University of Richmond Athletics
Spiders Ready For Saturday?s Spring Game
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – It’s been 132 days since the Spider football team took to the field at Robins Stadium in front of their fans.
Saturday, they will hit the field for the annual Spring Game, pitting a newly-lead offense against a newly-led defense with new coordinators in both positions.
“I feel good about where we are at heading into Saturday. As a coach, you always want to be further along than you are, but I definitely feel like we are on track,” Head Coach Danny Rocco said. “I think we’ve got a really talented group that knows how to play and knows how to win.”
Richmond returns 16 of its 22 starters from last year’s squad that reached the FCS Semifinals and earned a final national ranking of #3. However, both the offense and defense have new play callers with new offensive coordinator John Garrett and new defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, both of whom have brought a wealth of experience to the Spiders.
“There’s always a transition when you bring in new coordinators, but all of our guys have really taken to both John and Chris and I really think the transition has been pretty smooth on both sides of the ball,” Rocco added.
The Spiders began spring practices back on March 17 and have been at each other for 13 different practice days. Everyone is chomping at the bit to put their hard work on display.
“We’re excited to get out and compete in front of a good crowd and try to show the work we’ve been putting in this spring,” quarterback Kyle Lauletta said. “With new coordinators on each side of the ball, both the offense and defense have had transitions this spring, but I feel good about where we are at heading into Saturday.”
The offense will square off against the defense in a game of 12 minute quarters with running clock with a specialized scoring system:
The offense will earn points for first downs (1 pt), extra points (1 pt), two-point conversions (2 pts), field goals (3 pts) and touchdowns (6 pts). Defense will earn points for force punts (1 pt), missed field goal (1 pt), tackle for a loss (1 pt), pass breakups (1 pt), missed field goals (2 pts), fourth down stops (2 pts), sack (2 pts), two-point conversion stop (2 pts), 3 and outs (3 pts), take aways (6 pts) and touchdowns (1 pt).
Kickoff at Robins Stadium is set for 1 p.m.