1955 Football - Year In Review

Coaching Staff
Tom Nugent, Head Coach
Hugh Adams, Graduate Assistant
Bob Harbison, Assistant Coach
Vaughn Mancha, Assistant Coach
Paul Odom, Graduate Assistant
Vince Ragunas, Assistant Coach
Winston Siegfried, Assistant Coach
Frank Toomey, Assistant Coach

Click here for team picture

Click here to see individual photos
1955 Football


From the Florida Times Union, August 16, 1955, page 19
TALLAHASSEE, FL, August 15, 1955 - Florida State University's rapid climb in the national football picture reached a climax in Chicago when the Seminoles were classified as a major power in football by the Football Writers' Association of America.

Meeting at their annual conclave in the Windy City, the writers took cognizance of FSU's phenomenal growth in football by placing Tom Nugent's warriors in the elite classification. Furman Bisher, sports editor of the Atlanta Constitution, made the announcement at the final meeting of the clan at the Hotel Sherman in Chicago, stating, "At last, after all these years, Florida State Uninversity is now rated a major power in football."

One of the Seminoles' opponents, Furman University, was also restored to the major list after an absence of several years.

The 1955 schedule finds Florida State facing seven major teams: North Carolina State, Miami, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Villanova and Furman.

With the announcement of FSU's major status, football fever in Florida's Capital city has begun to spread like the plague.

Season ticket sales have already reached the 3,000 mark and Athletic Business Manager Eddie Cubbon stated he looked for a big increase in interest now that the Seminoles' status in football has reached major proportions.

Head Coach Nugent and his staff began daily meetings today in preparation for the opening of practice September 1st and the genial Seminoles mentor looks for a large turnout of top prospects as Florida State gears itself to prove worthy of its new status among the nation's top football teams.


1955 Florida State Signees/Newcomers

Emil Abood, 5-9, 170, FB, Jacksonville

Carmen Battaglia, 5-8, 180, HB, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Hal Cummings, 5-9, 179, HB, Clermont

Stephen Dean, 5-10, 173, HB, Oxford, N.C.

Bob Douglas, 6-1, 196, E, Dayton, Ohio - From Dayton, Oh...only 19 years old and a rugged competitor...played four years of guard at Fairmont High in Dayton...one of FSU's toughest sophs in years...had rather play defense than offense.

Robert Elliott, 5-11, 185, G, Saint Petersburg

Bob Fountain, 6-2, 190, E, Crestview

Jerry Henderson, 5-11, 160, HB, Pensacola

David Keene, 6-3, 200, E, Bethlehem, Pa.

Charles Kicklighter, 6-1, 211, T, Savannah, Ga.

Lester Little, 6-3, 203, C, Nitro, W.Va.

George Norman, 5-10, 185, QB, Tallahassee

Norman Olson, 5-7, 171, E, Chicago, Ill.

Pete Overton, 6-1, 180, E, Henderson, N.C.

Leonard Philion, 5-11, 176, C, Highland Park, Mich.

Bill Proctor, 6-4, 235, T, Winter Park

Bobby Renn, 5-11, 170, HB, Henderson, N.C.

Herb Taylor, E,

Bob Thomas, 6-0, 180, G, Mansfield, Ohio


1955 Roster - By Name

From the Florida Times Union, September 9, 1955, page 25
L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  43 Emil Abood            FB      5-9   170  So        Jacksonville (Bishop Kenny)
  51 Hobo Ackerman         C       5-11  190  So        Hopewell, Va. (Hopewell)
* 60 Leo Baggett           G       5-9   195  So   *    Panama City (Bay)
* 75 Bob Barber            T       5-11  207  Jr   **   Belle Glade
* 52 Troy Barnes           C       6-2   206  So   *    Chickasaw, Ala.
* 29 Carmen Battaglia      HB      5-8   180  So        Niagara Falls, N.Y.
* 81 Ham Bisbee            E       6-1   175  So   *    Sanford
     Bill Brown            T       5-11  191  Fr-R      Orlando (Edgewater)
* 20 Lee Corso             HB      5-10  165  Jr   **   Miami (Jackson)
* 27 Gene Cox              HB      5-10  175  Sr        Lake City (Columbia/Vanderbilt/South Georgia JC)
* 78 John Craig            T       6-1   200  So   *    Orlando
* 50 Bob Crenshaw          C       5-9   165  Sr   ***  Miami
     Hal Cummings          HB      5-9   179  So        Clermont
  88 Peter Curry           E       6-1   185  Jr        Medford, Mass.
  28 Stephen Dean          HB      5-10  173  So        Oxford, N.C.
  89 Bob Douglas           E       6-1   196  Fr        Dayton, Ohio (Fairmont)
* 67 Robert Elliott        G       5-11  185  Jr        Saint Petersburg (Saint Paul's Catholic)
* 85 Tom Feamster          E       6-7   250  Sr   *    Warwick, Va. (Warwick/William and Mary)
  83 Bob Fountain          E       6-2   190  Fr        Crestview
  74 Willie Gardner        T       6-0   220  So        Tampa
* 65 Vince Gibson          G       5-10  190  Sr   *    Birmingham, Ala. (Howard)
* 42 John Griner           FB      5-10  175  Sr   ***  Jacksonville (Lee)
* 23 Jerry Henderson       HB      5-11  160  So        Pensacola (Pensacola Catholic)
* 41 Joe Holt              FB      5-10  176  Jr   **   Graham, N.C.
* 61 Jerry Jacobs          G       6-1   200  Sr   ***  South Bend, Ind.
     Eddie Johnson         FB      5-10  205  So-R *    Charleston, W.Va.
  84 David Keene           E       6-3   200  Fr        Bethlehem, Pa.
* 71 Charles Kicklighter   T       6-1   211  Sr        Savannah, Ga. (South Georgia JC)
* 44 Bud Leonard           FB      5-11  200  Jr   **   Ocala
  54 Lester Little         C       6-3   203  Fr        Nitro, W.Va.
* 22 Buck Metts            HB      5-10  168  Jr   **   Sanford (Seminole)
  73 Bill Musselman        T       5-11  215  So   *    Lynchburg, Va.
  15 George Norman         QB      5-10  185  Jr        Tallahassee (Newnan)
* 21 Billy Odom            HB      5-8   165  Jr   *    Mount Dora
  86 Norman Olson          E       5-7   171  Jr        Chicago, Ill.
  82 Pete Overton          E       6-1   180  So        Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Campbell College)
* 66 Al Pacifico           G       5-7   203  Jr   **   Altoona, Pa.
  53 Leonard Philion       C       5-11  176  Fr        Highland Park, Mich.
* 70 Don Powell            T       6-0   205  Sr   ***  Birmingham, Ala. (Woodlawn)
* 10 Vic Prinzi            QB      6-0   175  So   *    Waverly, N.Y.
* 77 Bill Proctor          T       6-4   235  Sr        Winter Park (Florida/Stetson)
     Bobby Renn            HB      5-11  170  So        Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Davidson College)
  25 Burt "Buddy" Reynolds HB      5-10  180  So   *    West Palm Beach (Palm Beach)
* 69 Ted Rodrigue          QB-G    5-11  187  So   *    Lynn, Mass. (Lynn Classical)
* 80 Ron Schomburger       E       6-1   190  So   *    Pittsburgh, Pa.
* 76 Ray Staab             T       5-11  205  Jr   **   Charleston, W.Va.
* 12 Len Swantic           QB      5-11  180  Jr   **   Columbus, Ga.
  87 Bill Swilley          E       6-1   185  So        Albany, Ga.
     Herb Taylor           E                  Fr        
  64 Bob Thomas            G       6-0   180  Fr        Mansfield, Ohio
* 13 Pat Versprille        QB      6-2   190  So        Norfolk, Va.
* 26 Billy Weaver          HB      6-0   180  So   *    Miami

1955 Roster - By Number

From the Florida Times Union, September 9, 1955, page 25
L
T                                                  PY
R No Name                  Pos     Hgt   Wgt  Cl   Ltr  Hometown (Prior School)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Bill Brown            T       5-11  191  Fr-R      Orlando (Edgewater)
     Hal Cummings          HB      5-9   179  So        Clermont
     Eddie Johnson         FB      5-10  205  So-R *    Charleston, W.Va.
     Bobby Renn            HB      5-11  170  So        Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Davidson College)
     Herb Taylor           E                  Fr        
* 10 Vic Prinzi            QB      6-0   175  So   *    Waverly, N.Y.
* 12 Len Swantic           QB      5-11  180  Jr   **   Columbus, Ga.
* 13 Pat Versprille        QB      6-2   190  So        Norfolk, Va.
  15 George Norman         QB      5-10  185  Jr        Tallahassee (Newnan)
* 20 Lee Corso             HB      5-10  165  Jr   **   Miami (Jackson)
* 21 Billy Odom            HB      5-8   165  Jr   *    Mount Dora
* 22 Buck Metts            HB      5-10  168  Jr   **   Sanford (Seminole)
* 23 Jerry Henderson       HB      5-11  160  So        Pensacola (Pensacola Catholic)
  25 Burt "Buddy" Reynolds HB      5-10  180  So   *    West Palm Beach (Palm Beach)
* 26 Billy Weaver          HB      6-0   180  So   *    Miami
* 27 Gene Cox              HB      5-10  175  Sr        Lake City (Columbia/Vanderbilt/South Georgia JC)
  28 Stephen Dean          HB      5-10  173  So        Oxford, N.C.
* 29 Carmen Battaglia      HB      5-8   180  So        Niagara Falls, N.Y.
* 41 Joe Holt              FB      5-10  176  Jr   **   Graham, N.C.
* 42 John Griner           FB      5-10  175  Sr   ***  Jacksonville (Lee)
  43 Emil Abood            FB      5-9   170  So        Jacksonville (Bishop Kenny)
* 44 Bud Leonard           FB      5-11  200  Jr   **   Ocala
* 50 Bob Crenshaw          C       5-9   165  Sr   ***  Miami
  51 Hobo Ackerman         C       5-11  190  So        Hopewell, Va. (Hopewell)
* 52 Troy Barnes           C       6-2   206  So   *    Chickasaw, Ala.
  53 Leonard Philion       C       5-11  176  Fr        Highland Park, Mich.
  54 Lester Little         C       6-3   203  Fr        Nitro, W.Va.
* 60 Leo Baggett           G       5-9   195  So   *    Panama City (Bay)
* 61 Jerry Jacobs          G       6-1   200  Sr   ***  South Bend, Ind.
  64 Bob Thomas            G       6-0   180  Fr        Mansfield, Ohio
* 65 Vince Gibson          G       5-10  190  Sr   *    Birmingham, Ala. (Howard)
* 66 Al Pacifico           G       5-7   203  Jr   **   Altoona, Pa.
* 67 Robert Elliott        G       5-11  185  Jr        Saint Petersburg (Saint Paul's Catholic)
* 69 Ted Rodrigue          QB-G    5-11  187  So   *    Lynn, Mass. (Lynn Classical)
* 70 Don Powell            T       6-0   205  Sr   ***  Birmingham, Ala. (Woodlawn)
* 71 Charles Kicklighter   T       6-1   211  Sr        Savannah, Ga. (South Georgia JC)
  73 Bill Musselman        T       5-11  215  So   *    Lynchburg, Va.
  74 Willie Gardner        T       6-0   220  So        Tampa
* 75 Bob Barber            T       5-11  207  Jr   **   Belle Glade
* 76 Ray Staab             T       5-11  205  Jr   **   Charleston, W.Va.
* 77 Bill Proctor          T       6-4   235  Sr        Winter Park (Florida/Stetson)
* 78 John Craig            T       6-1   200  So   *    Orlando
* 80 Ron Schomburger       E       6-1   190  So   *    Pittsburgh, Pa.
* 81 Ham Bisbee            E       6-1   175  So   *    Sanford
  82 Pete Overton          E       6-1   180  So        Henderson, N.C. (Henderson/Campbell College)
  83 Bob Fountain          E       6-2   190  Fr        Crestview
  84 David Keene           E       6-3   200  Fr        Bethlehem, Pa.
* 85 Tom Feamster          E       6-7   250  Sr   *    Warwick, Va. (Warwick/William and Mary)
  86 Norman Olson          E       5-7   171  Jr        Chicago, Ill.
  87 Bill Swilley          E       6-1   185  So        Albany, Ga.
  88 Peter Curry           E       6-1   185  Jr        Medford, Mass.
  89 Bob Douglas           E       6-1   196  Fr        Dayton, Ohio (Fairmont)
Lettermen listed in the 1956 FSU Football Handbook, page 28

1955 Schedule and Results

           
GAME DAY
 
           
FSU
OPP
OPP EOY
DATE
POST
GAME
BOX
SCORE
LOC
OPPONENT
SCORE
AP
UPI
AP
UPI
AP
UPI
REC
09/17
Postgame
Box
H
North Carolina State
W 7- 0
 
 
 
 
 
 
4-5-1
09/30
Postgame
Box
A
Miami
Miami
L 0-34
 
 
 
 
14
18
6-3
10/08
Postgame
Box
H
Virginia Tech
L 20-24
 
 
 
 
 
 
6-3-1
10/15
Postgame
Box
H
Georgia
L 14-47
 
 
 
 
 
 
4-6
10/22
Postgame
Box
A
Georgia Tech
L 0-34
 
 
13
 
7
7
9-1-1
11/05
Postgame
Box
H
Villanova
W 16-13
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-9
11/11
Postgame
Box
A
Furman
W 19- 6
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-9
11/19
Postgame
Box
H
Citadel
W 39- 0
 
 
 
 
 
 
5-4
11/25
Postgame
Box
A
Mississippi Southern
L 6-21
 
 
 
 
 
 
9-1
12/03
Postgame
Box
A
Tampa
W 26- 7
 
 
 
 
 
 
7-2
EOY Stats Ref

                Overall   Home    Away   Neutral
------------------------------------------------
FSU record is    5- 5     3-2     2-3     0-0
Against Top 25   0- 1     0-0     0-1     0-0


1955 - 100 Yard Rushing Club

Name Date Opponent Att Yds Avg TDs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lee Corso 11/05/1955 Villanova 21 107 5.10 0 Billy Odom 11/19/1955 Citadel 10 103 10.30 1

1955 - 100 Yard Receiving Club

Name Date Opponent Rec Yds Avg TDs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ None

1955 - 300 Yard Passing Club

Name Date Opponent Att Cmp Yds Int Avg TDs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- None

