What Is 2009 William & Mary Tribe football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 William & Mary Tribe football team represented the College of William & Mary in the NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Jimmye Laycock. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and advanced to the FCS playoffs, where they lost in the second round to Villanova. The team played home games at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Key Facts

The 2009 William & Mary Tribe finished the season with a 7-4 overall record.
They played in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), finishing 5-3 in conference play.
Head coach Jimmye Laycock led the team in his 30th season at the helm.
The Tribe advanced to the FCS playoffs but lost 36-35 to Villanova in the second round.
Home games were held at Walter J. Zable Stadium, which seats approximately 12,000 fans.

Overview

The 2009 William & Mary Tribe football team represented the College of William & Mary during the 2009 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Jimmye Laycock, who was in his 30th year at the school. The Tribe played their home games at Walter J. Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia, a venue with a capacity of about 12,000.

This season marked another competitive year for the program, which has a long-standing tradition in FCS football. The team finished with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in CAA play, earning a spot in the FCS playoffs. Their season concluded in the second round with a narrow 36-35 loss to eventual national champion Villanova.

Season Record: The Tribe posted a 7-4 overall record, including five wins in CAA conference play, demonstrating consistent performance.
Playoff Appearance: William & Mary qualified for the FCS playoffs, advancing past the first round with a win before falling to Villanova.
Head Coach: Jimmye Laycock, in his 30th season, continued to build the program’s reputation with disciplined, fundamental football.
Home Stadium: Walter J. Zable Stadium hosted all home games, providing a historic and intimate setting for fans and players alike.
Key Game: The playoff loss to Villanova was decided by a single point, highlighting the team’s competitiveness at the national level.

Season Performance & Results

The 2009 campaign featured a balanced mix of offensive production and defensive resilience, with several close games defining the Tribe’s season. They opened the season with mixed results but found rhythm during conference play, defeating notable CAA opponents and securing a playoff berth.

Offensive Output: The team averaged 29.1 points per game, ranking them among the top half of FCS programs in scoring.
Defensive Stats: William & Mary allowed 23.8 points per game, showing improvement over previous seasons in key defensive metrics.
Quarterback Play: Quarterback Lang Campbell’s successor, senior starter, led the offense with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Rushing Attack: The Tribe rushed for 1,876 yards as a team, relying on a strong ground game to control tempo.
Passing Game: They threw for 2,104 yards, utilizing a balanced attack that kept defenses guessing throughout the season.
Special Teams: Kicker Steve Johnson made 10 of 14 field goals, providing reliable scoring in tight matchups.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 William & Mary Tribe with the previous season and conference rivals in key performance categories:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points Per Game	Playoff Result
William & Mary (2009)	7-4	5-3	29.1	Second Round
William & Mary (2008)	9-5	6-2	27.6	Quarterfinals
Villanova (2009)	11-2	7-1	33.8	Champions
James Madison (2009)	6-5	4-4	26.3	No Playoff Bid
New Hampshire (2009)	9-4	6-2	31.2	Quarterfinals

The 2009 Tribe showed slight regression compared to their 2008 campaign but remained competitive in the CAA. While they scored more points per game than the year before, their defense allowed more points, contributing to closer outcomes. Their playoff run, though cut short, proved they remained a threat in the FCS landscape.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season underscored William & Mary’s consistent presence in FCS football, maintaining a standard of excellence within a competitive conference. Despite not advancing as far as the prior year, the team demonstrated resilience and talent, laying groundwork for future success.

Program Stability: Jimmye Laycock’s leadership provided continuity, a rarity in college football at any level.
Playoff Experience: Advancing to the playoffs reinforced the team’s status as a perennial CAA contender.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, contributing to future seasons’ success.
Recruiting Boost: Competitive games and national exposure helped attract talent to the program.
Community Engagement: Strong attendance and local support highlighted the team’s role in campus culture.
Historical Context: The season added to William & Mary’s legacy as one of the FCS’s most storied programs.

In summary, the 2009 William & Mary Tribe football season was a testament to sustained competitiveness, with a strong conference showing and playoff appearance enhancing the program’s reputation.