What Is 1939 LSU Tigers football team

Overview

The 1939 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 1939 college football season. Competing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Bernie Bierman in his seventh year at the helm, aiming to rebuild after mixed results in prior seasons.

LSU finished the season with a record of 4–4–1, marking a slight improvement over previous years but falling short of national prominence. Despite inconsistent results, the team showed flashes of offensive potential and played all home games at the historic Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, a venue that continued to grow in significance.

• Record: The 1939 LSU Tigers posted a 4–4–1 overall record, including a 2–3–1 mark in SEC conference play, reflecting a season of near .500 performance.
• Head Coach: Bernie Bierman, in his seventh season, maintained a disciplined approach but struggled to elevate the team beyond mediocrity in a competitive conference.
• Scoring: The offense generated 143 total points across nine games, averaging 15.9 points per game, with inconsistent but occasionally explosive performances.
• Defense: LSU allowed 106 points during the season, averaging 11.8 points per game against, showing a defense that was generally solid but vulnerable at times.
• Home Venue: Tiger Stadium, located in Baton Rouge, served as the team’s home field, drawing strong regional support despite the team’s uneven results.

Season Performance

The 1939 campaign featured a mix of close contests and decisive outcomes, with LSU facing a challenging schedule that included several strong regional opponents. The team’s performance highlighted both offensive flashes and defensive lapses, particularly in key conference matchups.

• Season Opener: LSU defeated Southwestern Louisiana 27–0, setting an early tone with a dominant defensive shutout and strong rushing attack.
• SEC Challenge: A 13–0 loss to conference powerhouse Tennessee underscored the gap between LSU and the nation’s elite programs at the time.
• Tie Game: The Tigers tied Tulane 7–7 in a heated rivalry game, showcasing resilience but also an inability to close out tight contests.
• Offensive Standout: Halfback Abe Mickal returned for his final season, contributing significantly to the passing and rushing attacks before graduation.
• Defensive Struggles: A 20–14 loss to Rice highlighted defensive breakdowns, particularly in the secondary, against more experienced opponents.
• Season Finale: LSU closed with a 13–7 win over in-state rival Tulane, providing a modest boost to an otherwise inconsistent season.

Comparison at a Glance

How did the 1939 LSU Tigers compare to other SEC teams and national powers of the era? The table below provides key statistical and performance metrics.

Compared to dominant teams like Tennessee and Tulane, LSU’s 1939 season was middling. While the Tigers showed improvement in scoring, they lacked the consistency and defensive dominance of top-tier squads. The team finished fifth in the SEC’s Western Division, well behind conference leaders.

Why It Matters

The 1939 season, while not historic, contributed to the long-term development of LSU’s football program and laid groundwork for future competitiveness. It reflected the evolving nature of college football in the Deep South during the pre-World War II era.

• Program Building: The season was part of Bernie Bierman’s long-term effort to establish LSU as a consistent SEC contender during the late 1930s.
• Player Development: Veterans like Abe Mickal provided leadership, mentoring younger players who would shape the team in coming years.
• Regional Rivalries: Games against Tulane and other in-state teams strengthened fan engagement and regional identity.
• Stadium Growth: Continued use of Tiger Stadium helped solidify its role as a central hub for Louisiana sports culture.
• Historical Context: The 1939 season occurred just before WWII, a period that would soon disrupt college athletics across the nation.
• Data Legacy: Season statistics and records from 1939 remain part of LSU’s official athletic archives and historical databases.

Though overshadowed by more successful campaigns before and after, the 1939 LSU Tigers football team remains a documented chapter in the university’s rich football tradition, illustrating both the challenges and progress of a developing program.