1955 EOY Stats

Overall Team Statistics TEAM STATISTICS FSU OPP -------------------------------------------------------- SCORING....................... 147 186 Points Per Game............. 14.7 18.6 TOUCHDOWNS.................... 22 27 TDs Rushing................. 17 19 TDs Passing................. 3 6 TDs Fumble Return........... 1 0 TDs Punt Return............. 0 1 TDs Interception............ 0 1 TDs Kickoff Return.......... 1 0 TDs Lateral................. 0 0 TDs Free Kick............... 0 0 PAT-ATTEMPTS.................. 13-22 21-27 Kick........................ 12-21 21-27 Pass........................ 0- 0 0- 0 Run......................... 1- 1 0- 0 FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS.......... 0- 0 1- 1 SAFETY........................ 1 0 FIRST DOWNS................... 121 153 Rushing..................... 72 103 Passing..................... 41 44 Penalty..................... 8 6 RUSHING YARDAGE............... 1517 1960 Yards gained rushing........ 1781 2212 Yards lost rushing.......... 264 252 Rushing Attempts............ 424 500 Average Per Rush............ 3.6 3.9 Average Per Game............ 151.7 196.0 PASSING YARDAGE............... 990 1089 Att-Comp-Int................ 147- 75-12 146- 73-10 Efficiency.................. 98.00 112.52 Average Per Pass............ 6.7 7.5 Average Per Catch........... 13.2 14.9 Average Per Game............ 99.0 108.9 TOTAL OFFENSE................. 2507 3049 Total Plays................. 571 646 Average Per Play............ 4.4 4.7 Average Per Game............ 250.7 304.9 KICK RETURNS: #-YARDS......... 35- 745 37- 612 Average Per Return.......... 21.3 16.5 PUNT RETURNS: #-YARDS......... 19-188 -207 Average Per Return.......... 9.9 0.0 INT RETURNS: #-YARDS.......... 10-143 12-257 Average Per Return.......... 14.3 21.4 FUMBLES-LOST.................. 26-14 29-18 PENALTIES-YARDS............... 57- 585 60- 590 Average Per Game............ 58.5 59.0 PUNTS-YARDS................... 53-1976 50-1640 Average Per Punt............ 37.3 32.8 Net punt average............ 33.4 29.0 ATTENDANCE.................... 72,411 96,363 Games-Avg Per Game.......... 5-14,482 5-19,273
 1st2nd3rd4th Total
Florida State
13
41
34
59
147
Opponents
33
48
60
45
186
Overall Individual Statistics

RUSHING              G  Att Gain  Loss  Net   Avg  TD Long  Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10  111  463   32   431   3.9   3        43.1
Billy Odom          10   60  308   14   294   4.9   2        29.4
Buck Metts          10   51  269   18   251   4.9   3        25.1
Vic Prinzi          10   41  206   55   151   3.7   2        15.1
Billy Weaver         8   29  152   10   142   4.9   1        17.8
Gene Cox            10   25   91    2    89   3.6   0         8.9
Pat Versprille       6   12   62    4    58   4.8   0         9.7
Joe Holt            10   24   59    4    55   2.3   1         5.5
John Griner          8   10   35    6    29   2.9   0         3.6
Len Swantic         10   43   93   74    19   0.4   4         1.9
Carmen Battaglia          1   10    0    10  10.0   0     
Emil Abood           5    1    3    0     3   3.0   0         0.6
Ron Schomburger     10    1    1    0     1   1.0   0         0.1
Bud Leonard          7    2    1    3    -2  -1.0   0        -0.3
Ted Rodrigue         8    8   23   27    -4  -0.5   1        -0.5
George Norman        2    5    5   15   -10  -2.0   0        -5.0

Total.........      10  424 1781  264  1517   3.6  17       151.7
Opponents.....      10  500 2212  252  1960   3.9  19       196.0


PASSING              G   Effic Att-Cmp-Int   Pct  Yds  TD Long  Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Len Swantic         10  112.31  73- 37- 5   .507  576   2        57.6
Vic Prinzi          10   78.26  58- 29- 6   .500  338   0        33.8
Ted Rodrigue         8   92.10   8-  5- 1   .625   52   0         6.5
Lee Corso           10  332.20   2-  2- 0  1.000   16   1         1.6
George Norman        2   53.44   5-  2- 0   .400    8   0         4.0
Buck Metts          10    0.00   1-  0- 0   .000    0   0         0.0

Total.........      10   98.00 147- 75-12   .510  990   3        99.0
Opponents.....      10  112.52 146- 73-10   .500 1089   6       108.9


RECEIVING            G  No   Yds   Avg  TD Long  Avg/G
------------------------------------------------------
Tom Feamster        10  18   258  14.3   1        25.8
Ron Schomburger     10   9   170  18.9   0        17.0
Lee Corso           10  13   123   9.5   0        12.3
Ham Bisbee          10   5   118  23.6   1        11.8
Buck Metts          10  10    93   9.3   1         9.3
Joe Holt            10   7    82  11.7   0         8.2
Herb Taylor          4   2    42  21.0   0        10.5
Bud Leonard          7   2    32  16.0   0         4.6
Billy Odom          10   3    30  10.0   0         3.0
Emil Abood           5   1    12  12.0   0         2.4
Pete Overton         1   1    12  12.0   0        12.0
Billy Weaver         8   1     8   8.0   0         1.0
Pat Versprille       6   1     6   6.0   0         1.0
John Griner          8   1     3   3.0   0         0.4
Norman Olson        10   1     1   1.0   0         0.1

Total.........      10  75   990  13.2   3        99.0
Opponents.....      10  73  1089  14.9   6       108.9


PUNT RETURNS         No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Lee Corso             7  100  14.3  0     
Buck Metts            5   38   7.6  0     
Billy Weaver          2   17   8.5  0     
Len Swantic           2   16   8.0  0     
Billy Odom            1   14  14.0  0     
Al Pacifico           1    2   2.0  0     
Don Powell            1    1   1.0  0     

Total.........       19  188   9.9  0     
Opponent......           207        1     


INTERCEPTIONS        No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Lee Corso             3   57  19.0  0     
Joe Holt              3   21   7.0  0     
Len Swantic           1   23  23.0  0     
Billy Weaver          1   21  21.0  0     
Vic Prinzi            1   18  18.0  0     
Bill Musselman        1    3   3.0  0     

Total.........       10  143  14.3  0     
Opponent......       12  257  21.4  1     


KICK RETURNS         No  Yds   Avg TD Long
------------------------------------------
Billy Odom           13   358 27.5  1  89t
Lee Corso             7   130 18.6  0     
Buck Metts            4    94 23.5  0     
Len Swantic           2    40 20.0  0     
Billy Weaver          2    31 15.5  0     
Vic Prinzi            2    27 13.5  0     
Joe Holt              2    23 11.5  0     
Tom Feamster          1    21 21.0  0     
Bud Leonard           1    16 16.0  0     
Gene Cox              1     5  5.0  0     

Total.........       35   745 21.3  1     
Opponent......       37   612 16.5  0     


                                            Fum
FUMBLE RETURNS       No  Yds   Avg TD Long  For
-----------------------------------------------
Vince Gibson          3    0   0.0  0   .    0
Buck Metts            2    0   0.0  0   .    0
Len Swantic           2    0   0.0  0   .    0
Jerry Jacobs          2    0   0.0  0   .    0
Leo Baggett           1    1   1.0  1   1t   0
Lee Corso             1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Tom Feamster          1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Joe Holt              1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Vic Prinzi            1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Ron Schomburger       1    0   0.0  0   .    0
Bill Proctor          1    0   0.0  0   .    0

Total.........       18        0.0  1        0
Opponent......       14        0.0  0     


                               |-------- PATs --------|
Name                 TD   FGs    Kick   Rush  Rcv Pass  DXP Saf Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Buck Metts            4   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    24
Len Swantic           4   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    24
Lee Corso             3   0-0     0-0    1-1   0   0-0   0   0    19
Billy Odom            3   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    18
Vic Prinzi            2   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0    12
Bill Proctor          0   0-0     9-13   0-0   0   0-0   0   0     9
Ham Bisbee            1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   1     8
Tom Feamster          1   0-0     0-1    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Joe Holt              1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Leo Baggett           1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Ted Rodrigue          1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Billy Weaver          1   0-0     0-0    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     6
Hobo Ackerman         0   0-0     2-3    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     2
Carmen Battaglia      0   0-0     1-4    0-0   0   0-0   0   0     1
====================================================================
FSU                  22   0-0    12-21   1-1   0   0-0   0   1   147
Opponent             27   1-3    21-27   0-0   0   0-0   0   0   186

Runs and receptions after a touchdown were worth 1 point before 1958
Touchdowns
R
C
P
I
FR
PR
KR
L
FK
Buck Metts
3
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Len Swantic
4
.
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
Lee Corso
3
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
Billy Odom
2
.
.
.
.
.
1
.
.
Vic Prinzi
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ham Bisbee
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Tom Feamster
.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Joe Holt
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Leo Baggett
.
.
.
.
1
.
.
.
.
Ted Rodrigue
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Billy Weaver
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Total
17
3
3
.
1
.
1
.
.
Opponents
19
6
6
1
.
1
.
.
.
R = Rushing
C = Catch
P = Pass
I = Interception
FR = Fumble Recovery/Return
PR = Punt Return/Blocked Punt
KR = Kickoff Return
L = Lateral
FK = Free Kick Return


TOTAL OFFENSE        G Plays Rush Pass Total Avg/G
--------------------------------------------------
Len Swantic         10  116    19  576   595  59.5
Vic Prinzi          10   99   151  338   489  48.9
Lee Corso           10  113   431   16   447  44.7
Billy Odom          10   60   294    0   294  29.4
Buck Metts          10   52   251    0   251  25.1
Billy Weaver         8   29   142    0   142  17.8
Gene Cox            10   25    89    0    89   8.9
Pat Versprille       6   12    58    0    58   9.7
Joe Holt            10   24    55    0    55   5.5
Ted Rodrigue         8   16    -4   52    48   6.0
John Griner          8   10    29    0    29   3.6
Carmen Battaglia          1    10    0    10
Emil Abood           5    1     3    0     3   0.6
Ron Schomburger     10    1     1    0     1   0.1
Bud Leonard          7    2    -2    0    -2  -0.3
George Norman        2   10   -10    8    -2  -1.0

Total.........      10  571  1517  990  2507 250.7
Opponent......      10  646  1960 1089  3049 304.9


PUNTING             No  Yds   Avg Long  TB  FC I20 Blkd
-------------------------------------------------------
Buck Metts          25  960  38.4                     
Pat Versprille      15  628  41.9                     
Ted Rodrigue         6  178  29.7                     
Jerry Henderson      4  126  31.5                     
Len Swantic          2   64  32.0                     
 Team                1   20  20.0                     

Total.........      53 1976  37.3                     
Opponent......      50 1640  32.8                     


ALL PURPOSE          G Rush   Rec   PR   KR   IR   FR  Tot Avg/G
----------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10  431   123  100  130   57    0  841  84.1
Billy Odom          10  294    30   14  358    0    0  696  69.6
Buck Metts          10  251    93   38   94    0    0  476  47.6
Tom Feamster        10    0   258    0   21    0    0  279  27.9
Billy Weaver         8  142     8   17   31   21    0  219  27.4
Vic Prinzi          10  151     0    0   27   18    0  196  19.6
Joe Holt            10   55    82    0   23   21    0  181  18.1
Ron Schomburger     10    1   170    0    0    0    0  171  17.1
Ham Bisbee          10    0   118    0    0    0    0  118  11.8
Len Swantic         10   19     0   16   40   23    0   98   9.8
Gene Cox            10   89     0    0    5    0    0   94   9.4
Pat Versprille       6   58     6    0    0    0    0   64  10.7
Bud Leonard          7   -2    32    0   16    0    0   46   6.6
Herb Taylor          4    0    42    0    0    0    0   42  10.5
John Griner          8   29     3    0    0    0    0   32   4.0
Emil Abood           5    3    12    0    0    0    0   15   3.0
Pete Overton         1    0    12    0    0    0    0   12  12.0
Carmen Battaglia         10     0    0    0    0    0   10
Bill Musselman       5    0     0    0    0    3    0    3   0.6
Al Pacifico         10    0     0    2    0    0    0    2   0.2
Leo Baggett         10    0     0    0    0    0    1    1   0.1
Don Powell          10    0     0    1    0    0    0    1   0.1
Norman Olson        10    0     1    0    0    0    0    1   0.1
Ted Rodrigue         8   -4     0    0    0    0    0   -4  -0.5
George Norman        2  -10     0    0    0    0    0  -10  -5.0

Total.........      10 1517   990  188  745  143    0 3583 358.3
Opponent......      10 1960  1089  207  612  257    0 4125 412.5


                        |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP   UT   AT  Total   ForLoss     No - Yards  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Corso           10    .    .     .      .            .          3- 57   .    .   1-  0   .   1   .
Joe Holt            10    .    .     .      .            .          3- 21   .    .   1-  0   .   1   .
Len Swantic         10    .    .     .      .            .          1- 23   .    .   2-  0   .   .   .
Vic Prinzi          10    .    .     .      .            .          1- 18   .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Vince Gibson        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   3-  0   .   1   .
Jerry Jacobs        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   2-  0   .   .   .
Leo Baggett         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  1   .   .   .
Tom Feamster        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Buck Metts          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   2-  0   .   .   .
Bill Proctor        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Ron Schomburger     10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .   1-  0   .   .   .
Ham Bisbee          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   1   1
Troy Barnes         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Crenshaw        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Don Powell          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Barber          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Al Pacifico         10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Gene Cox            10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Billy Odom          10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Norman Olson        10    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Billy Weaver         8    .    .     .      .            .          1- 21   .    .    .      .   .   .
John Griner          8    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Hobo Ackerman        8    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Ted Rodrigue         8    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bud Leonard          7    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Ray Staab            6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Pat Versprille       6    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bill Musselman       5    .    .     .      .            .          1-  3   .    .    .      .   .   .
Willie Gardner       5    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Emil Abood           5    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Lester Little        5    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Herb Taylor          4    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Charles Kicklighter  3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
John Craig           3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Fountain         3    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bill Swilley         2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
George Norman        2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Stephen Dean         2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Bob Douglas          2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Jerry Henderson      2    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
Pete Overton         1    .    .     .      .            .           .      .    .    .      .   .   .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals                    0    0     0      .            .         10-143   .    .  16-  1   .   4   1


