What Is 1917 University of Utah football team

Overview

The 1917 University of Utah football team competed during a pivotal era in college sports, representing the university in the 1917 college football season. This season occurred during World War I, a time when many collegiate programs faced disruptions due to enlistments and travel restrictions.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Nelson Norgren, the team achieved a respectable 4–2 record, showcasing early development in Utah’s football program. Games were played at Cummings Field, the university’s home venue at the time, located on campus in Salt Lake City.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 4–2 overall record, marking a solid performance for a developing program in a war-affected year.
• Coach:Nelson Norgren served as head coach in his inaugural season, laying foundational strategies that would influence future team dynamics.
• Conference: The Utes competed as an independent, meaning they were not affiliated with any formal athletic conference during the 1917 season.
• Home Field: All home games were held at Cummings Field, a modest on-campus facility that preceded the larger stadiums of later decades.
• Historical Context: The 1917 season unfolded during World War I, which impacted college athletics nationwide due to student enlistments and limited travel.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 1917 campaign featured a mix of regional opponents, with the Utes securing victories against several in-state and neighboring teams. The schedule reflected the logistical constraints of the era, with shorter travel distances and fewer games than modern seasons.

• September 29: Utah defeated Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State) 19–0, marking a strong start to the season.
• October 6: The Utes won against Denver with a score of 13–0, demonstrating defensive strength early in the season.
• October 13: A narrow 14–13 win over Colorado Agricultural highlighted the team’s resilience in tight matchups.
• October 27: Utah suffered its first loss, falling 6–7 to Colorado in a closely contested game.
• November 10: The team rebounded with a 20–0 shutout of Wyoming, showcasing offensive improvement.
• November 24: The season concluded with a 0–13 loss to Oregon, ending the year on a disappointing note.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1917 season to other years in Utah football history reveals trends in program growth and competitive level.

The table illustrates how the 1917 team fits into the broader arc of Utah football. While not the most dominant season, it contributed to the foundation of a program that would later achieve national prominence. The transition from independent status to conference affiliation and modern stadium facilities underscores decades of institutional growth.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season, though modest by today’s standards, played a role in shaping the trajectory of University of Utah athletics. It occurred during a time of national upheaval, yet the team’s ability to compete reflects the resilience of collegiate sports.

• Program Development: The season helped solidify football as a core campus activity despite wartime challenges.
• Coaching Legacy: Nelson Norgren’s leadership began a lineage of coaches that would eventually lead to national success.
• Historical Record: The 4–2 record is preserved in official athletic archives, contributing to Utah’s long-standing sports history.
• Regional Rivalries: Games against Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah State helped establish early rivalries that persist in various forms today.
• WWI Context: The season exemplifies how college sports endured during global conflict, maintaining morale and school spirit.
• Evolution of the Game: Comparing 1917 rules and play styles to modern football highlights significant changes in strategy, safety, and organization.

Understanding the 1917 University of Utah football team offers insight into the early days of a program that would eventually reach national prominence, including a BCS bowl victory in 2005 and Pac-12 membership.