What Is 2011 Presbyterian Blue Hose football

Overview

The 2011 Presbyterian Blue Hose football team represented Presbyterian College in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Big South Conference, the team struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 2–9 overall record and a 1–5 mark in conference play. Head coach Kevin Kelley, known for his unconventional offensive strategies, led the program in his fourth season.

The Blue Hose played their home games at Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, South Carolina, a venue with a capacity of approximately 5,500. Despite improvements in certain areas, the team ranked near the bottom of the FCS in several statistical categories, including total offense and scoring. The 2011 season highlighted ongoing challenges as the program continued to develop at the Division I level.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 2–9 overall record, marking one of the more difficult campaigns in recent years for the program.
• Conference performance: In Big South Conference play, the Blue Hose went 1–5, finishing fifth in the six-team standings behind champions Liberty.
• Head coach: Kevin Kelley remained head coach for his fourth consecutive season, continuing to implement his pass-heavy offensive philosophy.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Bailey Memorial Stadium, which has served as the team’s home since 1965.
• Scoring: The offense averaged 16.2 points per game, totaling 178 points across 11 games, while the defense allowed 32.4 points per contest.

How It Works

The 2011 season followed the standard NCAA FCS football structure, with a combination of non-conference and conference matchups shaping the Blue Hose’s schedule. Each game contributed to the team’s development and conference standing, while also influencing national rankings and postseason eligibility.

• Non-conference play: The Blue Hose opened the season with four non-conference games, including a loss to Coastal Carolina (35–14) on September 10.
• Conference schedule: Big South games began in October, with key matchups against Liberty, Gardner–Webb, and Charleston Southern shaping the team’s standing.
• Offensive strategy: Under Kevin Kelley, the team continued to emphasize passing, attempting 340 passes compared to 298 rushing attempts for the season.
• Defensive struggles: The defense allowed 356.7 yards per game, including 254.3 passing yards, contributing to their overall win-loss record.
• Home vs. away: Presbyterian lost all five away games but managed to win one home game, defeating St. Andrews (38–31) in November.
• Final game: The season concluded with a 45–14 loss to VMI on November 19, marking the end of a challenging campaign.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2011 Presbyterian Blue Hose with other Big South teams and FCS national averages:

The data shows that the 2011 Blue Hose ranked below conference peers and national averages in nearly every offensive category. Their struggles reflected the growing pains of a young FCS program adapting to higher competition levels, particularly in pass defense and red-zone efficiency.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season is significant as it reflects a transitional period for Presbyterian football, highlighting both the challenges and long-term goals of building a competitive FCS program. While the win-loss record was disappointing, the season provided valuable experience for players and coaches alike.

• Program development: Each season contributed to the maturation of Presbyterian’s football program, which transitioned to Division I in 2007.
• Coaching philosophy: Kevin Kelley’s pass-first approach remained controversial but influential, drawing national attention for its uniqueness.
• Recruiting: Competitive seasons like 2011 helped identify areas for improvement in recruiting and player development.
• Conference alignment: Performance in Big South play influenced future scheduling and conference dynamics.
• Fan engagement: Despite losses, home games maintained local support, crucial for long-term sustainability.
• Historical record: The 2–9 season is part of the official record, contributing to the team’s overall legacy and statistical history.

Though not a standout year, the 2011 campaign remains a documented chapter in Presbyterian’s athletic journey, illustrating the realities of building a football program at the Division I level.