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There were several SIAA schools that did not field a team due to World War I.
The 1917 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida during the 1917 college football season. The season was Alfred L. Buser's first of three as the head coach of the Florida Gators football team. The 1917 season was a disappointment; the team completed their football season with an SIAA conference record of 1–3[1] and an overall record of 2–4.[2]
Before the season
Coach Buser was a former All-American lineman for the Wisconsin Badgers, and promised to bring a Midwestern power football style of play to revive the Gators after the winless 1916 season.[3] Captain "Rowdy Bill" Wilkinson was the team's only returning letterman.[4]
Tulane overwhelmed the Gators 52–0,[5] several times skirting the ends for long gains.[6] The Gators were frequently penalized for offsides and hurdling.[6]
The starting lineup was Clemmons (left end), Wurtrich (left tackle), Connell (left guard), Wells (center), Otto (right guard), Brannon (right tackle), Thomas (right end), Fuller (quarterback), Wilkinson (left halfback), Ball (right halfback), Lightsey (fullback).[5]
The Gators extended their winning streak over the Florida Southern to four games, winning 19–7.[7] After the first ten minutes, Florida replaced its backfield with second-string men.[7]
On Thanksgiving, in the school's first-ever game against the Kentucky Wildcats, Florida lost 52–0.[11] Kentucky used its substitutes by the second half.[12]