Game Participation
##  Player                       GP-GS  NCS     UM      VT      UGa     GT      VU      FU      CIT     USM     UT      
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Bill Brown                    0- 0                                                                           
    Hal Cummings                  0- 0                                                                           
    Eddie Johnson                 0- 0                                                                           
    Bobby Renn                    0- 0                                                                           
    Herb Taylor                   4- 0                          xx      xx                      xx      xx       
10  Vic Prinzi                   10- 5  xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D
12  Len Swantic                  10- 5  O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx
13  Pat Versprille                6- 0  xx      xx      xx                                      xx      xx      xx
15  George Norman                 2- 0  xx      xx                                                               
20  Lee Corso                    10- 9  O & D   O & D   xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
21  Billy Odom                   10- 4  xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx
22  Buck Metts                   10- 6  O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D
23  Jerry Henderson               2- 0                                          xx      xx                       
25  Burt "Buddy" Reynolds         0- 0                                                                           
26  Billy Weaver                  8- 0                  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
27  Gene Cox                     10- 1  xx      xx      O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
28  Stephen Dean                  2- 0                          xx      xx                                       
29  Carmen Battaglia              0- 0                                                                           
41  Joe Holt                     10- 8  O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
42  John Griner                   8- 0  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx                      xx      xx      xx
43  Emil Abood                    5- 0  xx      xx                                              xx      xx      xx
44  Bud Leonard                   7- 2  xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   xx      xx                       
50  Bob Crenshaw                 10- 8  O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
51  Hobo Ackerman                 8- 0  xx      xx      xx                      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
52  Troy Barnes                  10- 2  xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
53  Leonard Philion               0- 0                                                                           
54  Lester Little                 5- 0                          xx      xx                      xx      xx      xx
60  Leo Baggett                  10- 1  xx      xx      O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
61  Jerry Jacobs                 10- 9  O & D   O & D   xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
64  Bob Thomas                    0- 0                                                                           
65  Vince Gibson                 10- 5  xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx
66  Al Pacifico                  10- 5  O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D
67  Robert Elliott                0- 0                                                                           
69  Ted Rodrigue                  8- 0                  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
70  Don Powell                   10- 2  O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
71  Charles Kicklighter           3- 0                  xx      xx      xx                                       
73  Bill Musselman                5- 0                                          xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
74  Willie Gardner                5- 0  xx      xx                                              xx      xx      xx
75  Bob Barber                   10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
76  Ray Staab                     6- 0  xx      xx              xx      xx      xx      xx                       
77  Bill Proctor                 10- 8  xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
78  John Craig                    3- 0                                                          xx      xx      xx
80  Ron Schomburger              10-10  O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D
81  Ham Bisbee                   10- 4  xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx
82  Pete Overton                  1- 0                                  xx                                       
83  Bob Fountain                  3- 0                                                          xx      xx      xx
84  David Keene                   0- 0                                                                           
85  Tom Feamster                 10- 6  O & D   O & D   O & D   xx      xx      xx      xx      O & D   O & D   O & D
86  Norman Olson                 10- 0  xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx      xx
87  Bill Swilley                  2- 0  xx      xx                                                               
88  Peter Curry                   0- 0                                                                           
89  Bob Douglas                   2- 0                          xx      xx                                       

Florida State 7, North Carolina State 0

09/17/1955, Tallahassee

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, September 18, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Living dangerously and brilliantly, Len Swantic gambled his way to one bright moment that brought Florida State a 7-0 victory over North Carolina State in a football opener here Saturday night.

Held at arm's length all evening long and never inside N.C. State 20, the Seminoles won it with six minutes left when quarterback Swantic fooled an entire team and 15,352 fans with a superb bit of fakery, then passed to giant end Tom Feamster for a touchdown on a 49-yard play.

Moments, before, the second largest crowd in FSU history had all but given up. The Seminoles were backed up at their 14 after wearily stopping one of a series of Wolfpack threats.

Swantic brought them out of the hole with quick short passes.

The Moment

Came third down on the N.C. State 49. A measurement, and inches to go for a first down. From the "I" formation, Swantic stepped back, hid the ball behind him as a fullback slammed the middle. Feamster was all alone at the 32 when Swantic hit him and nobody had a chance to stop him.

Bill Proctor kicked the point.

Halfback Lee Corso, among the national leaders with six pass interceptions last year, hauled in two enemy strays. Each canceling scoring threats. His last one, grabbed inside the FSU 20, killed N.C. State's final hopes with little more than a minute left.

On a soggy Campbell Stadium turf, attacks of both teams sputtered, N.C. State, with its multiple offense, was getting the better of it in a running game.

With Feamster and guard Vince Gibson, big boys in the defensive clutch, FSU held the Raleigh group once at its ten in the third quarter and then again seconds later after a fumble gave the Wolfpack a second crack at the six.

It was FSU's third straight triumph over N.C. State in a 4-year series.

Both Corso and N.C. State George Marinkov were shackled somewhat by the dampness and a predicted running duel never came off. Marinkov did get his feet to working well in one third-quarter drive but the Seminoles stopped him when it counted most.

Marinkov emerged as the game's leading ground gainer with 68 yards in 14 efforts. Buck Metts was FSU's leader with 43 to show for nine tries. Swantic hit on six of eight passes for 105 yards.

It was a wet field after an afternoon rain and both teams stuck methodically to the ground in the early portion.

FSU showed a bit of thunder after receiving the opening kick. A push carried to midfield before a clipping penalty threw the Seminoles back.

Both teams muffled first-quarter breaks.

Backed up at its 25, N.C. State was in trouble when a snap from center sailed over punter Eddie West's head. But West recovered, stumbled past some shoddy FSU tackling efforts, and made himself a first down at the Wolfpack 33. He might have gone the route if the field had been drier. As it was N.C. State neatly turned aside a dangerous error.

Fired up to this quick change, Wolfpack backs, paced by Captain John Zubaty, started rocking FSU's midsection. They were rolling down on the FSU 35 when Zubaty fumbled and Len Swantic hopped aboard the ball for the Seminoles.

Wolfpack Change

An exchange of punts and N.C. State had a shot from the FSU 27 when Buck Metts fumbled and Darrell Dess got it for the pack.

The Seminoles got tough and checked the foe at the 18 as the quarter ended.

It was more of the same until halftime.

Pat Versprille, tall and promising sophomore quarterback, brought fans to attention on a 33-yard run after a fake punt. FSU was shackled at its seven after a 15-yard holding penalty. Versprille whipped up to the Seminole 40 before the stunned Pack got him.

Tom Feamster latched on to a Swantic pass and the big end bulled to the N.C. State 37 for a 21-yard gain. Swantic, Billy Odom and Metts rushed to the 23. There the Wolfpack stiffened and tackle John Bagonis called an outright halt by intercepting Vic Prinzi's pass.

Corso Intercepts

With Zubaty and George Marinkov sprinting up the middle and around end, N.C. State marched to the FSU 29. Guard Vince Gibson discouraged Zubaty with a 4-yard setback. Next play Lee Corso intercepted West's pass and sliced to the 50.

Penalties for delay of the game knocked the Seminoles for a winding.

FSU's sprightly "Marching Chiefs" came on the field to liven things up.

N.C. State loosened the reins on Marinkov and was away and running from the second-half kickoff.

In a time-consuming drive, Marinkov was the man as he took single-wing direct snaps and zipped off two 9-yard gains and one for 18. Then fullback Harrison Makeover took over and powered for short gains.

FSU finally spiked this effort with a stand at its 10. But a moment later the Seminoles were in difficulty again when Swantic fumbled and John Lowe grabbed it for N.C. State at the four.

Field Goal Try

Feamster rose up to rock Marinkov for minus two. A backfield-in-motion penalty further stymied the Wolfpack. On fourth down, N.C. State tried a field goal from the six. It was a poor snap. Marinkov tried to run with the ball and was smeared.

Metts reeled off runs of five and 16 as FSU moved to its 40. Passes failed. Mett's punt was partially blocked, went 18 yards to the Wolfpack 42. The quarter ended.

N.C. State got the better of a punting swap and set FSU back on it's 14.

That was when Swantic started making like a Mandrake with a blank check. On the 14, mind you, and first down. He passes 12 yards to Feamster, then seven to Joe Holt. After Corso picked up eight, Swantic threw again. Corso grabbed it for 10 to the N.C. State 49. That was the stage for the climactic act with Feamster.

N.C. State was not finished.

Last Try

West returned the kickoff to the Wolfpack 49. Marinkov, Makeover and Zubaty pounded to the 29 and West hit Dick Christy with a short pass to the 21.

Then Corso intercepted a Colbert Micklem pass and wrote an end to N.C. State's hopes with about a minute and a half left.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
North Carolina State
0
0
0
0
0
Florida State
0
0
0
7
7

4th   7- 0  Tom Feamster, 49, pass from Len Swantic (Bill Proctor, kick), 4:20 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 8 12 Rushes-yards 36-115 48-167 Passing 105 28 Att-Comp-Int 10-6-1 11-5-2 Total Yards 46-220 59-195 Punt Returns 0-0 2-7 Kickoff Returns 1-23 2-47 Interception Ret. 2-53 1-15 Fumble Returns 1-0 2-0 Punts 5-31.8 3-35.0 Fumbles-Lost 4-2 3-1 Penalties-Yds 6-57 2-10 Attendance 15,352 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 9 43 0 Pat Versprille 1 34 0 Lee Corso 6 23 0 Billy Odom 5 21 0 Gene Cox 1 5 0 Joe Holt 3 4 0 Len Swantic 9 -2 0 George Norman 2 -13 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 36 115 0 Opp 48 167 0 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Tom Feamster 3 78 1 49t Buck Metts 1 10 0 Joe Holt 1 9 0 Lee Corso 1 8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 6 105 1 49t Opp 5 28 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 6 8 0 105 1 49t George Norman 0 1 0 0 0 Vic Prinzi 0 1 1 0 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 6 10 1 105 1 49t Opp 5 11 2 28 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 Opp 2 7 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 23 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 23 0 Opp 2 47 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 4 140 Team 1 19 ---------------------------------------- FSU 5 159 Opp 3 105 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Corso . . . . . 2- 53 . . . . . . Len Swantic . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 2- 53 . . 1- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 1- 15 . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   12  Len Swantic
LH   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   70  Don Powell
RT   75  Bob Barber
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   12  Len Swantic
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   70  Don Powell
RT   75  Bob Barber
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
13  Pat Versprille
15  George Norman
21  Billy Odom
27  Gene Cox
42  John Griner
43  Emil Abood
44  Bud Leonard
51  Hobo Ackerman
##  NAME
-----------------------------
52  Troy Barnes
60  Leo Baggett
65  Vince Gibson
74  Willie Gardner
76  Ray Staab
77  Bill Proctor
81  Ham Bisbee
86  Norman Olson
87  Bill Swilley

Miami 34, Florida State 0

09/30/1955, Miami

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 1, 1955, page 7, by Bill McGrotha.

MIAMI, FL - Before 42,363 people, largest crowd ever to see University of Miami play an opening college game in the Orange Bowl, two teams played just about like most folks figured them to play and the heralded Hurricanes hung a 34-0 defeat on Florida State University's Seminoles here Friday night.

There were few "ifs" or "ands" or "buts" to salve the hopeful Seminoles.

You could count the late injuries that virtually annihilated FSU's remote chance before it took the field. But it is exceedingly doubtful that these casualties, in good health, could have swung the pendulum the other way.

Mixed Offense

Miami played it according to the book. The Hurricanes mixed telling passes with a brutal running attack. But the difference, as much as anything else, was a formidable line with multiple reserves. FSU's offense never had a chance and the Seminoles turned only three first downs, one by running. The Seminoles air attack was shackled by a defense that allowed only four completions in 11 efforts.

Three Seminoles - guard Al Pacifico, backs Buddy Reynolds and Bill Weaver - played not at all. Tackle Bob Barber, with a lacerated face, was questionable until minutes before game time. He did play but was hardly his familiar hard-tackling self. Star lefthalf Lee Corso saw spot duty but neither was Corso close to par with his battered shoulder.

To cap things off, quarterback regular Len Swantic hurt an ankle early in the game and watched the rest from the sidelines.

Best man the Seminoles had this night was Vince Gibson, the ferocious guard from Birmingham. Gibson made tackle after tackle, blocked one point-after try.

Notre Dame

Miami did not look like a team that can manhandle Notre Dame in the headliner here next week. But the Hurricanes were not called upon to show their hand.

It was obvious, too, that the Seminoles need lots of preparation, particularly on offense, before they will be ready to wrestle with Virginia Tech next Saturday in Tallahassee.

It looked like FSU was reasonably well prepared for Miami's vicious running game when the Hurricanes won the toss, received and got only five yards on three rushes. Tackle Bill Proctor stood stout on two of the three efforts off Miami's left side.

Recklessly, the Seminoles made their first bid. On a fake punt, third and 10, Buck Metts was smeared for minus nine back to the FSU 14. Then Metts punted 29 yards to the FSU 43.

That was all the Hurricanes needed.

It was a pass that cracked the FSU defense. Gene Reeves hit 6-3 end john Meldwin for a 30-yard gain to the FSU 13. This big one loosened FSU's tight line.

Gibson Blocks

Four plays later Whitey Rouviere dived over from four yards out for the touchdown. The eager Seminoles were offsides twice. Then Vince Gibson smacked through to block Ed Oliver's point-after try and hold it to 6-0.

FSU drew a personal foul after the kickoff and started back on its 13. After Metts dug for five, the Seminoles showed their only big offensive flash of the first quarter when Swantic struck Tom Feamster for a 28-yard passing gain to the FSU 46. More passes failed and Pat Versprille came in to punt over Miami's goal line.

Miami started at its 20 after this touchback. In 13 running plays, with Mario Bonofiglio in for the first time to direct the celebrated "drive series." The Hurricanes notched their second touchdown. It was truly a crushing blitz, with sub fullback Paul Hefti the leader. Hefti finally piled over the goal from one-yard range. Bonofiglio kicked the point for 13-0. There was barely half a minute left in the first quarter.

In the second period, FSU stood with its back to the scoreboard and tried vainly to build itself a fire.

But the Seminoles did contain Miami. Joe Holt and Barber broke up one Hurricane effort by bopping Rouviere for a loss of nine way back at the Miami 13.With a few minutes left in the half, center Tony Detroia presented Miami with opportunity by intercepting a Ted Rodrigue pass at the FSU 18. Feamster discouraged quarterback J.B. Johnston by racking him for a 4-yard loss. Then Holt intercepted a Johnson pass and all was even.

Gibson Recovers

Miami's John Bookman ran back a punt 30 yards to the FSU 28. Bossler and Rouviere pushed the ball to the 21 but the Hurricanes were assessed 15 yards for clipping. Bonofiglio made it up by passing 18 yards to Rouviere for a first down on the 16. Next play Bonny fumbled and the ever alert Gibson was there to grab it seconds before the first half ticked away.

Miami struck quite methodically for touchdowns on the two times it got the ball in the third quarter.

Metts' punting continued a little weak and the Hurricanes had their first shot from their 49 after a 27-yard kick. Eleven plays brought the TD. Bosseler's 10-yard romp through the middle and Reeves' 10-yard pass to Meldwin put Miami to business at the 29. The Hurricanes powered on to the two from where Reeves raced around left end for the score. Oliver's kick brought it to 20-0.

Three plays later Detroia intercepted a Vic Prinzi pass and Miami stood poised at the FSU 25.

