What Is 2017 Presbyterian Blue Hose football

Overview

The 2017 Presbyterian Blue Hose football team represented Presbyterian College during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Pioneer Football League (PFL), the team struggled to find consistency under new leadership and finished with a 2–9 overall record.

Head coach Kevin Kelley, promoted from offensive coordinator after the departure of Tom Clark, led the program in his first season. The Blue Hose played their home games at Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, South Carolina, and faced a challenging non-conference schedule before entering PFL play.

• Season record: The team finished 2–9 overall and 1–7 in Pioneer Football League competition, marking one of the more difficult seasons in recent program history.
• Head coach: Kevin Kelley assumed leadership in 2017 after serving as offensive coordinator, bringing a renewed focus on player development and program culture.
• Home stadium: Bailey Memorial Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 7,300, hosted all home games and has been the team's home since 1960.
• Scoring output: Presbyterian scored 179 points for the season, averaging 16.3 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in offensive production.
• Key opponent: The Blue Hose faced FBS opponent Georgia Tech in Week 2, losing 69–0 in a game that highlighted the challenges of scheduling higher-division teams.

How It Works

The structure and operation of a college football season involve scheduling, conference alignment, player eligibility, and coaching strategy. For the 2017 Blue Hose, these elements shaped a season defined by transition and rebuilding.

• Season length: The Blue Hose played 11 games, the standard for FCS teams, with eight against PFL opponents and three non-conference matchups.
• Conference play: As a member of the Pioneer Football League, Presbyterian competes in a league that does not offer athletic scholarships for football, affecting roster depth.
• Recruiting cycle: The 2017 class included 28 signees, many of whom saw playing time due to injuries and inexperience at key positions.
• Coaching philosophy: Kevin Kelley emphasized discipline and fundamentals, shifting away from the previous regime’s offensive schemes to a more balanced attack.
• Player eligibility: NCAA rules allowed freshmen immediate playing time, which proved critical as injuries forced young players into starting roles.
• Game preparation: The team followed a weekly schedule including film study, practice sessions, and travel, typical of FCS programs despite limited resources.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Blue Hose to conference peers highlights performance gaps and competitive challenges within the Pioneer Football League.

The Blue Hose ranked near the bottom of the PFL in both scoring offense and defense. The gap between Presbyterian and top teams like San Diego and Dayton reflected broader challenges in talent retention and development. While other programs built sustained success, Presbyterian remained in rebuilding mode under new leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional chapter for Presbyterian football, setting the foundation for future program changes and long-term strategy.

• Coaching shift: Kevin Kelley’s appointment signaled a new era, with emphasis on culture and long-term growth over immediate wins.
• Player development: Young talent gained experience, with several freshmen starting due to depth issues, preparing them for future seasons.
• Conference stability: Remaining in the PFL provided scheduling consistency and competitive opportunities despite scholarship limitations.
• Recruiting impact: The 2017 season influenced future recruiting classes, as performance affected the program’s appeal to prospects.
• Facility use: Bailey Memorial Stadium continued to serve as a community hub, hosting high school events and local games beyond college football.
• Program identity: Struggles in 2017 highlighted the need for investment in support staff, training, and academic-athletic balance.

While the 2017 campaign yielded few victories, it contributed to the broader trajectory of Presbyterian football. The season underscored the realities of competing at the FCS level without athletic scholarships and emphasized the importance of sustained institutional support for long-term success.