What Is 2011 Northern Colorado Bears football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Northern Colorado Bears football team represented the University of Northern Colorado in the NCAA Division I FCS, finishing with a 2–9 record under head coach Earnest Collins Jr., who was in his third season.

Key Facts

The 2011 Northern Colorado Bears finished the season with a 2–9 overall record
They competed in the Big Sky Conference and went 1–7 in conference play
Head coach Earnest Collins Jr. was in his third year leading the program
The Bears played their home games at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colorado
Their two wins came against Western Illinois and Southern Utah

Overview

The 2011 Northern Colorado Bears football team represented the University of Northern Colorado in the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Big Sky Conference, the Bears struggled on the field, finishing with a 2–9 overall record and a 1–7 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of head coach Earnest Collins Jr., who was in his third season at the helm, the team faced challenges in both offense and defense. Despite limited success, the season provided developmental experience for young players and laid groundwork for future program improvements.

Season Record: The Bears ended the year with a 2–9 overall record, reflecting difficulties in maintaining consistency across games.
Conference Performance: In Big Sky Conference play, Northern Colorado managed only one win, finishing 1–7 and near the bottom of the standings.
Home Venue: All home games were played at Nottingham Field, a 7,500-seat stadium located on the university's campus in Greeley, Colorado.
Head Coach: Earnest Collins Jr. entered his third season in 2011, continuing efforts to rebuild the program after previous struggles.
Notable Wins: The Bears secured victories over Western Illinois (31–28) and Southern Utah (37–34), both close, high-scoring matchups.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football includes defined seasons, conference alignments, and eligibility rules that shape team performance and scheduling. For the 2011 Northern Colorado Bears, these systems determined their opponents, game logistics, and long-term program goals.

Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I, featuring a 24-team playoff to decide the national champion.
Big Sky Conference: Founded in 1963, the conference included nine teams in 2011, with Northern Colorado joining in 2006 as a full football member.
Season Length: Teams typically play 11 regular-season games; the Bears played 11 games in 2011, including eight conference matchups.
Scholarship Limits: FCS teams are allowed 63 full scholarships, distributed across the roster, impacting recruiting and player development strategies.
Player Eligibility: Student-athletes must meet NCAA academic standards, including progress-toward-degree requirements, to remain eligible to compete.
Coaching Staff: Collins led a staff focused on rebuilding culture, emphasizing discipline and fundamentals after previous losing seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 Northern Colorado Bears compared to select peers in the Big Sky Conference:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Final Ranking
Northern Colorado	2–9	1–7	Earnest Collins Jr.	Unranked
Montana	7–5	5–3	Robin Pflugrad	Did not qualify
Eastern Washington	7–4	6–2	Beau Baldwin	Won FCS Championship
UC Davis	5–6	3–5	Brian Keller	Unranked
Idaho State	3–8	2–6	Mike Kramer	Unranked

The table highlights Northern Colorado's struggles relative to conference competitors. While Eastern Washington won the national title, the Bears ranked near the bottom in both wins and competitiveness. This gap underscored the challenges of rebuilding a lower-tier FCS program against more established teams with stronger recruiting networks and facilities.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season, though not successful on the scoreboard, played a role in the long-term trajectory of Northern Colorado's football program. It provided valuable experience for players and coaches amid a rebuilding phase, setting the stage for future development.

Program Development: The season contributed to long-term growth, helping identify key positions needing improvement in future recruiting cycles.
Player Experience: Young athletes gained critical game-time exposure, essential for skill development and future performance.
Coaching Evaluation: The record prompted reviews of strategy and staffing, leading to incremental changes in subsequent seasons.
Recruiting Impact: Despite losses, consistent play in FCS helped maintain visibility for recruiting prospects in Colorado and surrounding regions.
Conference Integration: Continued Big Sky membership reinforced the university’s commitment to competitive Division I athletics.
Fan Engagement: Local support remained steady, demonstrating community investment in the team despite on-field challenges.

While the 2011 campaign was forgettable in terms of wins, it served as a necessary step in the broader evolution of Northern Colorado football within the FCS landscape.