Hefti dug for nine and John Varone for eight to chalk the major gains in the push. Hefti climaxed it by bucking from three yards out. Detroia tried the point, made it and the score was 27-0.

The fourth quarter was a bit more for the Seminoles. They displayed some short-game running strength by Gene Cox, Metts and John Griner but little else offensively.

Fresh Unit

With about two minutes left, Miami shuffled in a fresh unit to add surplus icing on the cake.

Big blow in the 63-yard drive came when Sam Scarnecchia heaved a short pass to Rouviere and the ace halfback converted it into a 31-yard gain to the FSU 7. John Siegel, reserve fullback crashed over the goal from three yards away with 45 seconds left in the game. Oliver got the point for a final 34-0.

Shortly, the weary Seminoles shook hands here and there and went home.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
0
0
Miami
13
0
14
7
34

1st   0- 6  Opp, 4, run (kick blocked by Vince Gibson), 12:30
      0-13  Opp, 1, run (kick), 0:29 
3rd   0-20  Opp, 2, run (kick)
      0-27  Opp, 4, run (kick), 7:00 
4th   0-34  Opp, 4, run (kick), 0:45 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 5 22 Rushes-yards 35-77 65-268 Passing 48 88 Att-Comp-Int 11-4-2 12-4-1 Total Yards 46-125 77-356 Punt Returns 1-11 2-40 Kickoff Returns 5-79 1-21 Interception Ret. 1-6 2-17 Fumble Returns 1-0 0-0 Punts 8-31.4 5-37.6 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 2-1 Penalties-Yds 5-26 5-45 Attendance 42,363 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 8 27 0 Lee Corso 8 18 0 Billy Odom 6 13 0 Billy Cox 3 12 0 John Griner 3 11 0 George Norman 3 3 0 Joe Holt 1 2 0 Vic Prinzi 2 -4 0 Len Swantic 1 -5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 35 77 0 Opp 65 268 5 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Tom Feamster 1 28 0 Buck Metts 2 19 0 Lee Corso 1 1 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 48 0 Opp 4 88 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 1 4 0 28 0 Vic Prinzi 1 2 1 12 0 George Norman 2 4 0 8 0 Ted Rodrigue 0 1 1 0 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 4 11 2 48 0 Opp 4 12 1 88 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 11 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 11 0 Opp 2 40 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 2 38 0 Buck Metts 1 23 0 Joe Holt 1 13 0 Gene Cox 1 5 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 5 79 0 Opp 1 21 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 7 214 Pat Versprille 1 37 ---------------------------------------- FSU 8 251 Opp 5 188 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Crenshaw 6 3 9 . . . . . . . . . Vince Gibson 5 2 7 . . . . . 1- 0 . 1 . Jerry Jacobs 5 2 7 . . . . . . . . . Joe Holt . . . . . 1- 6 . . . . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 16 7 23 . . 1- 6 . . 1- 0 . 1 . Opp . . . . . 2- 17 . . . . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   12  Len Swantic
LH   20  Lee Corso
RH   22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   70  Don Powell
RT   75  Bob Barber
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   12  Len Swantic
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
LT   70  Don Powell
RT   75  Bob Barber
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
13  Pat Versprille
15  George Norman
21  Billy Odom
27  Gene Cox
42  John Griner
43  Emil Abood
44  Bud Leonard
51  Hobo Ackerman
##  NAME
-----------------------------
52  Troy Barnes
60  Leo Baggett
65  Vince Gibson
74  Willie Gardner
76  Ray Staab
77  Bill Proctor
81  Ham Bisbee
86  Norman Olson
87  Bill Swilley

Virginia Tech 24, Florida State 20

10/08/1955, Tallahassee

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 9, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Halfback Billy Odom, running like a frightened bunny, pumped some last-quarter vigor into a discouraged Florida State football team here Saturday night but his fast work was not quite enough as Virginia Tech squeezed out a 24-20 decision.

Behind 21-0 going into that final period, FSU got off the floor when Odom skipped 39 yards to set up a touchdown at the nine. Vic Prinzi scored from the one.

A couple of minutes later, after VPI had moved to margin to 24-7 on Frank Webster's field goal from the 19, the blond speedster from Mt. Dora took a kickoff and zipped 89 yards to score.

With 2:05 left in the game the Seminoles got their third TD. Lee Corso sparked a 59-yard push, then took the ball across from three yards out.

An Eruption

Stymied by three first-quarter fumbles that FSU recovered in Seminole territory, VPI erupted just before halftime for two quick touchdowns on Leo Burke's 39-yard run and Dickie Beard's plunge from the three after Jack Prater wheeled a pass interception 73 yards to the FSU 17.

VPI's last TD came late in the third period when Robert Scruggs ended an 80-yard drive by turning end from six yards out.

But it was Beard's three conversions and Webster's field goal that was the final difference.

To get itself going, FSU chucked its vaunted passing attack and turned to its No. 2 backfield. The air game, under the direction of Len Swantic, was working well enough after it got started midway the second quarter but it lacked scoring punch.

Reserve quarterback Prinzi came in to guide a running attack, spurred by Odom, that caught VPI with its defenses down and started a band-day turnout of 15,000 hollering for more.

VPI racked up 23 first downs, had a smooth mixture of passing and running. Billy Cranwell hit 11 of 14 passes for 162 yards as half a dozen backs shared honors in a ground attack that brought 247 yards.

The Seminoles completed 12 of 18 aerials, with Swantic connecting on 10 of 15. Odom got 47 yards in four rushing tries and Corso 40 in five.

FSU entered the game a two-touchdown underdog and for a while it looked as though VPI would have its way with points to spare.

Quick Pass

Virginia Tech came out throwing the ball. On the first Gobbler play from scrimmage, after FSU's attack from the kickoff failed, Billy Cranwell nailed Roger Simmons for a 15-yard gain that promptly put the Tech in FSU territory at the 47.

VPI turned to the ground and maneuvered to the 28, with Don Divers' 13-yarder the big gain. But Cranwell, tackled, pitched out desperately. Nobody was there to grab it and Bill Proctor recovered for the Seminoles at the 36.

A 15-yard holding penalty shackled FSU and Pat Versprille punted 40 yards to the VPI 41.

With Dickie Beard and Divers finding sizable holes in the FSU line, VPI pounded to the 33. Cranwell hit Grover Jones with a pass for 15 and the Techs were at the 18.

Once more Cranwell bobbled and Jerry Jacobs got aboard the ball for FSU.

More of Same

A bit later, VPI opened up from the FSU 48 and marched to the four, with Divers converting a screen pass from Cranwell into a 34-yard gain.

It was fullback Bob Connors who coughed up the ball this time and Buck Metts who latched on for the Tribe.

Versprille got the Seminoles out of the hole with a whopping 60-yard punt just after the second quarter opened.

But again the Techs were on the move, with Cranwell smartly mixing quick spot passes with rugged running. Lee Corso brought this one to a halt at the FSU 14 with his third interception of the season.

Both teams started opening up.

On four straight passes, Len Swantic connected with Tom Feamster for 15 and 11 yards, Ham Bisbee for 18 and Metts for 11. The string ran out at the VPI 31 when Swantic fumbled and Jones recovered for VPI.

With five minutes to go on the half, VPI finally found the combination.

Burke Strikes

A 69-yard drive was brought to sensational climax when quarterback Leo Burke faked brilliantly and took off on a fantastic run through center. He cut back and got loose for a touchdown on a play that covered 39 yards. Beard converted.

Swantic brought the kickoff to the FSU 41 and the Techs drew a roughing penalty of 15 that set the Tribe up at the Gobbler 47. Swantic passed to Feamster for 17 and to Billy Odom for 15. First down on the 15.

Then Jack Prater, center from Miami Beach, plucked Swantic's next shot out of the air and rambled 73 yards to the FSU 17. It was Swantic who finally nabbed him. On a quickie, Robert Scruggs smashed 14 yards. Beard took it over from the three, then kicked the point and VPI went to the dressing room with a 14-0 halftime lead, one point bigger than Miami's margin at the midway mark a week ago.

VPI took the second half kick and paraded from its 27 to the FSU 15. Cranwell's short passes continued to loosen the Seminole defense.

Futile Try

Finally, the Techs tried a field goal from the 17. But there was a fumble on the snap. Beard, trying to run, worked for naught. There was an ineligible received downfield and FSU got the ball at the 34.

Just before the quarter ended, VPI slashed 80 yards for its third TD. In two lightning plays, Scruggs dug around right end for 34 and Cranwell passed to Simmons for 36 to the FSU 2. VPI got a five-yard penalty for delay of game but Scruggs, on a pitchout, danced six yards around right end for the score. Beard's kick made it 21-0.

Bill Weaver returned the kick to the 31. Vic Prinzi moved in at quarterback for FSU to guide a "Second string" backfield of Gene Cox, Odom and Bud Leonard.

Sticking to the ground, this crew chopped out the yardage. Odom broke through the line and sprinted 37 yards to the VPI nine. The run brought FSU to life.

Prinzi Scores

Leonard picked up six and Odom one. Prinzi sneaked over for the touchdown from a yard out. Proctor converted and the score was 21-7 in the opening moments of the fourth quarter.

In a weird turn on the kickoff, Proctor's toe missed the ball. Officials gave the ball to the Techs at FSU's 40, the kickoff point.

Tech pushed to the 19. Frank Webster came in to try a fourth-down field goal. It was good and the count stood 24-7.

Odom electrified the crowd by grabbing the kickoff at the 11 and racing down the right side 89 yards for FSU's second TD. Proctor's kick made it 24-14 with 8:10 to go.

Too Little Time

An aroused defense stopped VPI's next effort cold. A punt gave FSU a start from its 41.

Corso got nine, then 11. VPI drew a 15-yard roughing penalty and FSU was in business at the Tech 22. After Odom lost one, Corso slanted off tackle to the 17. Prinzi pitched to Corso for a first down at the 11. Odom fought through for eight to the three. Corso crashed over guard for the TD. Proctor's point was wide and it was 24-20 with 2:05 left.

VPI grimly hung on to the ball in the remaining seconds.

The FSU cheering section chanted in vain: "Get the ball, you all, get the ball!"

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Virginia Tech
0
14
7
3
24
Florida State
0
0
0
20
20

2nd   0- 7  Opp, 39, run (kick), 4:11 
      0-14  Opp, 3, run (kick)
3rd   0-21  Opp, 7, run (kick)
4th   7-21  Vic Prinzi, 1, run (Bill Proctor, kick), 12:02
      7-24  Opp, 29, field goal
     14-24  Billy Odom, 89, kickoff return (Bill Proctor, kick), 8:10 
     20-24  Lee Corso, 4, run (Bill Proctor, kick failed), 2:08 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 12 23 Rushes-yards 28-94 56-247 Passing 123 183 Att-Comp-Int 18-12-1 17-12-1 Total Yards 46-217 73-430 Punt Returns 1-6 4-26 Kickoff Returns 5-174 2-33 Interception Ret. 1-4 1-73 Fumble Returns 3-0 1-0 Punts 5-43.4 1-44.0 Fumbles-Lost 4-1 4-3 Penalties-Yds 4-30 8-77 Attendance 13,268 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 4 47 0 Lee Corso 5 40 1 Bud Leonard 2 16 0 Gene Cox 4 11 0 Vic Prinzi 1 1 1 Joe Holt 2 0 0 Ted Rodrigue 2 -6 0 Buck Metts 3 -7 0 Len Swantic 5 -8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 28 94 2 Opp 56 247 3 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Tom Feamster 5 56 0 Lee Corso 4 23 0 Ham Bisbee 1 18 0 Billy Odom 1 15 0 Buck Metts 1 11 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 12 123 0 Opp 12 183 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 10 15 1 102 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 2 0 15 0 Vic Prinzi 1 1 0 6 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 12 18 1 123 0 Opp 12 17 1 183 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 1 6 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 1 6 0 Opp 4 26 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 1 89 1 89t Buck Metts 2 48 0 Len Swantic 1 21 0 Billy Weaver 1 16 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 5 174 1 89t Opp 2 33 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 3 118 Pat Versprille 2 99 ---------------------------------------- FSU 5 217 Opp 1 44 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Corso . . . . . 1- 4 . . . . . . Bill Proctor . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Jerry Jacobs . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Buck Metts . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 1- 4 . . 3- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 1- 73 . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   12  Len Swantic
RHB  22  Buck Metts
LHB  27  Gene Cox
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   12  Len Swantic
DB   22  Buck Metts
DB   27  Gene Cox
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   60  Leo Baggett
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
13  Pat Versprille
20  Lee Corso
21  Billy Odom
26  Billy Weaver
42  John Griner
44  Bud Leonard
51  Hobo Ackerman
##  NAME
-----------------------------
52  Troy Barnes
61  Jerry Jacobs
66  Al Pacifico
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
71  Charles Kicklighter
81  Ham Bisbee
86  Norman Olson

Georgia 47, Florida State 14

10/15/1955, Tallahassee

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 16, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Held to a 13-7 halftime lead, Georgia's tough enough Bulldogs rushed away with a trio of third-quarter touchdowns and continued on to 47-14 success over Florida State's too young Seminoles here Saturday night.

The Bulldogs pulled out front early. FSU bobbled the kickoff and Georgia's recovery left only 40 yards between the Bulldogs and a touchdown.

Wally Butts manipulated four quarterbacks in and out. Each succeeded at least once. Dick Young, who leads the country in passing yardage and touchdowns, via passing, hit on five of six throws for 69 yards and one touchdown. It was his sixth TD toss and his air yardage total moved to 556.

Tarleton Sharp

Lefthalf Wendell Tarleton was an ace for the winners, scoring Georgia's first two touchdowns, on a 2-yard sweep and on a 29-yard pass from Young. He also set up Georgia's fourth TD with a pass interception.

Quarterback Len Swantic notched both FSU touchdowns on runs of 12 yards and one foot. The first came just before the half and the second after Georgia was in front, 26-7.

The Bulldogs scored in succession in the last half in this manner: Bobby Garrard's 68-yard run on the opening play of the third quarter, Jimmy Harper's 15-yard pass to Roy Wilkins, Charley Harris' 4-yard run, Harper's 11-yard sweep, Joe Comfort's 11-yard pass to Jimmy Williams.

Four touchdowns running, three passing, pleased Coach Wallace Butts who has been looking for a ground game to augment his aerial attack.

A near-capacity turnout of 18,687 mostly partisan fans found little to cheer about after that first half. The Seminoles looked skittish at the start, had trouble hanging onto the ball. They calmed down in the middle quarters but Georgia's usual strong finish was too much. The reserves that Butts moved in during the final portion proved as eager and almost as accomplished as the starters.

