What Is 1979 Rhode Island Rams football team

Overview

The 1979 Rhode Island Rams football team represented the University of Rhode Island during the 1979 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing in the Yankee Conference, the Rams were led by head coach Jerry Azzinaro in his second year at the helm.

Playing their home games at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, the team finished the season with a 5–6 overall record, including a 3–2 mark at home. Despite not qualifying for the postseason, the season reflected gradual progress under Azzinaro’s leadership.

• Head coach Jerry Azzinaro completed his second season in 1979, striving to rebuild the Rams’ competitiveness after a 3–8 debut season in 1978.
• The team played in the NCAA Division I-AA, the second-highest level of college football, which had only been established two years prior in 1978.
• Meade Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 8,411, served as the home field and has been the Rams’ venue since 1928.
• The Rams competed in the Yankee Conference, a league that included regional rivals such as UMass, Connecticut, and Maine.
• They recorded three wins at home and two on the road, with losses to both in-conference and non-conference opponents.

Season Structure & Performance

The 1979 season followed a 11-game regular-season schedule typical of Division I-AA programs at the time, with a mix of conference and independent matchups.

• Opening game: The Rams began the season on September 8, 1979, with a loss to Colgate, setting a challenging tone early in the year.
• Conference play: In Yankee Conference games, Rhode Island secured three wins against teams like New Hampshire and William & Mary.
• Offensive output: The team averaged approximately 17.5 points per game, reflecting modest offensive production for the era.
• Defensive struggles: The Rams allowed an average of 21.8 points per game, indicating challenges in stopping stronger opponents.
• Key rivalry: The annual game against in-state UConn was a highlight, though the Rams lost 27–14 in 1979.
• Season finale: The campaign ended with a loss to Delaware on November 17, finishing the year at 5–6 overall.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance comparison of the 1979 Rams with adjacent seasons and conference peers:

The 1979 season marked a modest improvement over the previous two years, as the Rams nearly doubled their win total from 3 to 5. While still outside the national rankings, the team showed signs of growth compared to regional counterparts like UMass and Maine.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season is a snapshot of a transitional era for Rhode Island football, illustrating the challenges of mid-tier college programs adapting to new NCAA divisions.

• Developmental phase: The season highlighted the rebuilding process under second-year coach Azzinaro, who sought to stabilize the program.
• Conference context: Competing in the Yankee Conference helped shape regional rivalries that continue to influence FCS football today.
• Historical significance: As one of the first full seasons in Division I-AA, it contributed to the evolving structure of college football.
• Player development: Several Rams from this era laid the foundation for future teams, including 1980s squad improvements.
• Fan engagement: Home games at Meade Stadium maintained local support despite the team’s inconsistent record.
• Legacy: The 5–6 record in 1979 represented a step forward, setting the stage for more competitive seasons in the early 1980s.

Though not a championship season, 1979 remains a notable chapter in Rhode Island football history, reflecting perseverance and incremental progress during a formative period.