What Is 2011 Cornell Big Red football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Cornell Big Red football team represented Cornell University during the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 5–5 overall record and 3–4 in Ivy League play under head coach Kent Austin, who was in his first year.

Key Facts

The 2011 Cornell Big Red football team had a 5–5 overall record
They went 3–4 in Ivy League competition during the 2011 season
Kent Austin was in his first season as head coach
Cornell played home games at Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, NY
The team's leading passer was quarterback Kyle Sterbinsky

Overview

The 2011 Cornell Big Red football team represented Cornell University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Ivy League. Competing during the 2011 college football season, the team was led by first-year head coach Kent Austin, who took over after the departure of Jim Knowles.

The season marked a transitional period for the program, with mixed results across non-conference and league matchups. Despite not finishing above .500 in Ivy play, the team showed improvement in offensive production compared to previous seasons.

Overall record: The Big Red finished the 2011 season with a 5–5 win-loss record, marking modest improvement from prior years and reflecting a rebuilding phase under new leadership.
Ivy League performance: Cornell went 3–4 in conference play, placing in the middle of the Ivy standings and failing to secure a league title or championship contention.
Head coach: Kent Austin began his tenure in 2011, bringing experience from professional football and a focus on revitalizing the program’s offensive strategy.
Home stadium: The team played all home games at Schoellkopf Field, a 25,597-seat stadium located on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca, New York.
Key player: Quarterback Kyle Sterbinsky led the offense, throwing for 1,475 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also facing challenges due to an evolving offensive system.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2011 campaign featured a blend of competitive Ivy matchups and challenging non-conference opponents. The team demonstrated resilience in close games but struggled with consistency, particularly on defense.

September opener: Cornell opened with a 35–24 loss to Colgate, a rivalry game that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and offensive miscues early in the season.
First win: The team secured its first victory on September 17 with a 28–21 win over VMI, powered by a balanced offensive attack and improved red-zone efficiency.
Offensive stats: The Big Red averaged 23.8 points per game, a notable increase from 2010, reflecting Austin’s emphasis on a more dynamic passing game.
Defensive struggles: The defense allowed 26.4 points per game, ranking among the lower tiers in the Ivy League and contributing to several close losses.
Key victory: A 34–20 win over Brown on November 5 showcased the team’s potential, with strong rushing performances and timely defensive stops.
Season finale: The year ended with a 38–31 loss to Columbia, a game that underscored the team’s inability to close out tight contests despite a competitive effort.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2011 season to recent years reveals trends in performance, coaching impact, and program direction.

Season	Overall Record	Ivy Record	Head Coach	Points For	Points Against
2009	4–6	3–4	Jim Knowles	20.1 PPG	29.5 PPG
2010	4–6	3–4	Jim Knowles	19.8 PPG	30.2 PPG
2011	5–5	3–4	Kent Austin	23.8 PPG	26.4 PPG
2012	2–8	1–6	Kent Austin	18.7 PPG	33.9 PPG
2013	4–6	3–4	Kent Austin	20.9 PPG	31.3 PPG

The table illustrates that while 2011 saw a slight improvement in scoring and overall wins, the team regressed in subsequent seasons under Austin. The offensive uptick in 2011 did not translate into sustained success, and defensive performance remained a persistent issue. This season stands out as the most competitive during Austin’s early tenure.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season is significant as a transitional year that reflected both promise and challenges under new leadership. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating coaching impact and program development.

Coaching transition: Kent Austin’s arrival marked a shift in offensive philosophy, emphasizing quarterback development and modernized play-calling strategies.
Player development: The season provided valuable experience for young talent, many of whom became key contributors in later years despite short-term results.
Recruiting impact: Competitive non-conference games helped raise the program’s visibility, aiding in attracting future recruits to Ithaca.
Program trajectory: While not a breakout year, 2011 represented a temporary high point before a decline in performance in 2012 and 2013.
Historical context: The season is remembered for its offensive improvement, one of the few bright spots during a period of inconsistent results in the early 2010s.
Legacy: Despite no championship, the 2011 team laid groundwork for future changes, including eventual coaching adjustments and strategic overhauls.

Ultimately, the 2011 Cornell Big Red football season remains a case study in the challenges of rebuilding a collegiate program amid shifting leadership and competitive pressures within the Ivy League.