It was FSU's third straight setback of a tough schedule on the heels of an opening 7-0 triumph over N.C. State. For Georgia it was the biggest scoring production in three years and brought its season record to 3-2.

Georgia totaled a healthy 283 yards on the ground, 154 via air, with a hard-running Garrard leading with 128 yards on 14 carries. Billy Odom sparked FSU with 40 yards in nine trips.

Neither defense seemed as good as billed. Time and again Georgia backs ripped off gains when it appeared they were trapped.

A staggering 115 yards in penalties further shackled the Seminoles. Georgia was taxed 60 yards.

A Quick One

Things started going Georgia's way from the opening kickoff when Bud Leonard fumbled on the runback and Walter White recovered for the Bulldogs.

In eight running plays and four minutes Georgia had its touchdown. Tarleton, almost caught for a loss, got away for six. Bobby Garrard banged for four, then 14. Young fumbled but Jimmy Orr picked it up and gained six. Orr got two more, then four to the four. Garrard went for tow, then Tarleton scooted around right end to score standing up. Ken Cooper missed the point. It was 6-0.

Billy Proctor was there to grab it at the 35 for FSU. The Seminoles couldn't move and Pat Versprille punted.

The Bulldogs moved just inside FSU territory but a penalty for a foul repulsed them and they showed their respect for Seminole punt-returners by feeding to Garrard for a quick-kick that went over the goal line.

More Penalties

Backed up by clipping penalty themselves, the Seminoles punted again. Another 15-yard assessment for a foul gave Georgia a shot from the FSU 32. But, with Jimmy Harper in at quarterback, Georgia stopped moving. Harper's fourth-down pass from the 28 was grabbed by Charley Harris at the goal line but his catch was out of bounds and it was a no go.

With the help of a 15-yarder on another Georgia foul, FSU moved to its 49. On third down, needing four, Lee Corso found a hole and ripped off 12 yards up the middle to the Georgia 39 and FSU was in Georgia territory for the first time. Swantic's passing failed. Jerry Henderson came in to punt out of bounds at the 13.

Georgia paraded 87 yards to touchdown No. 2, given new life with a spot of luck. Bulldog runners were initially stopped short of a first down. Garrard punted, and it was a boo-boo, going straight up and coming down a few yards away at the 33. But the ball hit FSU's Don Powell and guard Alex MacDonald covered it for a Bulldog first down.

Garrard dug for 11. Young nailed Tarleton for a 16-yard air gain, then collaborated with Orr for 11 more that put Georgia at the FSU 29. Young then struck Tarleton with a pass at the seven and he scampered across the goal untouched. Joe comfort converted for 13-0 with a minute gone in the second quarter.

Georgia made a swipe at FSU's goal again midway the period when Orr danced 46 yards with a punt to the Seminole 44. Proctor knifed through to rack Young for minus yards and then Young was taxed for internationally grounding a pass. That stopped it.

Payoff Drive

Finally the Seminoles settled down. With Swantic the general, the gears started to mesh and FSU marched 75 yards to score four minutes before halftime.

From the 33, Swantic sailed a long one to Ham Bisbee who took hold at the Georgia 33 and got to the 24 before Young tackled him. It was a 43-yard play.

Cox pounded out four, Metts skipped around left end to the 12, Swantic faked to Metts, then, on the keep, tore out wide around the right side for the touchdown. Proctor converted for 13-7.

The Bulldogs were taking no chances. They stuck mostly to the ground until the midway whistle blew with Tarleton stopped short at midfield after nabbing a short Young pass.

The Break Through

Quickly, Georgia cracked things open in the last half.

On the first play from scrimmage after the kick, Garrard worked loose off the right side and sprinted 68 yards for TD No. 3. Metts had an opportunity to get him at the 20 but was out-maneuvered. Cooper's kick brought it to 20-7.

Moments later, after the Seminoles got to midfield when Young interfered with Bisbee's pass reception, Tarleton intercepted a Swantic pitch and wheeled to the FSU 22. Tarleton gained seven. Harper connected with Roy Wilkins on a 15-yard touchdown pass. Cooper missed, leaving it 26-7.

The Seminoles got a chance and made good when Young fumbled and Don Powell hopped on the ball for FSU at the Georgia 30. Seven running plays did it. Corso got eight, Odom six, Swantic five. Odom smashed to the six for a first down. Corso ripped to the three. Swantic kept, got within a foot of the goal, then sneaked over on the next play. Proctor's kick was true and things stood 26-14.

Soph Success

But Georgia had time for another TD in the quarter. Sophomore Billy Hearn came in and brightly quarterbacked the Bulldogs 58 yards to success. Hern's 13-yard run for first down at the FSU 33 when he could not find a receiver open was the key play. Garrard climaxed the ground drive, taking a belated handoff from a sweeping Hearn to score from four yards out.

Odom shot up to the FSU 40 with the kick. A 29-yard pass, Swantic to Schomburger, set the Seminoles up at the 27. Odom raced for 14 and a first down at the 13. But the bid went sour when Cleve Clark crashed through to tag Swantic for minus nine. Three passes provided no payoff and Georgia took over.

Midway the last period Harper took the Bulldogs on a 77-yard air excursion, hitting Butch Mulherin for 32, Orr for 13, Henry Dukes for 12. From 11 out, Harper went around right end for the points. Wilbur Lofton's kick moved the count to 40-14.

Bill Musselman's interception of a Joe Comfort pass at the FSU 30 stopped one Georgia threat but Georgia was presented with a final opportunity when a fourth-down play failed and the Bulldogs took over at the Seminole 18. Harold Pilgrim got seven the Comfort passed 11 yards to Jimmy Williams for the score. Comfort's conversion brought it to a final 47-14.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Georgia
6
7
20
14
47
Florida State
0
7
7
0
14

1st   0- 6  Opp, 3, run (kick failed), 11:12
2nd   0-13  Opp, 29, pass (kick), 14:16
      7-13  Len Swantic, 12, run (Bill Proctor, kick), 3:36 
3rd   7-20  Opp, 67, run (kick)
      7-26  Opp, 15, pass (kick failed)
     14-26  Len Swantic, 1, run (Bill Proctor, kick)
     14-33  Opp, 3, run (kick)
4th  14-40  Opp, 11, run (kick), 7:00 
     14-47  Opp, 11, pass (kick)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 10 19 Rushes-yards 45-121 51-270 Passing 98 154 Att-Comp-Int 17-7-1 18-10-1 Total Yards 62-219 69-424 Punt Returns 2-19 2-56 Kickoff Returns 8-179 3-73 Interception Ret. 1-3 1-36 Fumble Returns 1-0 2-0 Punts 7-41.4 4-31.0 Fumbles-Lost 3-2 2-1 Penalties-Yds 9-115 6-70 Attendance 18,678 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 9 40 0 Lee Corso 10 38 0 Len Swantic 10 23 2 Gene Cox 5 22 0 Buck Metts 3 18 0 Pat Versprille 1 7 0 Billy Weaver 1 6 0 John Griner 2 4 0 Bud Leonard 1 -3 0 Vic Prinzi 1 -13 0 Ted Rodrigue 2 -21 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 45 121 2 Opp 51 270 4 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ham Bisbee 2 56 0 Lee Corso 1 16 0 Ron Schomburger 2 16 0 Pat Versprille 1 6 0 Buck Metts 1 4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 7 98 0 Opp 10 154 3 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 6 13 1 92 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 1 0 6 0 Vic Prinzi 0 2 0 0 0 Buck Metts 0 1 0 0 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 7 17 1 98 0 Opp 10 18 1 154 3 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 18 0 Don Powell 1 1 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 19 0 Opp 2 56 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 5 134 0 Bud Leonard 1 16 0 Billy Weaver 1 15 0 Lee Corso 1 14 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 8 179 0 Opp 3 73 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Pat Versprille 4 175 Buck Metts 2 93 Jerry Henderson 1 22 ---------------------------------------- FSU 7 290 Opp 4 124 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Musselman . . . . . 1- 3 . . . . . . Don Powell . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 1- 3 . . 1- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 1- 36 . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   10  Vic Prinzi
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  21  Billy Odom
FB   44  Bud Leonard
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   10  Vic Prinzi
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
LB   44  Bud Leonard
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
    Herb Taylor
12  Len Swantic
22  Buck Metts
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
28  Stephen Dean
41  Joe Holt
42  John Griner
50  Bob Crenshaw
54  Lester Little
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
66  Al Pacifico
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
71  Charles Kicklighter
76  Ray Staab
85  Tom Feamster
86  Norman Olson
89  Bob Douglas

Georgia Tech 34, Florida State 0

10/22/1955, Atlanta, Ga.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, October 23, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

ATLANTA, GA - For 28 minutes here this bright sunny Saturday afternoon, Florida State threw a monkey wrench into Georgia Tech's high-geared football machine. After which the Engineers cranked up and drove to a 34-0 victory.

Thirty thousand Grant Field folks looked on with respect as the Seminoles checked well regarded Tech on seven points until two minutes before halftime.

At the midway mark it was 14-0.

Tech racked two quick touchdowns in the third quarter, had to wait until the final half minute for its fifth and final one.

Though Bobby Dodd, in the final analysis, had used 48 troops he had no alternative but to keep his top-grade boys in for well over half the contest.

The 'V' Boys

More than any other individuals, it was Tech's talented "V" boys, George Volkert and Tommy Vann, who did the damage. Volkert, about as All-American as they come, ran seven times for 104 yards and more than one-third of his team's healthy rushing total of 290. Vann scored twice, completed five of 11 passes - all at most opportune times.

Tech kept the FSU defense loose with passes, displaying fine balance that brought 442 yards of offense, all told.

Though they had some bright defensive moments, the Seminoles scarcely forged a threat on offense. Deepest penetration was to the Tech 41 in the first period. One thing. Tech controlled the ball well over a majority of the game.

People like Ronald Schomburger, Bill Proctor and Al Pacifico put a crimp in the tech attack at important stages.

Old Story

Mostly, it was the story that has become familiar the past hard month - not enough depth to survive in the stretch against the big boys.

FSU entered the game riled, unhappy about the pregame stories appearing in the Atlanta press that were slanted toward next week's Tech date with Duke.

There were lots of penalties but it wasn't a bruising games like last week's with Georgia. Tech was taxed 100 yards, FSU 109.

Tech scored in succession on Wade Mitchell's 39-yard punt return, Vann's 1-yard sneak, Vann's 7-yard sweep, Ted Smith's 3-yard pass reception from Stan Cochran, Burton Grant's 40-yard pass to Paul Vickers.

For the Seminoles now comes merciful rest, an open date before a Nov. 5 engagement in Tallahassee against Villanova.

Versprille Gem

FSU kept Tech away from its goal until midway the first quarter.

The Seminoles received the opening kick but, after a fumble lost two yards, could not get going. Pat Versprille entered the game to punt with FSU at its 34. It was a beaut, traveling 63 yards and out of bounds at the Tech three.

Mitchell quarterback-sneaked three times for a first down at the 14. After Ken Owens got three, Volkert struck FSU's right guard slot and wiggled away for a 73-yard scamper to the FSU six where Lee Corso refused a stiff arm and brought him down.

Stan Flowers hit twice, got three. Volkert dug to the one but on fourth down Owens was stopped an inch or so short and the Seminoles took over.

All in Vain

It was only a moment's advantage as Mitchell cuddled up the Buck Metts' punt at the FSU 39, danced slickly toward the sideline, cut back slightly to sidestep Seminoles and went the route. Mitchell converted and it was 7-0 with 7:27 to go in the quarter.

A little later it looked like Tech had No. 2 when soph center Don Stephenson intercepted a Len Swantic pass and maneuvered four yards to cross the goal. But an official had blown his whistle for illegal procedure before the play opened, killing it before it started. FSU took a five-yard penalty.

Swantic, not discouraged, promptly passed again, and Corso converted the reception into a 32-yard gain to the tech 43 with a bit of sparkling running. More passes fell incomplete and Ted Rodrique punted over the Tech goal.

Tech's next threat was throttled when Proctor slashed through to deck Vann for an 11-yard loss at the Jacket 20.

Schomburger ripped in to partially block Dickie Mattison's punt which ended up 25 yards away at the Tech 45. But an assessment for illegal use of hands moved the Seminoles back into their own territory and canceled the chance.

Fumble at 10

Early in the second quarter Tech moved on the ground from its 30 to the FSU 10, with Volkert, Owens, Flowers and Mitchell alternating rushes. At the 10 Flowers fumbled and Corso recovered for the Tribe.

Versprille punted out to the FSU 49 and Mitchell returned to the 36. FSU was penalized five for too much time. Jimmy Thompson got five more. Fullback Owens went wide for 16 to the nine, was hurt on the play and helped off the field. He had a twisted knee, did not return to action. After Vann drove to the six Al Pacifico rose up to hit the Tech quarterback for minus four and the Jackets finally yielded on downs at the six after Vic Prinzi batted down an end zone pass.

Two minutes before the half Vann directed Tech to its second TD. Starting at the FSU 49, it took 11 plays with Vann hitting Paul Vickers with a 14-yard pass, Stan Cochran with a 15-yarder and finally sneaking over himself from one yard out. Mitchell's point brought it to 14-0.

Stolen Pass

The Seminoles had time to move to midfield but Miamian Charley Bryant put an end to it with an interception for Tech as the seconds ticked away into halftime.

Florida State's brilliant "Marching Chiefs" came on to dazzle Atlantans. One enthused hometown sports writer summed up their reception pretty well: "That must be the best band in the United States!"

From the second half kickoff, Tech pushed 59 yards in 12 plays to its third six-pointer. Vann's passing and Volkert's running led the march. After an offside penalty nullified Flowers' payoff plunge from two yards out, Vann did the honors from the seven, bootlegging around end. Grant's point try strayed, leaving it 20-0.

Corso's fumble and Grant's recovery at the FSU 38 quickly paved another for Tech. Vann's 14-yard pass to Cochran was a big gainer. From three yards out, Cochran took a handoff and passed to Ted Smith in the end zone for the TD. Grant converted. Things stood 27-0.

