What Is 1939 Utah State Aggies football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 Utah State Aggies football team represented Utah State Agricultural College during the 1939 college football season, finishing with a 3–4–1 record under head coach E. Lowell Romney, who was in his 18th season. The team played its home games at Aggie Stadium in Logan, Utah, and competed as a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Key Facts

The 1939 Utah State Aggies finished the season with a 3–4–1 overall record
E. Lowell Romney was head coach for his 18th season in 1939
The team played home games at Aggie Stadium in Logan, Utah
Utah State competed in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) that year
The Aggies recorded two conference wins and one tie against RMC opponents

Overview

The 1939 Utah State Aggies football team represented Utah State Agricultural College during the 1939 college football season. Competing in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), the Aggies were led by head coach E. Lowell Romney, who was in his 18th year at the helm. The team played its home games at Aggie Stadium in Logan, Utah, a modest venue that reflected the era’s college football infrastructure.

Despite a challenging schedule, the Aggies showed moments of resilience, finishing the season with a 3–4–1 overall record and a 2–1–1 mark in conference play. While not a dominant force nationally, the team contributed to the growing football tradition at Utah State. The 1939 season was notable for its competitive balance and regional significance within the RMC.

Record: The Aggies ended the season with a 3–4–1 overall record, reflecting a slightly below-average performance compared to previous years under Romney.
Conference: As members of the Rocky Mountain Conference, the Aggies faced regional rivals including Colorado State, Utah, and Wyoming.
Home Field: Aggie Stadium, located in Logan, Utah, served as the team’s home field and had a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 at the time.
Head Coach: E. Lowell Romney, who coached from 1922 to 1941, was known for his steady leadership and emphasis on disciplined play.
Key Game: A 13–7 victory over in-state rival Utah in November was one of the season’s highlights and boosted local morale.

Season Performance

The 1939 campaign featured a mix of competitive matchups and tough losses, illustrating both the team’s potential and its limitations. The Aggies struggled offensively at times but showed improvement in key conference games, particularly in the latter half of the season.

Offense: The team averaged 12.4 points per game, scoring a total of 99 points across eight games, with inconsistent quarterback play affecting consistency.
Defense: Allowed 14.1 points per game, with standout performances in games against weaker RMC opponents like Denver and Colorado Mines.
Season Opener: Lost 14–0 to Colorado College in September, setting a defensive tone for the early part of the schedule.
Rivalry Game: Defeated the University of Utah 13–7 in Salt Lake City, marking a significant win for the program and fans.
Final Game: Concluded the season with a 19–13 loss to New Mexico, ending on a disappointing note despite earlier momentum.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1939 Aggies’ performance can be better understood when compared to previous and subsequent seasons under Coach Romney.

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium
1937	4–4	3–2	E. Lowell Romney	Aggie Stadium
1938	5–3–1	3–1–1	E. Lowell Romney	Aggie Stadium
1939	3–4–1	2–1–1	E. Lowell Romney	Aggie Stadium
1940	3–5	2–3	E. Lowell Romney	Aggie Stadium
1941	3–5	2–3	E. Lowell Romney	Aggie Stadium

This table highlights a gradual decline in performance from 1938 to 1941, with the 1939 season acting as a transitional year. While the team remained competitive in conference play, overall wins decreased, possibly due to increasing competition and limited player depth during the pre-World War II era.

Why It Matters

The 1939 Utah State Aggies season is a snapshot of mid-century college football in the American West, reflecting the sport’s regional growth and institutional commitment. Though not nationally prominent, the team helped lay the foundation for future programs at Utah State.

Institutional Legacy: The season contributed to the long-term athletic identity of Utah State University, which later joined the Mountain West Conference.
Coach Romney’s Tenure: E. Lowell Romney’s 20-year leadership established stability and continuity in the program’s early decades.
Regional Rivalries: Games against Utah and Colorado State helped build enduring fan interest and intercollegiate traditions.
Historical Context: Played just before U.S. entry into WWII, the season reflects a period of transition in college sports and student life.
Stadium Development: Aggie Stadium evolved from a basic field into a more permanent facility, partly due to consistent team support.
Archival Value: Records from 1939 are preserved in university archives, offering insight into early 20th-century collegiate athletics.

While the 1939 season may not stand out in national rankings, it remains a meaningful chapter in Utah State’s sports history, illustrating perseverance and regional pride during a transformative era in American football.