KINGSROAD/OF THE;Richmond's away-from-home success begins with chemistry, tenacity ...Spiders

Published Oct. 9, 2010 10:05 a.m. ET

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College football: At UNH, UR seeks extension of road success

Two years ago in late September at Villanova, the University of Richmond took the field as the FCS' top-ranked team for the first time since 1985. UR fell 26-20.

The result is notable because that was the last time the Spiders lost a road game vs. FCS competition.

Richmond (0-1 CAA, 2-2), ranked No. 11 in FCS poll, plays at New Hampshire (0-2, 2-3), ranked No. 22, tomorrow at noon. The Spiders put on the line an 11-game road winning streak vs. FCS opposition. That impressive string is part of a 21-game road stretch vs. FCS opponents during which UR lost only three times.

"On the road, it's tough, because once things go against you, it's easy to kind of fold and then let a snowball effect take place and things continue to go bad," said Justin Rogers, UR's fifth-year senior cornerback. "I think we have a good unit, [so] when things go bad, we come together even more, and we overcome adversity on the road.

"That was the key to winning road games in the past."

One 11-game streak will end tomorrow. New Hampshire has won 11 straight at home. Richmond's 11-game road winning streak vs. FCS teams included these memorable and dramatic conclusions:

Nov. 22, 2008: UR won 23-20 in overtime at William and Mary. Sherman Logan blocked a 39-yard field-goal attempt by the Tribe in OT. Soon after, Andrew Howard kicked a 37-yard field goal to win it.

Dec. 13, 2008: The Spiders trailed at Northern Iowa 20-7 going into the fourth quarter in the FCS semifinal. Eric Ward hit tight end Joe Stewart with a TD pass with 14 seconds left. The PAT was the winning point in 21-20 victory that sent UR to the FCS title game (beat Montana 24-7).

Sept. 12, 2009: Kevin Grayson blocked a 23-yard field-goal attempt at Delaware with :38 left. The Spiders hung on for a 16-15 win.

Oct. 10, 2009: At James Madison, the Dukes were at UR's six with 58 seconds left. Spiders defensive tackle Martin Parker stripped the ball from JMU quarterback Justin Thorpe. Linebacker Eric McBride recovered to secure the 21-17 win.

New Hampshire has lost both of its CAA games - to Rhode Island and Maine - by three points. But the Wildcats are 2-0 at home, and have scored 33 and 31 points in those games, wins over Central Connecticut State and Lehigh. UNH hasn't lost at home since William and Mary won 38-34 at Cowell Stadium on Oct. 11, 2008.

UR coach Latrell Scott, whose team returns to New England for a date at Massachusetts next Saturday, said he has advised his Spiders to look past possible distractions, such as travel complications, and focus on football.

That may be easier for some Spiders than others. A couple of Richmond's players have never flown.

"We told them, 'It'll be quick,'" said Scott.

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or joconnor@timesdispatch.com

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