What Is 2009 Presbyterian Blue Hose football

Overview

The 2009 Presbyterian Blue Hose football team represented Presbyterian College in the 2009 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Big South Conference, the team struggled on the field, finishing with a 2–9 overall record and a 1–5 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Tommy Spangler, who was in his fifth year at the helm, the Blue Hose faced challenges adapting to the competitive FCS level. The team played its home games at Bailey Memorial Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility in Clinton, South Carolina, and struggled offensively and defensively throughout the season.

• Record: The team finished with a 2–9 overall record, marking one of the more difficult seasons in program history.
• Conference performance: In Big South Conference play, they went 1–5, with their only win coming against Gardner–Webb.
• Scoring: The Blue Hose were held to 167 total points for the season, averaging just 15.2 points per game.
• Defensive struggles: They allowed 306 points, averaging 27.8 points per game against, highlighting defensive inconsistencies.
• Stadium: All home games were played at Bailey Memorial Stadium, which has hosted Blue Hose football since 1960.

Season Performance

The 2009 campaign was defined by growing pains as Presbyterian continued its transition into Division I football. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the team lacked the depth and experience to sustain success against stronger FCS opponents.

• Head coach:Tommy Spangler served as head coach for his fifth consecutive season, overseeing both offensive and defensive development.
• First win: The Blue Hose opened the season with a 27–24 victory over Edward Waters, an NAIA team, on September 5.
• Conference win: Their only Big South victory came on October 31, a 24–21 win over Gardner–Webb in Clinton.
• Losses: They suffered lopsided defeats to teams like North Carolina (56–23) and Coastal Carolina (31–0).
• Final game: The season concluded with a 48–14 loss to Liberty on November 21, reflecting ongoing struggles.
• Player development: Several young players saw significant playing time, setting the foundation for future seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

How did the 2009 Blue Hose stack up against other Big South teams? The table below compares key statistics.

The 2009 season highlighted the gap between Presbyterian and the top of the Big South. While Liberty dominated the conference en route to an FCS playoff appearance, the Blue Hose struggled to keep pace. Their offensive output ranked near the bottom, and defensive lapses contributed to lopsided losses. Despite this, the win over Gardner–Webb showed moments of potential.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season is a significant chapter in the evolution of Presbyterian College football, illustrating the challenges of transitioning to Division I. It provided valuable experience for players and coaches alike, shaping future program development.

• Program building: The season contributed to long-term growth, helping recruit and develop talent for future seasons.
• Competitive exposure: Playing against FCS teams gave players experience at a higher level of competition.
• Conference integration: As a Big South member, Presbyterian gained visibility and scheduling stability.
• Coaching evaluation: The record led to scrutiny of Spangler’s leadership, culminating in his departure after 2010.
• Foundation for change: The struggles in 2009 prompted strategic shifts in recruiting and training approaches.
• Historical context: The season is remembered as part of a rebuilding phase before future improvements under new leadership.

Though the 2009 record was disappointing, it played a role in shaping the future direction of Presbyterian football. The lessons learned during that season helped lay the groundwork for gradual improvement in the years that followed.