JMU Rivalry Flashback – Michael Strauss Reflects On First Career Start
10/13/2021
RICHMOND, Va. – It was a script even Walt Disney would be proud of. First career collegiate start against the No. 2 ranked team in the country and all Michael Strauss did was lead the Spiders to a 35-29 victory over rival James Madison back in 2012 at Robins Stadium.
Strauss, who entered as quarterback the previous week against New Hampshire due to an injury to starter John Laub, got his first career start October 20, 2012 and made the most of the opportunity. Strauss, then a sophomore, finished the game 27-of-43 for 271 yards and four of the Spiders’ five touchdowns against the Dukes.
“I always wanted that big game, big spotlight time and it just so happened it came in my first career start. It was a lot of fun. The stadium was rocking and was probably the best atmosphere I ever played in during my career at Robins Stadium.” - Michael Strauss
Strauss started fast, driving the Spiders down the field on the game’s first drive and hitting tight end Kevin Finney for the first of his three touchdowns. He would lead Richmond to a 15-10 halftime edge but his game really took off in the second half. The Spiders would score touchdowns on three-straight drives, taking a 35-16 lead and holding on down the stretch in front of a sold out crowd at Robins Stadium.
“That game was really a validation for me,” Strauss said. “You hate that your first start came because of someone else’ injury but it validated all of my hard work and proved that I belonged at that level. Playing on such a big stage is what being a Spider is all about.”
Strauss knew the importance of playing the Dukes and relished the opportunity to be on the big stage as a starter. He used the performance to catapult him on to a stellar career for the Spiders. Strauss would lead the Spiders to four-straight wins to close out the season and a share of the Colonial Athletic Association title with an 8-3 record.
“It is always a special time and a special week when you play James Madison,” Strauss said. “Playing those in-state schools just means a lot more. They were a good team, from the big school and a big stadium. They think they are the best but at Richmond you have that underdog mentality from the smaller school and really you have as much firepower as them.”
Strauss finished his career with 7,853 passing yards, still ranking fourth all-time in program history. He passed for 57 touchdowns in his career, third most in program history. He finished his career with 695 completions, a mark that also ranks third in the team record book.
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