What Is 2011 William & Mary Tribe football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 William & Mary Tribe football team represented the College of William & Mary in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) under head coach Jimmye Laycock.

Key Facts

The 2011 William & Mary Tribe football team had a final record of 6–5 overall and 4–4 in conference play.
Head coach Jimmye Laycock led the team in his 32nd season at the helm.
The team played its home games at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia.
William & Mary competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) of the NCAA Division I FCS.
The Tribe did not qualify for the 2011 FCS Playoffs, ending a three-year postseason streak.

Overview

The 2011 William & Mary Tribe football season marked the 120th year of the program’s storied history. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the team represented the College of William & Mary as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

Under the leadership of head coach Jimmye Laycock, who was in his 32nd season, the Tribe aimed to return to postseason play after three consecutive FCS playoff appearances. However, the team finished with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 conference record, falling short of playoff eligibility.

Final record: The Tribe ended the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in the CAA, missing the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Head coach:Jimmye Laycock, in his 32nd year, continued to shape the program with a focus on disciplined, balanced football and strong academic standards.
Home stadium: The team played all home games at Zable Stadium, a 12,674-seat venue located on campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Conference: William & Mary competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), one of the most competitive FCS conferences in the nation.
Notable game: A 34–31 overtime win against Richmond on November 19 stood out as a highlight in an otherwise inconsistent season.

Season Structure and Game Schedule

The 2011 campaign featured a challenging 11-game regular season schedule, including five home games and six road contests. The Tribe opened the season on September 3 with a non-conference matchup against Richmond, a rivalry game that set the tone for the year.

September 3: Lost to Richmond 27–24 in a season-opening road game, setting early concerns about offensive consistency.
September 10: Defeated Stony Brook 21–16 at home, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
September 17: Won 34–14 against Western Michigan, an FBS opponent, in a rare non-conference victory over a higher-division team.
October 1: Secured a 35–14 win over Elon, showcasing improved defensive performance in CAA play.
November 12: Lost 38–35 to Delaware in a high-scoring game that hurt playoff hopes due to Delaware’s strong season.
November 19: Won 34–31 in overtime against Richmond, reclaiming the Capital Cup in a dramatic rivalry showdown.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2011 season to recent years highlights both continuity and decline in performance, particularly in postseason outcomes.

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Postseason Result	Head Coach
2009	9–4	7–1	FCS Quarterfinals	Jimmye Laycock
2010	7–5	5–3	FCS Second Round	Jimmye Laycock
2011	6–5	4–4	No postseason	Jimmye Laycock
2012	6–6	5–3	No postseason	Jimmye Laycock
2013	7–4	6–2	No postseason	Jimmye Laycock

The table illustrates a gradual decline in CAA performance from 2009 to 2011. While William & Mary maintained a winning tradition under Laycock, the 2011 season marked a turning point as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in four years. Injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and defensive lapses contributed to the downturn.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season serves as a case study in the challenges of maintaining elite FCS competitiveness amid shifting rosters and conference strength. Though not a standout year, it provided valuable lessons for future rebuilding efforts.

End of a streak: The failure to reach the FCS playoffs ended a three-year postseason run, underscoring the volatility of conference competition.
Quarterback instability: Multiple starters saw action, with no consistent QB emerging, which hampered offensive rhythm.
Rivalry resilience: Winning the Capital Cup against Richmond in overtime preserved regional pride despite a losing season.
Recruiting impact: A non-playoff season may have affected recruiting momentum heading into 2012 and beyond.
Coaching legacy: Even in down years, Laycock’s leadership maintained program stability and academic excellence.
Conference context: The CAA remained highly competitive, with five teams reaching the 2011 FCS playoffs, raising the bar for qualification.

The 2011 William & Mary Tribe football season, while not historic, reflects the realities of mid-major college football—where sustained success requires constant adaptation, strong leadership, and resilience in the face of setbacks.