What Is 2011 Rhode Island Rams football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island in the NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by head coach Joe Rhode, they finished with a 6–5 record overall and 4–4 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The team played its home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island.

Key Facts

The 2011 Rhode Island Rams finished with a 6–5 overall record
They went 4–4 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
Head coach Joe Rhode led the team in his fourth season
Home games were played at Meade Stadium in Kingston, RI
The Rams scored 259 total points, averaging 23.5 per game

Overview

The 2011 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, who was in his fourth season at the helm, the team aimed to improve on previous campaigns and build consistency in conference play.

The Rams played their home games at Meade Stadium, a 5,156-seat facility located on the University of Rhode Island campus in Kingston. While they did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, the 2011 season marked a competitive year with a winning overall record and several close contests against top-tier CAA opponents.

Season Record: The Rams finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, marking one of their more balanced performances in recent years.
Conference Performance: In the highly competitive CAA, they posted a 4–4 record, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Joe Rhode led the program in his fourth season, emphasizing offensive development and player discipline.
Home Field: All home games were held at Meade Stadium, which has served as the Rams' home since 1928.
Scoring Output: Rhode Island scored 259 total points during the season, averaging 23.5 points per game, a modest improvement over 2010.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2011 Rhode Island Rams football team followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including recruiting, scheduling, and conference alignment. The team operated under a full-time coaching staff, training regimen, and academic support system tailored to student-athletes.

Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I football, featuring a 24-team playoff to determine the national champion.
CAA Membership: The Colonial Athletic Association is one of the strongest FCS conferences, including teams like Villanova, Richmond, and New Hampshire.
Roster Size: The Rams maintained a roster of approximately 85 scholarship and non-scholarship players, typical for FCS programs.
Recruiting: Rhode Island focused on regional talent from New England and the Mid-Atlantic, with limited national recruiting reach.
Game Schedule: The team played a 11-game regular season, including six conference and five non-conference matchups.
Player Development: The program emphasized multi-year player growth, with redshirting and position specialization common across positions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2011 Rhode Island Rams compared to select CAA peers in key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against
Rhode Island	6–5	4–4	259	264
Delaware	8–4	5–3	317	221
Richmond	6–5	4–4	248	215
New Hampshire	7–5	5–3	274	232
Villanova	8–4	6–2	289	210

The Rams were competitive defensively, allowing 264 points (24.0 per game), slightly above the conference average. While their offense was solid, they struggled in close games, losing three contests by a touchdown or less. Their performance mirrored that of Richmond and New Hampshire, both of whom had similar records and point differentials.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was significant for maintaining program stability and laying groundwork for future development under Joe Rhode. Though not a playoff year, it demonstrated incremental progress and provided valuable experience for younger players.

Program Momentum: A winning record helped boost morale and recruiting interest for the 2012 season.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including quarterback Chris Marangi and linebacker Jim Jackson.
Conference Competitiveness: Going 4–4 in the CAA showed the Rams could compete with top FCS programs.
Recruiting Impact: A stable season helped secure commitments from key regional high school prospects.
Facility Investment: Continued use of Meade Stadium highlighted the need for future upgrades to remain competitive.
Fan Engagement: Attendance remained steady, with strong alumni support during homecoming and rivalry games.

While the 2011 Rhode Island Rams did not achieve national recognition, their season contributed to the long-term growth of URI’s football program within the FCS landscape.