What Is 2006 Rhode Island Rams football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 conference record in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Head coach Joe Rhode led the team, which played home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island.

Key Facts

The 2006 Rhode Island Rams finished the season with a 5–6 overall record
They posted a 4–4 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
Head coach Joe Rhode was in his sixth season leading the program
The Rams played home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, RI
Quarterback Chris Suddarth started most games at quarterback

Overview

The 2006 Rhode Island Rams football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Under the leadership of head coach Joe Rhode, the team aimed to improve on previous seasons and build momentum within a competitive conference.

The Rams played their home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, a venue that has hosted the program since 1928. The 2006 season reflected a transitional phase for the program, balancing experienced players with emerging talent across key positions.

The Rams finished the 2006 season with a 5–6 overall record, marking a slight improvement from their 4–7 record in 2005 and showing incremental progress under Coach Rhode’s leadership.
Their conference record was 4–4 in the CAA, placing them in the middle of the league standings and demonstrating competitiveness against strong regional programs like James Madison and Delaware.
Quarterback Chris Suddarth started most games, throwing for 1,487 yards and 10 touchdowns, providing a steady presence despite offensive inconsistencies throughout the season.
Running back Chris Coleman rushed for 563 yards and four touchdowns, emerging as the team’s most reliable ground option and a key contributor in close games.
Defensively, the Rams allowed an average of 26.8 points per game, struggling at times against high-powered CAA offenses but showing improvement in second-half performances.

Season Performance

The 2006 campaign featured a mix of close victories and narrow losses, highlighting the team’s resilience in a challenging conference. Each game provided critical development opportunities for younger players while testing the depth of the roster.

September 9: Lost to UMass 21–14, a tough season opener that exposed offensive inefficiencies against a ranked FCS opponent.
September 16: Defeated Bryant 38–10, a dominant win over the Division II Bulldogs that boosted team confidence early in the season.
October 7: Beat Towson 27–24, a hard-fought victory decided in the final quarter, showcasing the team’s ability to close tight games.
October 28: Lost to James Madison 31–10, a setback against the eventual CAA champions, revealing gaps in both offensive execution and defensive discipline.
November 11: Defeated Hofstra 24–21, a crucial conference win that kept postseason hopes alive late in the season.
November 18: Lost to New Hampshire 24–14, a defeat that eliminated any chance of a winning record and concluded the regular season on a somber note.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2006 Rhode Island Rams compared to other CAA teams in key statistical categories:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points Scored	Points Allowed
James Madison	9–3	7–1	276	174
Delaware	10–3	6–2	312	188
New Hampshire	8–4	6–2	245	176
Rhode Island	5–6	4–4	217	295
Towson	6–5	4–4	205	234

The Rams ranked near the middle of the CAA in both scoring and defense. While they matched Towson in conference wins, they scored fewer points and allowed more than most of their peers, highlighting areas needing improvement for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was a building block for the Rhode Island football program, setting the stage for future development under Coach Rhode. Though not a postseason year, it provided valuable experience and identified key players for upcoming campaigns.

Developed quarterback Chris Suddarth as a starter, giving him critical game experience that would benefit the team in 2007 and 2008.
Highlighted the need for offensive consistency, as the Rams averaged only 19.7 points per game, well below the CAA leaders.
Exposed defensive vulnerabilities against top-tier CAA teams, particularly in games against James Madison and Delaware, where the Rams were outscored by double digits.
Strengthened recruiting visibility, as competitive games against strong programs helped attract regional talent to the Kingston campus.
Reinforced the importance of home-field advantage, with the Rams winning three of five games at Meade Stadium, a key factor in future scheduling strategies.
Set a foundation for 2007 and 2008, when the program would see improved records and greater competitiveness within the conference.

While the 2006 season did not yield a winning record, it played a crucial role in the long-term development of the Rhode Island Rams football team, contributing to incremental progress in the years that followed.