1903 College Football Summary

College football once again, remained mostly an East Coast and Midwest domination of the sport.

In another battle for East Coast supremely, Princeton and Yale would battle for the honors once again.

Heading into the fray both defensive units proved to be the strongest part of the team. Through each team's first 10 games of this season, both had allowed just 10 points to be scored on them.

When they met, Yale took an earlier lead, 6-0 on a five-point touchdown and conversion.

Yale was holding on to its slim margin as the first half drew nigh; when Princeton's defensive unit blocked a kick.

John DeWitt had a lineman's dream; as he picked up the loose ball, and would ramble 75 yards for touchdown. Roy Vetterlein's successful goal after touchdown, tied the score at 6-all.

Remember this was an era before specialist.

As the fourth quarter clock hit the 1:00 minute mark. DeWitt would once again do his part in keeping his team's record spotless.

From a complicated angle, his 43-yard goal from the field was true as Tigers claimed the victory.

Once again, Michigan's Point-a-Minute teams would surpass the 500 point plateau; scoring 565 points, but for the first time didn't lead the country or the Big 10.

Minnesota would register over 500+ Points for the first time this year; scoring 618 points and a share of the conference crown.

The Golden-Gophers finished the season undefeated at 14-0-0 (3-0-1 in conference action.)

The tie was against Michigan, 6-6.

Both the Wolverines and Golden Gophers would each have outstanding defensive units; not allowing any team to cross their goal line till they met in Minneapolis, October 31.

The Gophers' Ed Rogers converted 51 goals after touchdowns this season.

Willie Heston's 237 yards powered Michigan to a 28-0 whitewashing over its other rival, Chicago.

Carlisle's Charles Dillon returned a Harvard kick-off 105 yards; but it wasn't enough as the latter would hang-on for a 12-11 triumph.

Vanderbilt rushed for 763 yards in its 40-0 whitewashing of rival Tennessee, who had entered the match-up with a perfect 2-0-0 record. Vandy was 1-0-1 at the time and would finish the season 6-1-1.

1903 Leaders (min. of 4 games) show:

• Offensive Scoring Leader (Most Scored)
  Minnesota (14-0-1),
• Defensive Scoring Leader (Least Allowed)
  Notre Dame (8-0-1), 0 points
• National Champions (Retroactive)
  Michigan (11-0-0), Princeton (11-0-0)

Princeton was named No. 1 by Charles Patterson, Caspar Whitney, Walter Camp.

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