Penalties were shackling the Seminoles and they cut no offensive ice in the third quarter.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
0
0
Georgia Tech
7
7
13
7
34

1st   0- 7  Opp, 39, punt return/blocked punt (kick), 7:27 
2nd   0-14  Opp, 1, run (kick)
3rd   0-20  Opp, 7, run (kick failed)
      0-27  Opp, 3, pass (kick)
4th   0-34  Opp, 37, pass (kick), 0:34 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 5 24 Rushes-yards 30-71 60-290 Passing 64 152 Att-Comp-Int 11-3-1 22-11-1 Total Yards 41-135 82-442 Punt Returns 2-14 3-61 Kickoff Returns 6-97 1-20 Interception Ret. 1-11 1-3 Fumble Returns 1-0 1-0 Punts 10-34.4 3-37.0 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 2-1 Penalties-Yds 9-109 8-100 Attendance 30,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 5 19 0 Billy Weaver 4 19 0 John Griner 1 8 0 Joe Holt 3 8 0 Len Swantic 6 7 0 Pat Versprille 4 6 0 Billy Odom 3 4 0 Buck Metts 2 3 0 Vic Prinzi 2 -3 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 30 71 0 Opp 60 290 2 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 1 32 0 Bud Leonard 1 20 0 Pete Overton 1 12 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 64 0 Opp 11 152 2 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 3 11 1 64 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 3 11 1 64 0 Opp 11 22 1 152 2 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 1 14 0 Buck Metts 1 0 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 14 0 Opp 3 61 1 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 4 74 0 Lee Corso 1 13 0 Joe Holt 1 10 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 6 97 0 Opp 1 20 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Pat Versprille 5 190 63 Jerry Henderson 2 64 Buck Metts 1 39 Len Swantic 1 30 Ted Rodrigue 1 21 ---------------------------------------- FSU 10 344 63 Opp 3 111 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lee Corso . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Joe Holt . . . . . 1- 11 . . . . . . Ron Schomburger . . . . . . . . . . 1 . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 1- 11 . . 1- 0 . 1 . Opp . . . . . 1- 3 . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   10  Vic Prinzi
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  21  Billy Odom
FB   44  Bud Leonard
C    52  Troy Barnes
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   10  Vic Prinzi
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
LB   44  Bud Leonard
MG   52  Troy Barnes
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
    Herb Taylor
12  Len Swantic
22  Buck Metts
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
28  Stephen Dean
41  Joe Holt
42  John Griner
50  Bob Crenshaw
54  Lester Little
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
66  Al Pacifico
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
71  Charles Kicklighter
76  Ray Staab
82  Pete Overton
85  Tom Feamster
86  Norman Olson
89  Bob Douglas

Florida State 16, Villanova 13

11/05/1955, Tallahassee

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 6, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - With its lineman rising to the occasion, Florida State hung on for a grim 16-13 decision over a battling Villanova College football team in a rather weird game of breaks and mistakes here Saturday afternoon.

Behind much of the way, the Seminoles had a last-quarter winner when Leo Baggett, sophomore guard from Panama City, swiped the ball from Villanova quarterback Bill Magee's hands and fell across the goal, a scant yard away from the point of the thievery, for six points.

Ham Bisbee, sophomore end from Sanford, provided FSU with its first points in the second quarter, crashing through to ground would-be punter Nick Sapienza behind the Villanova goal for a safety.

A pair of extra points by big tackle Bill Proctor helped insure the victory.

Penalty Assist

FSU moved to a 9-7 halftime advantage on quarterback Vic Prinzi's 6-yard run a minute before the midway whistle. Villanova had just provided a broad assist by drawing a 15-yard penalty for illegal substitution of a player who had seen action previously in the quarter.

The Wildcats, fired by the memory of their 52-12 loss here last year, bounced to a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter on a penalty-paved drive of 61 yards, climaxed by Davey Parr's smash from the one. And the Philadelphians went back in front, 13-9, in the third quarter when Magee sliced 64 yards with an intercepted pass.

Time and again the FSU line "had it" at the right moments and made it a most frustrating day for Coach Frank Reagan and his men.

Sharp Kicking

FSU's kicking was a telling factor. The Seminoles averaged 42.2 yards on seven punts and Buck Metts 47.3 on three.

With FSU's passing game still running bad to worse and Seminole quarterbacks making only seven throws for three completions, lefthalf Lee Corso turned in one of his finer games, picking up 107 yards in 21 carries for more than half of the Tribe's rushing total of 206.

John Bauer, gaining 67 yards in 15 runs, led Villanova's attack, along with quarterback John Ferruolo who hit six of eight passes and sparked a dangerous but futile drive in the fading moments.

Despite Corso's contribution, Villanova was able to halt FSU's running game pretty much when it counted. The Seminoles lacked power for consistent line plunging close to the goal and a corps of ends, rated as perhaps the finest in an illustrious Villanova gridiron history, discouraged wide stuff.

Crowd of 9,700

Fumbles, pass interceptions, penalties and sometimes unorthodox strategy helped keep an announced crowd of 9,700 quite interested.

From the kickoff until midway the second quarter, FSU found most things going against it.

Bauer, powerful 195-pound fullback, returned the game-opening boot 24 yards to his 36, fumbled and an FSU player apparently recovered. But officials ruled the whistle had blown before Bauer lost the ball.

With Bauer hitting the middle and cohorts Parr and Saplenza running wide, Villanova made the only penetrations into opposition territory during the first quarter.

Villanova stood poised with a first down at FSU's 45 once but Bob Crenshaw rose up to smack Bauer for minus one. Then Proctor hit Ferruolo for a loss of four and that canceled that.

In the Hole

Saplenza punted neatly, out of bounds at the FSU five. On the first run from that hole, Metts fumbled and Ferruolo got it for the Main Liners at the nine. Bauer quickly plunged to the five. The threat played out when Villanova got mixed up on a handoff for a fumbling loss of four. Ray Staab then socked Saplenza for minus three.

Bauer tried a field goal from the 12. It was weak and low. Al Pacifico covered the ball for the Seminoles at the two and the effort went for a 10-yard punt.

After a couple of runs gained three, Metts punted beautifully, good for 56 big yards to the Villanova 39 just before the quarter ran out.

With the help of two penalties Villanova pushed 61 yards to score. One big assist was a pass interference ruling that netted the visitors a 14-yard gain and a first down at the FSU 45. Ferruolo promptly lit out around end for 27 yards to the 18, where Corso brought him to earth. Bauer whipped to the 15, Ferruolo to the 10 and John Deveraux to the six. FSU drew a five-yard offsides penalty and Parr cracked over from the one. Bauer converted for 7-0 and there 1as 11 minutes remaining before the half.

Fake and Pass

The touchdown stirred the Seminoles to new effort. With a half foot to go for a first down at the 38, quarterback Len Swantic faked brightly, raced back and threw a pass to end Ronald Schomburger who latched on for a 36-yard gain that set up at the Villanova 26.

Corso dashed to the 14. Odom whacked to the nine. Swantic bootlegged for two to the seven. There it failed and Villanova took over.

There must have been something of a turning point about this time. Villanova pushed out to the 25 but a screen pass lost 19. A penalty for delay docked Villanova for five more. Back to punt, Sapienza got a low snap and Bisbee dived in to down him in the end zone for a safety. Villanova led, 7-2.

Corso took Villanova's kick after the safety and danced 28 yards to the Wildcat 47. He fumbled but Crenshaw recovered.

On the Way

Billy Weaver got seven on a reverse. Corso dug for eight. Prinzi, on the keep, struck off 11 to the 21.

Here Villanova pulled a boo-boo, calling time out a minute and a half to go and sending in an illegal substitute - guard Frank Kane, who had already seen action in the four minutes before the half.

The move cost a 15-yard penalty and FSU had a chance from the six. Prinzi danced to his left, waited, saw a hole open off left guard and sprinted through for the touchdown. Proctor's conversion gave FSU a 9-7 lead.

FSU had another opportunity when Sapienza fumbled the kick and Metts hopped on the ball for the Seminoles at the Villanova 14. Prinzi swept to the nine and Ted Rodrigue rushed to the two.

With seconds left, FSU fouled up with a substitution and delay of game that cost five yards and a possible touchdown. There was time for only one futile play from the seven before the whistle blew.

Vain Attempts

Spurred by Corso's running, FSU forged two quick second half threats. A clipping penalty helped bog one bid at the Villanova 48 and Parr's interception of a Prinzi pass stopped another at the enemy 27.

With 5:30 left in the third quarter, Magee intercepted a Swantic pitch and sped 64 yards to a touchdown that brought Villanova in front, 13-9. Corso blocked Bauer's point try.

A bit later, Parr fumbled as he hit the line and Vince Gibson recovered for an FSU shot from the Villanova 36.

Grimly, FSU marched. On fourth down, needing four at the 13, Prinzi passed to Schomburger at the four. In four plunges, FSU could not make it across.

Instead of punting out of trouble, Villanova tried to run out. It was a mistake. Guard Lee Baggett stole the ball from quarterback Magee, who was trying to hand off to a back who wasn't there, and fell over the goal line for touchdown. FSU, Proctor converted for 16-13. Eleven minutes were left in the final quarter.

With the minutes racing away, Villanova uncorked a last desperation drive. Starting at their 20, the Wildcats moved on Ferruolo passes...nine yards to Deveraux...12 yards to Van Injaian...13 to Don McComb...21 to Dave Intrabartolo.

Sub for Ferruolo

The Main Liners were knocking on the FSU 17 after that flashy display. At this stage, with two minutes to go in the game, Villanova moved in Magee to replace the red-hot Ferruolo. He was immediately decked for minus 10 on a pass try as Don Powell, Pacifico and Proctor tackled. Deveraux met Powell and Proctor on a try at guard, got one yard.

Bauer came in to kick for a field goal from the 24. It was a little wide and the bid for a 16-16 tie went by the boards.

Fans held their breaths in the closing seconds as FSU, trying to run the clock out, got penalized back to its five. But Prinzi held to the ball on sneaks and the whistle finally blew.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Villanova
0
7
6
0
13
Florida State
0
9
0
7
16

1st   0- 0  Opp, 12, field goal failed
2nd   0- 7  Opp, 1, run (kick)
      2- 7  Ham Bisbee, safety
            Note: Punter fielded a low snap in the end zone and Bisbee  
                  tackled him.                                          
      9- 7  Vic Prinzi, 6, run (Bill Proctor, kick), 1:01 
3rd   9-13  Opp, 64, interception return (kick blocked by Lee Corso), 5:30 
4th  16-13  Leo Baggett, 1, fumble recovery/return (Bill Proctor, kick)
            Note: Baggett stole the ball from the quarterback at the    
                  one and scored.                                       
     16-13  Opp, 24, field goal failed


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 13 12 Rushes-yards 47-206 46-141 Passing 60 56 Att-Comp-Int 7-3-2 10-7-0 Total Yards 54-266 56-197 Punt Returns 3-22 1-4 Kickoff Returns 4-92 3-68 Interception Ret. 0-0 2-66 Fumble Returns 3-1 1-0 Punts 5-42.2 7-27.6 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 4-3 Penalties-Yds 6-46 8-50 Attendance 9,700 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 21 107 0 Vic Prinzi 10 32 1 Billy Odom 6 22 0 Billy Weaver 4 18 0 Buck Metts 2 10 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 7 0 Pat Versprille 1 6 0 Len Swantic 1 2 0 Gene Cox 1 2 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 47 206 1 Opp 46 141 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger 2 52 0 Billy Weaver 1 8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 60 0 Opp 7 56 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 1 3 1 38 0 Vic Prinzi 1 3 1 14 0 Lee Corso 1 1 0 8 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 3 7 2 60 0 Opp 7 10 0 56 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 2 20 0 Al Pacifico 1 2 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 22 0 Opp 1 4 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 2 45 0 Lee Corso 1 28 0 Vic Prinzi 1 19 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 4 92 0 Opp 3 68 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 3 142 Jerry Henderson 1 40 Ted Rodrigue 1 29 ---------------------------------------- FSU 5 211 Opp 7 193 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leo Baggett . . . . . . . . 1- 1 . . . Ham Bisbee . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Buck Metts . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Lee Corso . . . . . . . . . . 1 . Vince Gibson . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 3- 1 . 1 1 Opp . . . . . 2- 66 . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   12  Len Swantic
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  21  Billy Odom
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   12  Len Swantic
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
22  Buck Metts
23  Jerry Henderson
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
44  Bud Leonard
51  Hobo Ackerman
52  Troy Barnes
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
66  Al Pacifico
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
73  Bill Musselman
76  Ray Staab
85  Tom Feamster
86  Norman Olson

Florida State 19, Furman 6

11/11/1955, Greenville, S.C.

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 12, 1955, page 7, by Bill McGrotha.

GREENVILLE, SC - Behind 6-0 two minutes before halftime, Florida State finally chilled Furman University's spirit-warmed football youngsters, 19-6, here Friday night.

Denied a touchdown after driving from the opening kickoff to the Furman four, the Seminoles woke up early to the realization that the Purple Hurricanes, rejuvenated by an open date and two weeks of preparation, had come to play.

Hard nosed backs, John Popson in the fore, slammed through surprised FSU linemen in the first quarter. Then, as FSU tightened its up-front belt, quarterback Jim Boyle turned to the air.

An 82-yard pass play, Boyle to end Dick Pfiefer, placed Furman at the FSU six and three runs later Jim Christy pounded over from two yards out to send the home team in front.

Hungry Fans

Three thousand hungry fans, huddled together in brisk 49-degree weather, whooped it up.

But what visions Furman had of winning its first game wrestled down a bit when FSU marched from the following kick 64 yards to tie it 6-6 by halftime. Joe Holt did the honors from one yard range.

And Tom Nugent's lads, apparently spun about a dressing room dressing down, quickly shot ahead in the third quarter. Ronald Schomburger recovered a first play from scrimmage fumble at the Furman 34 and it took only four moves for a TD. Billy Weaver scooted 11 yards around end on a pitchout.

FSU got another middle way the last period. Lee Corso cashed in a 59-yard march by wheeling for five on a pitchout.

Schomburger and fellow sophomore end Ham Bisbee were alert men all evening. Bisbee personally halted one Furman exploration at midfield by making three successive tackles.

Boyle completed 10 of 21 passes for 215 yards, easily the outstanding individual offensive mark of the game.

FSU was hurting with four players left home on injuries. Bill Proctor and Bob Barber, top two tackles, stayed in Tallahassee, along with backs Jerry Henderson and Pat Versprille.

Drive Halted

In 13 running plays, after Corso returned the game opening kick 20 yards to the 32, FSU cruised toward an apparent touchdown. But, with a first down at the 11, Billy Odom was stacked by Boyle for minus four on a sweep. Vic Prinzi, whose keep running sparked the push, whipped off nine to the four but that was the best the Seminoles could do.

With Popson and Jimmy Grant bursting off tackle, Furman ripped out of the hole to the FSU 49. It was there that Bisbee stopped the Hurricanes with his three solid tackles.

Early in the second quarter, Prinzi got FSU out from down deep after a Boyle punt to the seven, by racing 32 yards behind crisp blocking to the Seminole 49. A minute later Buck Metts drilled a 45-yard punt and Bisbee parked Popson right where he caught the ball on the 12.

Then Furman struck.

Boyle hoisted a short pass over the middle of the line as FSU defenders closed in for a running play. Pfiefer, a 6-2 200-pound sophomore latched on at the 20 and found the field opened. He picked up speed off the right side for six points. Holt tore in to block Phil Heisler's point try.

