2021 FCS Season Preview: Richmond

College Sports Journal Projection: 4th

Richmond was down for the last few seasons after the graduation of Kyle Lauletta. But if the spring is any indication, with a strong defense and capable quarterback, the Spiders should contend for a playoff berth all season.

While they lost to their only tough competition in the spring, they should in other games that they can easily out pace those behind them in the standings.

The key this fall will be to find balance and consistency on offense.  The defense, poised to possible be the best in the CAA, will keep Richmond in every game. The Spiders had 28 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in four spring games -they wont get blown out by anyone. Joe Mancuso and Aaron Dykes look like the leaders of the offense -can they take the next step?

Impact Players

DL Kobie Turner has been named to the initial Buck Buchanan Watch list. And for good reason. In 2019, Turner had 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks by himself and added another 6TLF and 3.5 sacks in the spring. Turner gets in the backfield fast.

LB Tristan Wheeler was also named to the initial Buck Buchanan Watch list. He led the Spiders in tackles in 2019 and again in the spring. Along when Tyler Dressler, Richmond may have the best linebacking duo not only in the CAA, but in the entire FCS.

QB Joe Mancuso is a dual threat quarterback. He led the team in rushing in 2019 but his TD to INT ratio was poor. He must improve his accuracy and efficiency. If he does, the Spiders will be well positioned to return to the playoffs.

Key Game: September 18 at VIllanova

Richmond

HomeTime/ResultsAwayVenueMatch Day TV/Streaming Highlights
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
Villanova Stadium
Villanova, PA - -
Lane Stadium
Blacksburg, VA - -
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
LaValle Stadium
Stony Brook, NY - -
Wildcat Stadium
Durham, NH - -
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
Robins Stadium
Richmond, VA - -
Zable Stadium
Williamsburg, VA - -

Worst Case: They win only the games you would expect and lose the rest of their extremely challenging schedule, and finish 5-6.

Best Case: The offense clicks and they win a couple of toss up games against the upper echelon of the CAA and make the playoffs.