Nov. 26, 2010

FRIDAY FLASHBACK rewinds to some of the memorable Ole Miss games from this week's all-time series. This week features the very first Battle for the Golden Egg. After the Rebels' dramatic win in 1926, student governments at both schools came together to create a trophy for the annual contest "in order to effect a better understanding in athletic relations, to foster clean sportsmanship, and promote a lasting tradition" according to a joint resolution. The following is a desciption of the contest from the Nov. 26 Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Nov. 26, 1927

University -A Red and Blue tornado driving, slashing, and carrying Ole Miss to victory for the second time in two years, defeated the Aggies here yesterday afternoon 20-12. On a drizzly, cloudy afternoon, the Mississippians won a golden trophy, and have the honor of its custody fort the first year of these which will make it an honored tradition. Fourteen thousand persons saw the game.

That tremendous fullback, Cohen, was every where hitting the line, tearing around the ends, leading interference and backing up the line in defense. Everywhere his massive form could be seen, and once he intercepted a pass to halt an Aggie drive. But with him were the "W Twins." Wilcox and Woodruff, whom the Bulldogs could not stop. Around end and off tackle, they dashed and sprinted to amass 20 points and 19 first downs. The speedy little Lilly was not called on to advance the ball, but a safety man returning punts and stopping runners he did more than his share.

Baffled at the line thrown back at the ends, the Aggies heaved again and again and threatened repeatedly to cut down the Ole Miss lead. Chadwick's passing was superb, and his receiver, Hartness Wells and Pickens, seemed like they could not drop the ball. Largely via this route they collected eleven first downs.

Twice again they threatened, but only once seriously. The Aggies jumped into the lead soon after the whistle and for the first few minutes were able to penetrate the Mississippi line. After an exchange they got the ball on the Mississippi 40-yard line and a pass, Chadwick to Wells, netted 35yards. Futile thrusts at the line gained nothing but a pass by the same combination gave the score. Chadwick missed the kick. The Ole Miss team came back with fight which would not be denied and drove the Aggies back for three touchdowns before they could score again. Another Red and Blue score was averted when a 15 yard penalty and a five yard penalty sent them back, but they lacked only one foot to make this back and get first. Cohen played the big part in the first score, crashing the line and skirting the end to put it in the scoring zone, and then going over Wilcox and Woodruff were called to his aid in the last two, each putting one score across for Mississippi. Three Ole Miss Linemen brought their careers for their Alma Mater to a close with a blaze of glory. V.K. Smith broke through repeatedly and held his post in violate to Aggie thrusts. He again and again opened holes for Cohen and Wilcox to drive through.

Captain Applewhite was down under the punts in great style, and kept the Aggie runners from going around his terminal. He was blocking and tackling at the top of his form throughout the game. Enochs center played a great game, both on offense and defense and brought to a close his work at Ole Miss. Vann and Burnette played well for Ole Miss at Tackles much of the gaining being over their positions. Blankenbaker at guard and Patty at end were strong for the Mississippi eleven.

Chadwick was outstanding man for the Aggies, his passing keeping the Red and Blue in danger every minute of the game. Hartness and Fountain did well in receiving the heaves and Pickens and Stone, in the backfield drove through the Mississippi line for many gains. Brunson and Wier looked best for the Aggies in the line.