Richmond Spiders
CAA
Following a 50-21 loss to Maryland, Richmond reeled off seven wins in a row and appeared to be in control of the CAA. That included a very nice win over James Madison. But as the schedule got tougher, the Spiders started to struggle. But the losses to New Hampshire and Villanova were close. Richmond may be a team that backed its way into the playoffs, but they are a group that can beat anybody on any given day.
2015 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Danny Rocco
Big Wins: 10/24 at James Madison (59-49), 11/21 William & Mary (20-9)
Bad Losses: 11/7 at New Hampshire (25-30), 11/14 at Villanova (20-21)
Strengths:
Richmond can score on just about anybody. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Lauletta leads a dynamic offense. Lauletta can make some mistakes, but for the most part he is an efficient signal caller. The fact that he has Brian Brown and Reggie Diggs out wide certainly helps Lauletta look better. Those are two of the best receivers in the CAA. Brown is the deeper threat, but Diggs is always dangerous after making the catch. The offense is not all about the passing game though. Jacobi Green is a 1,000 yard rusher and can be a workhorse if needed. More often than not, Richmond will boast a balanced attack and that has been very effective so far this season.
Weaknesses:
Even during the winning streak, there were signs that the Richmond defense was beginning to struggle. They gave up 49 points to James Madison, which most teams do, but then allowed 31 to Albany. And those were the games Richmond won. In the loss against New Hampshire, the Richmond defense was put in bad positions thanks to Lauletta’s four interceptions, but they still gave up 468 total yards. Not many defenses could overcome a -4 turnover margin. And turnovers are what it could all come down to for Richmond. They are generally very good at creating them and have an impressive turnover margin on the season, but against that tougher competition, the turnover margin has been much more balanced. The defense needs to find ways to create take-a-ways against good competition and Lauletta needs to take care of the football.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jacobi Green, RB, 1,285 yards
Passing: Kyle Lauletta, QB, 2,912 yards
Receiving: Brian Brown, WR, 1,180 yards
Tackles: Omar Howard, LB, 107
Sacks: Andrew Clyde, DL,6.0
Interceptions: David Jones, DB, 8
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 194.9 (29th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 276.6 (18, 1)
Total Offense: 471.5 (10, 2)
Scoring Offense: 34.8 (19, 2)
Rushing Defense: 164.5 (61, 7)
Pass Defense: 216.9 (64, 9)
Total Defense: 381.4 (62, 7)
Scoring Defense: 26.2 (62, 9)
Turnover Margin: 0.60 (19, 2)
Sacks: 1.40 (105, 11)
Sacks Allowed: 1.50 (37, 4)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2014 First Round Defeated Morgan State
2014 Second Round Lost to Coastal Carolina
2009 First Round Defeated Elon
2009 Quarterfinals Lost to Appalachian State
2008 First Round Defeated Eastern Kentucky
2008 Quarterfinals Defeated Appalachian State
2008 Semifinals Defeated Northern Iowa
2008 Championship Defeated Montana
2007 First Round Defeated Eastern Kentucky
2007 Quarterfinals Defeated Wofford
2007 Semifinals Lost to Appalachian State
2005 First Round Defeated Hampton
2005 Quarterfinals Lost to Furman
2000 First Round Defeated Youngstown State
2000 Quarterfinals Lost to Montana
1998 First Round Lost to Lehigh
1987 First Round Lost to Appalachian State
1984 First Round Defeated Boston University
1984 Quarterfinals Lost to Rhode Island
1984 Quarterfinals Lost to Rhode Island
*all team stats through 11/14
