What Is 2009 Rhode Island Rams football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) under head coach Joe Trainer.

Key Facts

The 2009 Rhode Island Rams finished with a 5–6 overall record.
They played in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and went 4–4 in conference play.
Head coach Joe Trainer was in his third season leading the team.
Home games were played at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island.
The Rams scored 226 total points, averaging 20.5 points per game.

Overview

The 2009 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island during the 2009 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Rams were led by head coach Joe Trainer in his third year at the helm. The team played its home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, and finished the season with a 5–6 overall record.

The Rams showed improvement in conference play, posting a 4–4 mark in the CAA after struggling in previous seasons. Despite falling short of bowl eligibility, the team demonstrated resilience, particularly on offense, where they averaged over 20 points per game. The 2009 season served as a transitional year as URI continued to rebuild its football program.

Record: The Rams finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 4–4 performance in the competitive Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).
Head Coach:Joe Trainer was in his third season as head coach, aiming to stabilize the program after years of subpar performance.
Stadium: All home games were played at Meade Stadium, located on the university's campus in Kingston, Rhode Island.
Offensive Output: Rhode Island scored 226 total points across 11 games, averaging 20.5 points per contest.
Season Outcome: The team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, falling just short of the .500 record needed for postseason consideration.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football involves a regular season followed by a playoff system for eligible teams. The 2009 Rhode Island Rams competed within this framework, aiming to secure a winning record and conference recognition.

Division Level: The Rams competed in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision), the second-highest level of college football in the U.S., formerly known as Division I-AA.
Conference Affiliation: As members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Rams faced strong competition from regional and national programs.
Regular Season: The 2009 season consisted of 11 games, with eight against conference opponents and three non-conference matchups.
Recruiting & Roster: The team relied on a mix of returning veterans and new recruits, with a focus on developing talent under Coach Trainer’s leadership.
Game Strategy: The offensive scheme emphasized balanced play-calling, while the defense worked to improve against high-powered CAA offenses.
Postseason Eligibility: Teams must finish with a .500 or better record to be considered for the FCS playoffs, which the Rams narrowly missed.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 season can be better understood by comparing it to the previous two years in terms of performance, coaching, and conference results.

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Head Coach	Points Scored
2007	2–10	1–7	Joe Trainer (1st year)	156
2008	3–9	2–6	Joe Trainer (2nd year)	194
2009	5–6	4–4	Joe Trainer (3rd year)	226
2010	2–9	1–7	Joe Trainer (4th year)	176
2011	3–9	2–6	Joe Trainer (5th year)	214

This table highlights a brief upward trend in 2009, showing the best conference record and offensive output during Trainer’s tenure. However, the program regressed in the following years, leading to his eventual departure after the 2013 season. The 2009 season remains a modest high point in a challenging era for URI football.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season is significant as it represented a step forward for the Rhode Island football program during a period of rebuilding. While not a championship-caliber year, it demonstrated progress and offered hope for future development.

Program Momentum: The 5–6 record was URI’s best since 2007, signaling potential under Joe Trainer’s leadership.
Competitive in CAA: A 4–4 conference record showed the Rams could compete with some of the better teams in the FCS.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, forming the foundation for future seasons.
Recruiting Boost: Improved performance helped the coaching staff attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
Fan Engagement: Better results led to increased attendance and interest in the football program at URI.
Historical Context: The 2009 season is remembered as a brief turnaround before another period of decline.

Ultimately, the 2009 Rhode Island Rams football team serves as a case study in incremental progress within college athletics. While they didn’t achieve postseason success, their season laid groundwork for future efforts to elevate the program.