What Is 2009 Utah State Aggies football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Utah State Aggies football team represented Utah State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 7-6 record under head coach Gary Andersen. They played their home games at Merlin Olsen Field and earned a berth in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 7-6 overall record
First winning season since 1997
Defeated UTEP 21-6 in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl
Head coach Gary Andersen in his first year
Scored 247 total points (20.6 per game)

Overview

The 2009 Utah State Aggies football team marked a turning point for the program, achieving its first winning season since 1997. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Aggies represented Utah State University as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

Under first-year head coach Gary Andersen, the team compiled a 7-6 overall record and secured a bowl berth for the first time in over a decade. Their performance signaled the beginning of a program resurgence after years of limited success.

Season record: The Aggies finished with a 7-6 overall record, including a 5-3 mark in WAC play, their best conference performance in years.
Bowl appearance: They earned a spot in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl on December 19, defeating the UTEP Miners 21-6 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Scoring output: Utah State scored 247 total points during the season, averaging 20.6 points per game across 13 contests.
Defensive performance: The defense allowed 328 total points (25.2 per game), highlighting areas for improvement despite the winning record.
Home games: All home games were played at Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium in Logan, Utah, a venue with a capacity of approximately 27,104.

How It Works

The 2009 season represented a structural and cultural shift for Utah State football, driven by coaching changes and renewed player development. Gary Andersen, hired in December 2008, implemented a disciplined, defense-first philosophy that began to take hold immediately.

Coaching transition:Gary Andersen took over as head coach after serving as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, bringing FBS-level experience and a focus on accountability.
Quarterback play:Darren Mougey started most games at QB, throwing for 1,475 yards and 9 touchdowns, providing steady but unspectacular leadership.
Running game:Michael Smith emerged as the lead back, rushing for 819 yards and 7 touchdowns, becoming the first Aggie to surpass 800 rushing yards since 2002.
Defensive turnaround: The team improved from allowing 40.4 points per game in 2008 to 25.2 in 2009, a dramatic 15.2-point reduction in points allowed.
Special teams: Kicker Chris Ulmer converted 11 of 15 field goals, with a long of 47 yards, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Bowl eligibility: The Aggies became bowl-eligible by defeating Louisiana Tech 45-17 in their final regular-season game, securing their seventh win.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2009 season to the previous year highlights significant improvement across key performance metrics:

Statistic	2008 Season	2009 Season
Overall Record	4-8	7-6
WAC Record	3-5	5-3
Points Scored (Avg)	20.8 (263 total)	20.6 (247 total)
Points Allowed (Avg)	40.4 (509 total)	25.2 (328 total)
Bowl Game	No	Won New Mexico Bowl

The data shows that while offensive production remained relatively flat, the dramatic improvement in defense and conference play was the driving force behind the team’s success. The 2009 season laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the WAC and beyond, setting expectations higher for subsequent years.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Utah State Aggies season was a pivotal moment in the program’s modern history, symbolizing a shift from perennial underdog to competitive FBS contender. It restored fan engagement and set the stage for future success under Andersen’s leadership.

Program momentum: The winning season and bowl victory re-energized the fan base and increased attendance and fundraising in subsequent years.
Recruiting boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-rated recruits, including future NFL players like Bobby Wagner.
Conference credibility: A 5-3 WAC record improved Utah State’s standing within the conference and demonstrated competitiveness with teams like Boise State.
Coaching validation: Gary Andersen’s first-year success solidified his role and led to long-term stability for the program.
Bowl significance: The New Mexico Bowl win was the Aggies’ first bowl victory since 1993, ending a 16-year drought and boosting national visibility.
Foundation for growth: The 2009 season directly contributed to Utah State’s rise in the early 2010s, including multiple bowl appearances and top-25 rankings.

Ultimately, the 2009 campaign was more than just a winning record—it was the catalyst for a new era of Utah State football, proving that sustained success was possible with the right leadership and culture.