO DAY
Ah, to be a radio or TV sportscaster back on this day in 1916, a crisp, clean autumn gridiron day. A day to watch the Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech win big time against helpless Cumberland College. This was one of the most lopsided wins in football history. Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets ate the competition 222-0!
This was football, sports fans! We’re speaking slaughter, here. We’re talking tune-out ratings. Boy, the instant replay gizmo must have gone ballistic on this one, eh? In the words of ABC’s Keith Jackson, “Whhhhoooaaa, Nellie! Touchdown!!!! Georgia Tech, again! For the 32nd time! This game is waaaaaaay out of control.” Unfortunately, there was no play-by-play of this classic game; but can you imagine the number of commercial breaks?
Coach John Heisman (of Heisman Trophy fame) led the Golden Tornado, as his Georgia Tech team was nicknamed, into the history books. They carried the ball for 978 yards, and never once threw a pass! No team has ever matched the score of the game referred to in Reader’s Digest as the ‘Little Big Horn of football’.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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