Furman Stubborn

Odom brought Furman's kick to the 36. Corso and Odom alternated rushes that led to Furman's 45. Prinzi connected on a short pass to Odom at the 37 for a first down. Furman stiffened. Three plays later FSU was at the 33.

On a pass that fell incomplete FSU drew a holding penalty but Furman, with last down coming up, refused it. It was a mistake. Prinzi, almost caught, shot a short pass to Holt and the fullback whirled 28 yards to the five. Again Furman bowed up.

On fourth down from one yard out, Holt hit the middle, met a solid barrier, swerved to his left and scored. Hobo Ackerman's kick was wide and things stood 6-6 with a minute and a half remaining before halftime.

FSU's goose-pimpled circus kids drew enthusiastic reception from the South Carolinians in a halftime performance.

It was Boyle's fumble just after the kickoff that presented FSU with opportunity, Schomburger pouncing on the bobble at the Furman 34. Corso was nailed for a loss of five but Prinzi found Schomburger with a 28-yard pass to the 11. Corso failed to gain but Weaver grabbed a pitchout and raced to score. Carmen Battaglia's point brought the count to 13-6.

With Boyle clicking on passes, Furman drove to FSU's 39 but a clipping penalty and fumbling loss of seven stopped that one.

Penalties Hurt

It was FSU, however, that found most frustration in penalties in the following minutes.

With about ten minutes to play, FSU took over at its 41 after a punt. Metts, Weaver, Corso and Prinzi ran in six plays to a first down on the Furman 10. Corso was stopped for no gain. Metts got three and Prinzi two. Fourth down at the five. Swantic came in at quarterback. Faking a pass, he pitched out to Corso and the Miamian had fairly easy sailing over the goal.

With Boyle still heaving passes, the Hurricanes moved to FSU's 31 in the final four minutes, then later to the 25. More passes failed.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
6
7
6
19
Furman
0
6
0
0
6

2nd   0- 6  Opp, 2, run (kick blocked by Joe Holt)
      6- 6  Joe Holt, 1, run (Hobo Ackerman, kick failed), 1:30 
3rd  13- 6  Billy Weaver, 11, run (Carmen Battaglia, kick), 12:30
4th  19- 6  Lee Corso, 5, run (Carmen Battaglia, kick failed), 5:30 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 18 9 Rushes-yards 54-251 31-66 Passing 98 215 Att-Comp-Int 13-8-0 21-10-0 Total Yards 67-349 52-281 Punt Returns 2-27 1-0 Kickoff Returns 2-36 4-96 Interception Ret. 0-0 0-0 Fumble Returns 1-0 1-0 Punts 4-35.5 6-34.2 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 2-1 Penalties-Yds 6-70 6-65 Attendance 3,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi 10 81 0 Lee Corso 18 60 1 Buck Metts 5 47 0 Billy Weaver 5 34 1 Joe Holt 7 21 1 Billy Odom 6 16 0 Bud Leonard 1 1 0 Gene Cox 1 0 0 Len Swantic 1 -9 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 54 251 3 Opp 31 66 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger 2 37 0 Joe Holt 3 25 0 Buck Metts 1 15 0 Lee Corso 1 12 0 Billy Odom 1 9 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 8 98 0 Opp 10 215 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi 6 10 0 89 0 Len Swantic 1 2 0 15 0 Ted Rodrigue 1 1 0 -6 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 8 13 0 98 0 Opp 10 21 0 215 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Weaver 1 16 0 Lee Corso 1 11 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 27 0 Opp 1 0 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 1 20 0 Billy Odom 1 16 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 36 0 Opp 4 96 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 3 109 Ted Rodrigue 1 33 ---------------------------------------- FSU 4 142 Opp 6 205 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Joe Holt . . . . . . . . . . 1 . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 1- 0 . 1 . Opp . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   12  Len Swantic
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  21  Billy Odom
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   12  Len Swantic
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   21  Billy Odom
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   65  Vince Gibson
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   81  Ham Bisbee
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
10  Vic Prinzi
22  Buck Metts
23  Jerry Henderson
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
44  Bud Leonard
51  Hobo Ackerman
52  Troy Barnes
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
66  Al Pacifico
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
73  Bill Musselman
76  Ray Staab
85  Tom Feamster
86  Norman Olson

Florida State 39, Citadel 0

11/19/1955, Tallahassee

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 20, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Halfbacks Buck Metts and Billy Odom ran wild on the Campbell Stadium turf Saturday afternoon to lead the FSU Seminoles to a smashing 39 to 0 win over the Citadel Bulldogs before 15,756 cheering Homecoming fans.

Metts scored three times in the first half as FSU built up a 19-0 halftime lead and Odom quickly took the wind out of the Cadets' sails with a 46-yard touchdown scamper soon after the second half gun sounded.

Quarterbacks Len Swantic and Ted Rodrigue contributed the other two scores, both on short runs.

Easily playing their best game of the season, FSU rolled up 385 yards from scrimmage to completely outclass the highly regarded Cadets from Charleston, SC.

The Citadel team never posed a serious scoring threat and only twice entered FSU territory under its own power. The only time the Cadets got inside the FSU 35 was in the waning minutes of the game when a series of desperation passes carried them to the 26 where the game ended with halfback Billy Weaver intercepting a pass by Cadet Quarterback Bob Miller.

Off for 56 Yards

On the last play of the first quarter, Corso took a pitchout from Vic Prinzi, sprinted over right tackle, cut to his left and scampered 56 yards before he was pulled down from behind after he stumbled.

All told, Corso netted 67 yards the four times he carried the ball. His injury was not believed serious, but he did not reenter the game.

The Seminoles, who had to rely heavily on their air arm all season, ground out a healthy 355 yards rushing against the Citadel with Odom, Metts, Weaver and a host of reserve backs moving through the Bulldog line almost at will.

Feamster Earns Way

FSU passers completed 9 of 16 tosses for 130 yards with Big Tom Feamster, who really earned his starting end berth yesterday, on the receiving end of three for a net gain of 37 yards.

Swantic completed four of eight passes for 56 yards and Vic Prinzi connected on three of five, 37 yards.

Freshman end Herb Taylor, who has seen only limited action this year, gathered in two aerials for 42 yards and contributed several bone-crushing tackles on defense.

Citadel fullback Dave Bochniowich was carried off the field in an ambulance in the second half after he reinjured a previous neck injury. Doctors at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital last night said his condition was "good" but he was admitted for observation and X-rays.

The Citadel racked up only 96 yards rushing and their four pass completions in 17 attempts netted them only 58 yards. Their leading ground gainer was Fullback Ed Dzanis with a puny 29 yards in eight tries at the battling FSU line.

Line Standouts

The Seminole line was superb. Ends Tom Feamster and Ronnie Schomburger, guards Leo Baggett and Jerry Jacobs, and center Vince Gibson broke through time and again to crush the Citadel ball carriers.

Prinzi Recovers

FSU quickly took command of the situation after kicking off when Bulldog Bob Miller fumbled and Prinzi pounced on the pigskin at the Citadel 18.

The FSU ground attack sputtered and the Bulldogs took over at their nine. They couldn't move and punted to their own 37 where the Seminoles started to march.

Metts and fullback Joe Holt ground out yardage to the 20, setting the stage for the most sensational play of the day.

Prinzi faded to pass, was almost trapped, reversed his field and threw a long pass to the five. Towering Feamster jumped up and stopped the throw but could not hold it. As it was falling, Schomburger batted the ball and Feamster dove and caught it before it hit the ground at the five.

Metts crashed over from the three two plays later and Bill Proctor's kick made the score 7 to 0 with less than six minutes gone.

The Seminoles were unable to move again until Corso brought them back to life with his 56-yard run on the last play of the quarter.

The drive fell through a few plays later when Odom fumbled. But after an exchange of punts, FSU started its longest sustained drive of the afternoon.

Metts Again

Starting on their own 20, the Seminoles ground out five first downs with Metts driving the last 10 carrying a host of Cadets over the goal with him. Odom contributed a nifty 20-yarder during the drive. Carmen Battaglia's kick was blocked and FSU led, 13 to 0.

Feamster recovered a fumble three plays later at the Citadel 42 and it took the Seminoles only six plays to score their third TD.

Metts ran for 18 to get things started and Swantic hit Metts with a nifty screen pass for the final 10 yards. Feamster's kick was no good and the scoreboard read 19 to 0 as the half ended two plays later.

FSU completely dominated the third quarter after Odom threaded his way through the Citadel defenders for a 46-yard TD run on the first FSU play from scrimmage. Hobo Ackerman converted as the score rose to 26 to 0.

On Warpath

The Citadel picked up one first down after the next kickoff, then had to punt to the FSU 45 where the Seminoles went on the warpath again.

Swantic hit Taylor with two short passes. Billy Weaver and Gene Cox drove for nice yardage and with the aid of a 15-yard penalty, the Seminoles went to the Citadel one. Swantic dove in to make it 32 to 0. Battaglia's kick again was wide of the mark.

With FSU reserves in the lineup, the Bulldogs made two first downs before Holt stopped them by recovering a fumble at the Citadel 40. Odom fumbled on the next play, but Holt put the Seminoles back in command with an interception at the FSU 42 a few plays later.

Rodrigue hit for eight, Metts for 11 and Rodrigue faded and shot a long pass to the goal line where it slipped through the hands of Ham Bisbee. The officials ruled interference, however, and FSU took over on the two. Rodrigue scored on the next play. Ackerman converted and the score was 39 to 0.

Weaver Intercepts

The Bulldogs, trying desperately to score, took to the air for one first down on the FSU 26 but Weaver ended the threat with his interception just as the game ended.

The win evened FSU's season record at 4-4 with two games against Mississippi Southern and Tampa left to play. Both remaining games are away.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Citadel
0
0
0
0
0
Florida State
7
12
13
7
39

1st   7- 0  Buck Metts, 3, run (Bill Proctor, kick)
2nd  13- 0  Buck Metts, 10, run (Carmen Battaglia, kick blocked)
     19- 0  Buck Metts, 10, pass from Len Swantic (Tom Feamster, kick failed)
3rd  26- 0  Billy Odom, 46, run (Hobo Ackerman, kick)
     32- 0  Len Swantic, 1, run (Carmen Battaglia, kick failed)
4th  39- 0  Ted Rodrigue, 2, run (Hobo Ackerman, kick)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 21 11 Rushes-yards 61-359 49-96 Passing 130 58 Att-Comp-Int 16-9-1 17-4-3 Total Yards 77-489 66-154 Punt Returns 3-17 0-0 Kickoff Returns 0-0 7-143 Interception Ret. 3-48 1-1 Fumble Returns 3-0 4-0 Punts 2-44.5 9-32.6 Fumbles-Lost 4-4 4-3 Penalties-Yds 7-75 2-12 Attendance 15,756 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Billy Odom 10 103 1 Buck Metts 11 76 2 Lee Corso 4 67 0 Billy Weaver 9 42 0 Ted Rodrigue 3 16 1 Len Swantic 4 15 1 Joe Holt 5 13 0 Gene Cox 3 12 0 Carmen Battaglia 1 10 0 John Griner 4 6 0 Pat Versprille 4 3 0 Emil Abood 1 3 0 Vic Prinzi 2 -7 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 61 359 5 Opp 49 96 0 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Herb Taylor 2 42 0 Tom Feamster 3 37 0 Ham Bisbee 1 36 0 Buck Metts 1 11 1 John Griner 1 3 0 Norman Olson 1 1 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 130 1 Opp 4 58 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 4 8 0 56 1 Vic Prinzi 3 5 1 37 0 Ted Rodrigue 2 3 0 37 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 9 16 1 130 1 Opp 4 17 3 58 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Len Swantic 2 16 0 Billy Weaver 1 1 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 17 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 Opp 7 143 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 55 Len Swantic 1 34 ---------------------------------------- FSU 2 89 Opp 9 293 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe Holt . . . . . 1- 4 . . 1- 0 . . . Len Swantic . . . . . 1- 23 . . . . . . Billy Weaver . . . . . 1- 21 . . . . . . Vic Prinzi . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Tom Feamster . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 3- 48 . . 3- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 1- 1 . . 4- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   10  Vic Prinzi
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   10  Vic Prinzi
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
    Herb Taylor
12  Len Swantic
13  Pat Versprille
21  Billy Odom
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
42  John Griner
43  Emil Abood
51  Hobo Ackerman
52  Troy Barnes
54  Lester Little
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
65  Vince Gibson
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
73  Bill Musselman
74  Willie Gardner
78  John Craig
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
86  Norman Olson

Mississippi Southern 21, Florida State 6

11/25/1955, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, November 26, 1955, page 7, by Bill McGrotha.

HATTIESBURG, MS - Frustrated throughout a long, cold evening by viciously charging Mississippi Southern linemen, Florida State dropped a clear-cut 21-6 decision here Friday night.

The victory, accomplished on a rain-soaked and muddy field before 7,000 fans thirsting for redemption of last year's 19-18 loss to FSU, fattened the Southerners' hopes for a Sun Bowl invitation as they closed the campaign on a 9-1 note.

FSU was hampered by the fact that halfback Buck Metts, who scored three touchdowns in the Homecoming victory over The Citadel last week, did not play at all after hurting a knee in the last home workout Wednesday night. Center Bob Crenshaw also was slowed by a knee injury.

Sudden-death plays figured spectacularly for Southern.

Pass Paves Way

Quarterback George Herring's 37-yard pass to Harold Clark paved the first touchdown, which Harvey Seligman cashed in from the three.

Halfback Fred Smallwood's 62-yard run was the big blow in the drive for a second score that Lawrence Meeks tallied from the four to provide a 14-0 halftime lead.

And halfback Dallas Whitfield's 38-yard runback of a pass interception lay the ground for Herring's 29-yard touchdown pass to end Curry Juneau.

End Harold Clark, no relation to twin linemen teammates Wes and Les Clark, was a formidable fellow who time after time struck FSU backs for losses. FSU ended with a miserable net of 53 yards rushing after 40 yards in setbacks were deducted.

Southern already had its three touchdowns when the Seminoles broke through in the last quarter. Billy Odom scored from two yards out after a short Vic Prinzi-sparked drive.

Other FSU threats fizzled at Southern's 31, 20, 11 and 7-yard lines.

Turning to their heaviest passing of the season, the Seminoles gained 163 yards in the air on 14 hits in 29 attempts. Southern stole two of the tosses and decorated their devastating running game (310 yards) by connecting on five of six passes for 93 yards.

Southern alternated three fullbacks - Meeks, Seligman, Eddie Cardenas - who, along with Smallwood and Ted Trenton, brought continuous trouble to the midsection and right side of FSU's line.

To The Air

FSU came out passing and moved into Southern territory on its second play from scrimmage, a 7-yarder from Prinzi to Joe Holt just over the midfield stripe. But Prinzi was decked for minus two, the first of a series of rushing losses, and that bottled that early effort.

