Also in the conference were Bill Spears-led Vanderbilt (giving both Tech and Tennessee their ties) and Georgia's "dream and wonder team."

NC State was led by All-Southern running back and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Jack McDowall.

[16] In the fifth week of play, the Wolfpack faced captain Jack McDowall's native Florida Gators in Tampa, winning 12–6.

Since McDowall had been turned down by the University of Florida, legend has it just afterwards he mailed coach Tom Sebring the game ball.

A pass bounced off the hands of a Florida back and into McDowall's, who returned the ball 75 yards for the deciding score.

[24] NC State defeated Duke in Durham 20–18 "in one of the most thrilling football battles ever staged in N. C."[25][26] After the Blue Devils rushed out to an early 12–0 lead, McDowall's two drop kicks proved the difference.

[30] Captain Jack McDowall was cited as the best player in his final game, despite his only scoring play being a pass for an extra point.