By Darin What began in a muddy field in Atlanta on February 20, 1892, wasn’t just a game—it was the birth of a cultural phenomenon. Long before the SEC was the powerhouse of the gridiron, the University of Georgia and Auburn University met for the very first time, launching what we now revere as “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” This historic date also marks the birth of Francis “Whitey” Wistert, a man who arrived at Michigan with no football experience and went on to anchor a Hall of Fame family dynasty. Join us as we journey back to the roots of collegiate excellence, from the first whistle of Southern football to the legendary trenches of Ann Arbor.
Today’s football art image to celebrate.
Football Bio: February 20th
February 20, 1892 – Atlanta, Georgia – The University of Georgia played its second game ever in a 10-0 loss against Auburn University. The game would be the first in what is now known as “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” with 120 games played between the schools as of the 2017 season. In 1892, the University of Georgia journeyed to Atlanta to play Auburn University’s team from Auburn, Alabama. It was the first game in what has become the South’s oldest college football rivalry, and many historians consider February 20, 1892, the birth date of college football in the South.
February 20, 1912 – Chicago, Illinois – The awesome Michigan Wolverine Tackle, Francis “Whitey” Wistert, was born.
Conclusion
The legacy of February 20th is one of pioneering spirits and improbable greatness. It is the date that established the foundation of Southern college football through the first meeting of Georgia and Auburn—a rivalry that has endured for over 130 years. Similarly, the story of Whitey Wistert reminds us that talent and instinct can overcome a lack of experience, leading to a Hall of Fame legacy that defined a generation of Michigan football. From the first snaps in Atlanta to the defensive brilliance in the Big Ten, these moments remain cornerstones of gridiron history.