After containing Southern's first two attacks, FSU got a small break when Herring punted weakly, 11 yards to the FSU 46. The Seminoles moved to the Southern 42. However, Harold Clark racked Lee Corso for a loss of eight to crimp this bid.

Ted Rodrigue punted to Southern's 12 and the home boys moved from this backing-up to a touchdown on the final scrimmage play of the first quarter.

Trenton, one-time University of Florida freshman, got things rolling with a 23-yard wide run to the 35. Came a fourth-and-one situation at the 44 and Herring gambled, feeding to Seligman who plunged successfully to the 49.

Herring cut loose with a long pass that Clark grabbed for a 37-yard gain to the FSU 18. Trenton failed to gain. Herring dug for two, then sliced on the keep to the four. Two plays later Seligman whacked the middle to score from three yards out.

Whitfield's conversion made it 7-0.

Again Herring's foot was "off" and the kickoff was down at the FSU 40. P.M. Underwood waddled in to punish Swantic with a 7-yard loss and a moment later FSU punted.

Corso Dances

FSU had a shot a little later when Corso danced with a punt 33 yards to Southern's 34. Two running tries and a pass brought a net gain of nothing and Rodrigue punted to the 10. From there, Southern struck again.

FSU came roaring from the dressing room but still could cut no goal-line ice. The Seminoles marched from the kickoff to the Southern 20, with Prinzi's 17-yard run and 10-yard pass to Corso the key gainers. Once more, with a TD in sight, the Tribe could neither run nor pass.

A 46-yard sprint by Meeks off FSU's right guard hole forged Southern a threat at the FSU 34. But Bobby Hughes fumbled on the next play and Jerry Jacobs recovered for FSU.

Late in the quarter, Whitfield intercepted a Prinzi throw and ran it 38 yards to the FSU 44. Southern opened a drive that paid off with a flashy TD early in the final period.

It was fourth-and-nine at the 29. Herring aimed a pass toward Juneau in a front corner of the end zone. FSU's John Griner, leaping to defend, deflected the shot into the grasping hands of Juneau. Meeks' point made it 21-0.

Prinzi Sparkles

Short Prinzi passes to Tom Feamster, Billy Odom and Corso finally got FSU on a successful march from its 49 following the kick. From the 19, Prinzi on the keep knocked off 17 to the two. Corso was stopped but Odom zipped off left guard and scored. Proctor missed the point.

FSU got another quick opportunity. Hughes fumbled and Don Powell covered it for the Tribe at the Southern 27. Southern was penalized five and Prinzi dashed to the 11. From here, pass efforts played out and Southern took over.

Still another chance came when Herring punted short to the Southern 30. Swantic's fumble and Underwood's recovery for Southern immediately changed the picture.

A final FSU attempt was stopped by Smallwood's interception just before the whistle blew.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
0
0
0
6
6
Mississippi Southern
7
7
0
7
21

1st   0- 7  Opp, 3, run (kick), 0:05 
2nd   0-14  Opp, 4, run (kick), 6:50 
4th   0-21  Opp, 29, pass (kick), 12:40
      6-21  Billy Odom, 2, run (Bill Proctor, kick failed), 8:00 


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 11 13 Rushes-yards 33-50 55-307 Passing 152 96 Att-Comp-Int 29-14-2 6-5-0 Total Yards 62-202 61-403 Punt Returns 2-41 2-13 Kickoff Returns 2-40 2-32 Interception Ret. 0-0 2-45 Fumble Returns 2-0 1-0 Punts 6-37.0 7-32.6 Fumbles-Lost 3-1 4-2 Penalties-Yds 1-17 7-81 Attendance 7,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi 8 29 0 Billy Odom 6 11 1 Billy Weaver 3 6 0 Lee Corso 13 5 0 Joe Holt 1 3 0 Len Swantic 2 -4 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 33 50 1 Opp 55 307 2 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Ron Schomburger 3 65 0 Tom Feamster 5 43 0 Lee Corso 4 31 0 Joe Holt 1 7 0 Billy Odom 1 6 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 14 152 0 Opp 5 96 1 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi 11 22 1 90 0 Len Swantic 3 7 1 62 0 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 14 29 2 152 0 Opp 5 6 0 96 1 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 2 41 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 41 0 Opp 2 13 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Tom Feamster 1 21 0 Len Swantic 1 19 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 40 0 Opp 2 32 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Pat Versprille 3 127 Ted Rodrigue 3 95 ---------------------------------------- FSU 6 222 Opp 7 228 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerry Jacobs . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Don Powell . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . . . . 2- 0 . . . Opp . . . . . 2- 45 . . 1- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   10  Vic Prinzi
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   10  Vic Prinzi
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
    Herb Taylor
12  Len Swantic
13  Pat Versprille
21  Billy Odom
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
42  John Griner
43  Emil Abood
51  Hobo Ackerman
52  Troy Barnes
54  Lester Little
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
65  Vince Gibson
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
73  Bill Musselman
74  Willie Gardner
78  John Craig
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
86  Norman Olson

Florida State 26, Tampa 7

12/03/1955, Tampa

Click here for program cover

From the Tallahassee Democrat, December 5, 1955, page 1, by Bill McGrotha.

TAMPA, FL - Scoring touchdowns in each quarter, Florida State had things pretty much its own way here Saturday night as it closed out a hard-trying University of Tampa football team, 26-7.

An overflow crowd of 14,000 saw some ripping action in a far from merry mix-up.

If Tampa was keyed highly for this one, so were the Seminoles, who brought Coach Tom Nugent his third straight non-losing season at FSU by reining in with a 5-5 record. For Tampa, it was only the second loss in nine starts. The decision also gave FSU a 6-2 edge in a series that terminated with this game.

Tampa had two chances to make good. The first came in the early moments of the game when the Spartans recovered a fumble at the FSU 33. The second was in the last minutes when Marcelino Huerta's men climaxed a 70-yard drive with their one touchdown, which Billy Shields brought on a 6-yard tackle run.

In Succession

FSU scored in succession on Buck Metts' 5-yard plunge, Len Swantic's 12-yard sweep, Lee Corso's 9-yard pass to Ham Bisbee, Corso's smash from the one.

It was a wild fray, sprinkled liberally with penalties. Tampa was taxed 80 yards, FSU 50.

Among other things, an expectant mother in Section H of the North Stands had to be wheeled away from the scene in a hurry.

Soph Quarterback Vic Prinzi continued his late-season bright play, hitting on his passes and racing for healthy yardage on the keep. He manipulated more "I" formation stuff at Tampa than an FSU opponent has seen in some time, and the Spartans could not stop it.

Tackle Bob Barber and End Bisbee were among the standouts in a rugged FSU line. Bisbee blocked a punt to pave FSU's third TD.

Shortly after the game-opening kick, Tampa was presented with just what it was looking for when Lee Corso, who had returned the boot to the 19, fumbled on his fourth straight plunge up the middle. Bob Gambrell was there to recover for Tampa at the FSU 33.

An offsides penalty discouraged the Spartans. Then FSU's stress on pass defense all week brought a quick dividend when Vic Prinzi plucked off Bill Minahans' third-down pass and skipped up to the 33.

From there, raiding the center of the line from the "I" formation, FSU marched and scored. A rugged all-ground game with bright up-front blocking turned the trick. Prinzi's 19-yard bootleg sprint to the Tampa 30 was the crusher in the 67-yard parade.

Buck Metts, Gene Cox, Prinzi and Corso alternated, with Metts bringing the payoff with a 5-yard smash off left tackle. Bill Proctor's conversion missed and it was 6-0 with 4:30 left in the quarter.

Two Billys Lead

Effectively bottling Tampa's attack, the Seminoles rambled again. The two Billys, Odom and Weaver, paced this rushing charge from the FSU 42. Fifteen yard penalties were swapped, with Tampa's Bill Nuznoff ousted from the game for harsh talk to officials.

FSU stood poised at the 32 when Prinzi hit Tom Feamster with a pass for 16. But Tampa tensed and the bid played out at the 13 after an incomplete pass.

Tampa showed a little thunder in the running of fullback Jack Mackie but a penalty for illegal substitution brought a halt inside its own territory.

The Spartans punted and in 14 plays FSU traveled 60 yards for a second touchdown middle way the second quarter. Prinzi's 18-yard pass to Corso was a big one but again it was the ground troops beating out the vital gains.

At the 11, in a fourth-and three situation Len Swantic faked brightly and raced wide to score on the keep. FSU faked a kick for the conversion, with Corso picking up the ball and sweeping it across for 13-0.

Swantic Recovers

Billy Shields set the Tampans to yelling with a 23-yard sprint up to the 48. Shields fumbled on the next play and Swantic got it at the 41, however.

Swantic's 19-yard bullet to Joe Holt put the Seminoles at the 22. Tackle Nello Remoldi socked Swantic for minus eight and tackle Bob Lovely bagged Metts for a loss of seven and that stopped that just before the halftime whistle.

The last half was mostly confusion, prolonged by time outs and discussions by officials.

Tampa rolled from the kickoff up to its 49 but Bob Barber racked Minahan for a setback of seven to nip the drive. Trying to punt, Spartan Roy Waters dropped the ball and Ronald Schomburger pounced on him at the Tampa 37.

Following a 15-yard assessment for holding, Prinzi passed 24 yards to Holt and an apparent first down at the 23. Pat Versprille dug for two. Thereupon, officials took the ball and gave it to Tampa and no one in the press box or on the coaches' bench immediately knew why.

In Trouble

Backed up to its 15 by a 51-yard Metts punt, Tampa was in trouble. Barber struck Minahan on the three for a 9-yard reversal. After Shields took the ball to the 14, FSU's Ham Bisbee tore through to block Gambrell's punt and recover it on the eight.

Next play, Corso found Bisbee all alone in the end zone with a scoring pass. Proctor's point made it 20-0 in the last-minute of the quarter.

Another TD came shortly on a 73-yard journey helped along by two 15-yard penalties on personal fouls by Spartans. Twice Prinzi passed for 11 yards to Metts and Leonard.

From the 10, Corso ripped to the four. Metts got three and Corso pushed over for six points. Proctor's try strayed, leaving it 26-0 with 11 minutes left.

Tampa Scores

On Minahan's 25-yard pass to Don Herndon at the FSU 33, Tampa for the first and only time penetrated Indian country on its own steam. Three passes fell incomplete but on fourth down FSU was taxed with a 15-yard penalty for personal foul.

Shields got three to the 16. Minahan passed to Carl Davis for 10. Charles Coleman dug to the six and Shields found a hole off left tackle to score standing up. Gambrell's point kick narrowed things to 26-7.

With the minutes fading, FSU drove down to Tampa's 25 but Bill Nuznoff intercepted a Prinzi pass at the eight to end it. Tampa had time for four futile downs before the game ended.

  1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Florida State
6
7
7
6
26
Tampa
0
0
0
7
7

1st   6- 0  Buck Metts, 5, run (Bill Proctor, kick failed), 4:40 
2nd  13- 0  Len Swantic, 12, run (Lee Corso, run)
3rd  20- 0  Ham Bisbee, 9, pass from Lee Corso (Bill Proctor, kick), 0:20 
4th  26- 0  Lee Corso, 1, run (Bill Proctor, kick failed)
     26- 7  Opp, 6, run (kick)


TEAM STATISTICS
FSU OPP First downs 18 9 Rushes-yards 57-189 39-108 Passing 112 59 Att-Comp-Int 15-9-1 12-5-1 Total Yards 72-301 51-167 Punt Returns 3-31 0-0 Kickoff Returns 2-25 5-79 Interception Ret. 1-18 1-1 Fumble Returns 1-0 2-0 Punts 1-50.0 5-29.8 Fumbles-Lost 3-2 2-1 Penalties-Yds 4-50 8-80 Attendance 14,000 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 21 54 1 Vic Prinzi 5 35 0 Buck Metts 8 34 1 Gene Cox 7 25 0 Billy Odom 5 17 0 Billy Weaver 3 17 0 Joe Holt 2 4 0 Pat Versprille 1 2 0 Ron Schomburger 1 1 0 Len Swantic 4 0 1 --------------------------------------------- FSU 57 189 3 Opp 39 108 1 Receiving No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Joe Holt 2 41 0 Buck Metts 3 23 0 Tom Feamster 1 16 0 Bud Leonard 1 12 0 Emil Abood 1 12 0 Ham Bisbee 1 8 1 --------------------------------------------- FSU 9 112 1 Opp 5 59 0 Passing C- A- I Yds TD Lng ----------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi 6 12 1 90 0 Len Swantic 2 2 0 14 0 Lee Corso 1 1 0 8 1 ----------------------------------------------- FSU 9 15 1 112 1 Opp 5 12 1 59 0 Punt Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 1 22 0 Buck Metts 2 9 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 3 31 0 Kickoff Return No Yds TD Lng --------------------------------------------- Lee Corso 1 17 0 Vic Prinzi 1 8 0 --------------------------------------------- FSU 2 25 0 Opp 5 79 0 Punting No Yds Lng ---------------------------------------- Buck Metts 1 50 ---------------------------------------- FSU 1 50 Opp 5 149 |---------Tackles---------| |---Sacks---| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd DEFENSIVE STATISTICS UT AT Total ForLoss No - Yards Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vic Prinzi . . . . . 1- 18 . . . . . . Len Swantic . . . . . . . . 1- 0 . . . Ham Bisbee . . . . . . . . . . 1 . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FSU 0 0 0 . . 1- 18 . . 1- 0 . 1 . Opp . . . . . 1- 1 . . 2- 0 . . . STARTERS
Pos  ##  OFFENSE
----------------------------------
QB   10  Vic Prinzi
LHB  20  Lee Corso
RHB  22  Buck Metts
FB   41  Joe Holt
C    50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
Pos  ##  DEFENSE
----------------------------------
DB   10  Vic Prinzi
DB   20  Lee Corso
DB   22  Buck Metts
LB   41  Joe Holt
MG   50  Bob Crenshaw
LG   61  Jerry Jacobs
RG   66  Al Pacifico
RT   75  Bob Barber
LT   77  Bill Proctor
LE   80  Ron Schomburger
RE   85  Tom Feamster
PARTICIPANTS
##  NAME
-----------------------------
12  Len Swantic
13  Pat Versprille
21  Billy Odom
26  Billy Weaver
27  Gene Cox
42  John Griner
43  Emil Abood
51  Hobo Ackerman
52  Troy Barnes
54  Lester Little
##  NAME
-----------------------------
60  Leo Baggett
65  Vince Gibson
69  Ted Rodrigue
70  Don Powell
73  Bill Musselman
74  Willie Gardner
78  John Craig
81  Ham Bisbee
83  Bob Fountain
86  Norman Olson