Andy Kozar relates the history of "Oskie Wow Wow" as part of Neyland's maxims

[Volosaurus rex]

How many of you have wondered how and why, on God's green earth, did Neyland include the phrase "Oskie Wow Wow" in his maxims? Here is a link to a video clip (Andy Kozar 2 on Vimeo) wherein Andy Kozar traces the origins of that colorful phrase in Tennessee football history. It seems the phrase was first coined by two members of a fraternity at the University of Illinois in 1912. By the time Red Grange played there in the 1920s, it was already used as a battle cry by fans of the Fighting Illini. Kozar establishes a probable conduit of verbal transmission through a member of UT's engineering drawing faculty and Athletic Board. This gentleman, named Mathews, was "the first cheerleader at Tennessee, he was the first cheerleader at Illinois; in 1905, he was there." Neyland, of course, eventually used "Oskie Wow Wow" as a means of instantaneously informing his defensive players that "we have intercepted the ball, now we are on offense, so start blocking."

Thanks to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Football-As-A-War-Game/137345443024532 for posting the link to this video clip.

 

[99Vols]

Thanks rex! Always enjoy your posts and insights. Keep em coming!

 

[LibertyVol]

One thing I wished we could see is how Neyland would adjust his defense against the wide open offenses of today. I have a feeling he would be licking his chops at how much the ball is thrown.

 

[rockydoc]

Andy Kozar was my P.E. Instructor at UT. Great man.