University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Hofstra
Turnovers And Big Plays Spark No. 1 Richmond In Rout Of Hofstra, 47-0
09/19/2009 | Football
Sept. 19, 2009
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RICHMOND, Va. - Four fumble recoveries in the first half led to 24 points as the reigning Division I National Champions and No. 1-ranked Richmond Spiders opened their home schedule with a 47-0 rout of Hofstra Saturday at UR Stadium. The victory is the Spiders' 12th-consecutive to set a new school record.
Senior DE Pierre Turner had a pair of first-half fumble recoveries, senior DE Nicholas Battle recovered a fumble and forced two, while junior LB Eric McBride set up a touchdown with a 36-yard fumble return.
The Spiders (3-0, 2-0 CAA Football) own the FCS's longest winning streak and have now scored 31 points or more in 13 consecutive home games dating back to the 2007 season -- Richmond is 12-1 in those games.
Richmond's defense held Hofstra (2-1, 0-1) to eight yards rushing in the half -- and just 13 yards on 34 carries in the game. The Spiders out-gained the Pride 378-199 in total offense, thanks to 213 yards on the ground and 165 through the air.
Senior QB Eric Ward finished an efficient 12-of-16 passing for 165 yards and tied his career-high with four touchdowns passes to four different receivers. The All-American candidate, who has yet to be sacked in three games this season, completed 12 of his last 13 attempts.
Of Richmond's first five touchdowns, four were by players scoring their first career TDs -- freshman FB Kendall Gaskins' two-yard run in the second, sophomore WR Donte Boston's 49-yard catch in the second, junior WR Max Prokell's 23-yard reception in the second and junior FB Ben Keating's two-yard catch in third.
The Spiders pulled away with 28 points in the second quarter after senior K Andrew Howard's 27-yard field goal put the Spiders on the board with six minutes left in the first. Richmond added a safety and a Tyler Kirchoff eight-yard TD run in the fourth.
Senior TB Justin Forte racked up 72 yards on 12 carries, while junior WR Kevin Grayson hauled in four catches for 45 yards. Boston's 65 yards on two catches was a career high.
Cory Christopher finished 17-of-26 passing with 172 yards for Hofstra.
Richmond recorded five sacks in the game and 11.0 tackles for loss. Battle finished the game with five tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and a recovery.
The Spiders return to action next Saturday, hosting long-time rival VMI at UR Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
