What Is 1939 Harvard Crimson football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 Harvard Crimson football team represented Harvard University during the 1939 college football season, finishing with a 5–2–1 record under head coach Dick Harlow, who was in his eighth season leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1939 Harvard Crimson football team had a final record of 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie.
Head coach Dick Harlow led the team in his eighth season at Harvard.
The team played its home games at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts.
Harvard was an independent team in 1939 and did not belong to a conference.
Notable victory: Harvard defeated Yale 10–7 in the season finale.

Overview

The 1939 Harvard Crimson football team represented Harvard University during the 1939 NCAA college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Dick Harlow, who was in his eighth year at the helm. They played their home games at the historic Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, a venue that has hosted Crimson football since 1903.

The 1939 season was marked by solid performances against regional rivals and a notable victory over Yale in the annual rivalry game. The team finished with a respectable 5–2–1 record, showcasing a balanced offense and a disciplined defense. Though not ranked in the final AP Poll, the season was considered a success under Harlow’s steady leadership.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–2–1 overall record, including five wins, two losses, and one tie.
Head Coach:Dick Harlow served as head coach for his eighth consecutive season, building on a legacy of consistent performance.
Home Field: All home games were played at Harvard Stadium, a 30,000-seat venue located in the Allston neighborhood of Boston.
Season Highlight: A 10–7 victory over Yale in November stood out as the most significant win of the season.
Independent Status: Harvard competed as an independent program in 1939, not affiliated with any athletic conference.

Season Performance

The 1939 campaign featured a mix of competitive matchups against both regional and national opponents. Harvard demonstrated resilience, particularly in close games, and showed improvement in both offensive execution and defensive consistency compared to previous seasons.

Opening Game: Harvard opened the season with a 20–0 win over Holy Cross on September 30, setting a strong tone.
Mid-Season Challenge: A 13–7 loss to Dartmouth in October highlighted areas needing improvement, especially in red-zone efficiency.
Tie Game: The team played to a 7–7 draw with Penn, reflecting a tightly contested matchup on November 4.
Defensive Strength: The Crimson defense allowed an average of 10.5 points per game, a solid mark for the era.
Offensive Output: Harvard scored 84 total points across eight games, averaging 10.5 points per game.
Final Game: The season concluded with the 10–7 win over Yale, preserving the rivalry’s competitive spirit.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Harvard’s 1939 season against key rivals and program averages during the Dick Harlow era:

Team	Year	Record	vs. Harvard Result	Head Coach
Harvard Crimson	1939	5–2–1	N/A	Dick Harlow
Yale Bulldogs	1939	3–4–1	Lost 7–10	Ducky Pond
Dartmouth Big Green	1939	5–1–1	Won 13–7	Earl Blaik
Princeton Tigers	1939	2–5	No game scheduled	Harry Howard
Harvard Average (1932–1939)	1932–1939	5.2 wins/year	N/A	Dick Harlow

The 1939 season was consistent with Harvard’s performance trends under Harlow, who maintained a winning culture despite the challenges of fielding a competitive team without conference affiliation. The victory over Yale remained a point of pride, continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence in the Ivy League rivalry.

Why It Matters

The 1939 Harvard Crimson football season is a snapshot of college football during a transitional era, just before World War II reshaped collegiate athletics. It reflects the importance of tradition, regional rivalries, and independent programs in shaping the sport’s landscape.

Historical Context: The 1939 season occurred just before World War II disrupted college sports, making it one of the last full seasons before wartime adjustments.
Rivalry Legacy: The win over Yale preserved Harvard’s competitive edge in one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalries.
Coaching Impact: Dick Harlow’s leadership helped modernize Harvard’s program with improved training and strategic play-calling.
Independent Model: Harvard’s status as an independent highlighted the flexibility and challenges of scheduling in the pre-conference era.
Stadium Legacy: Playing at Harvard Stadium reinforced the historic traditions of the program and its connection to Boston.
Statistical Benchmark: The team’s 5–2–1 record provided a benchmark for future seasons under Harlow’s long-term tenure.

Ultimately, the 1939 season stands as a testament to Harvard’s enduring presence in college football history, illustrating how tradition and competition coexisted during a pivotal time in American sports.