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Kansas University Weekly.
would probably have yielded a goal, as Hester was kicking in good form. Kansas could do but little with the Tiger's line, as the halves backed up the tackles, a new style of defense which Missouri has never attempted before. Williamson, however, got through for a pretty twenty yard run, which was one of the great plays of the day.
Indeed, the style of play of the two teams was almost opposite. The Tigers made their gains through Kansas line, while end runs were blocked by the Jayhawkers, proving of little success to the Missouri team. Owing to a change in the defensive play of the Tigers the Kansans found the Missouri line nearly invincible and were forced to rely on end gains. The condition of the grounds was opposed to fast running, so Kansas splendid interference had little opportunity to assert itself.
Bliss' change of defensive play was a master stroke, and it is safe to say saved the day to the Tigers. He knew Kansas style of bucking. It was to call on a man in the line to make a hole, and then send one of the backs without a man before him, to gain through the hole. Bliss took his half backs out of the line, the common line-up on defenfensive play, and placed them just behind tackle and guard, so that when a Kansas guard or tackle was called upon to make a hole, even if he got his man out of the play, the Missouri half-back filled the gap, and the Kansas player was blocked. This showed the Kansas line to poor advantage. There was little punting of the ball during the first half, but in the second part of the game exchange punts were frequent. There were few tricks introduced. Each team had one which was used often, and with good success. The Missouri boys found that the Jayhawkers did not stop the fake kick, and made several good gains on the play. On the other hand the Kansas boys made ground as often on a feint on the line and double pass. On this play they scored their only touchdown. Outland started for the center, and just as he reached the line passed the ball to Hill who sprinted around the left end for twelve yards and down. The old
criss cross trick was not attempted by either side.
The Jayhawkers' line of defense was to strengthen the ends. Williamson was placed beside Piatt, while Outland played just behind Right End Crooks. This arrangement made end gains for the Tigers almost impossible, but left the line weak. Quarter Back Hill went the full on defensive, and played the position spedidly, receiving all of Allee's punts without a fumble. Williamson put up the most skillful game of foot ball ever seen here. He was in every play made, and time and time again saved ground for his team by dodging the Missouri interference and downing the runner. Williamson's tackling was fierce, accurate and certain. Outland, the right half back, made the sensational play of the day by carrying the ball eighty-five yards on an end run, cleverly blocked by Hill, Hester and Williamson. He was overtaken by Brigham, who fell on him so hard he was forced to retire before the close of the game. Hamill played a fine game against Brigham. Walker put up a magnificent game at center. The Kansas tackles were outplayed. Stone should never have gone into the game. He was not in condition to play a practice game. Piatt fairly outdid himself in his last game of foot ball. The captain played a hard, plucky game all the time. Crooks played his position excellently, making good gains and clever tackles. Burney put up his usual hard aggressive game.
Individually, Brigham carried off honors for Missouri, but Young was not far behind. Price also put up an exceptionally fine game in the second half, but in the first let Kansas get around for good gains several times. Evans' work at quarter has greatly improved. Thompson at center played a great game. Conley and Pauley also did excellent work. It was, after all, however, in team play, and not individual play, that Missouri won and there the great fact of Bliss' coaching showed itself.
The teams played as follows :
Missouri. Positions. Kansas.
Gibson...Left end...Platt
(Burney)
Pauley...Left tackle...Pope