Numbers often define a rivalry. Especially one with as much tradition and pageantry as Baylor versus McCallie, which dates back so far and is so contrary that the two schools can’t even agree on the all-time record in their football series. Each has itself listed as leading, and the total number of games differs depending on which side you ask.
But whether it’s the series record, individual player stats from a memorable game or a winning streak by one side or the other, most numbers are simply hard facts used as a way to distinguish between the two proud programs.
The No. 17, however, is what unites them.
Some may not remember that, while few can match his ties to McCallie’s football tradition, the Blue Tornado’s Ralph Potter actually began his head coaching career at Baylor. Ralph’s father, the late Pete Potter, had such a legendary coaching career at McCallie that the football field is named in his honor, and Ralph was a star quarterback for his dad.
But from 1994 to 1996, Ralph coached at Baylor, and it was there that he and assistant Chris Richardson became impressed with the competitiveness and leadership of Jason Green, a tenacious running back and linebacker for the Red Raiders.