Richmond’s pass rush faces Colgate in a pivotal Patriot League homecoming game
The Spiders and Raiders enter Saturday tied at 3-1 in league play, with both looking to rebound from a loss.
Richmond and Colgate reach Saturday’s homecoming matchup with the same Patriot League record and the same immediate need: a response to a conference loss. At 3-1 in league play, both enter the weekend tied for second behind 4-0 Lehigh.
The Spiders, 5-2 overall, host the 4-3 Raiders at 2 p.m. Eastern on October 24 at Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. The game will stream on ESPN+. Richmond is No. 19 in the AFCA coaches poll and No. 25 in the Stats Perform poll. Richmond’s schedule, official game notes
Pressure is Richmond’s clearest strength
Camden Byrd and Daniel Sellers have combined for 14 of Richmond’s 23 sacks through seven games. Byrd has 7.5 and Sellers 6.5, giving the Spiders two established threats rather than one pass rusher an opponent can focus on exclusively.
Byrd’s strip-sack at Fordham produced a touchdown when Jordan Allen recovered in the end zone. It was one of eight opponent fumbles Richmond has recovered this season. Those plays give the defense a route to changing field position and putting points on the board even when the offense is struggling. Richmond’s current defensive notes
Colgate started sophomore Joey Tomasso for the first time against Georgetown last Saturday. He went 11-for-27 for 119 yards and a touchdown in a 27-17 loss after the Raiders built a 17-0 lead. The ability to protect the pocket and keep the offense moving after its opening possessions will be important against Richmond’s front. That recent start does not, by itself, establish Colgate’s quarterback plan for Saturday. Colgate’s matchup notes
The Spiders need an offensive rebound
Richmond last played October 10, losing 20-14 at Fordham before its bye. Quarterback Ashten Snelsire enters with 1,365 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes. Running back Aziz Foster-Powell has 534 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Establishing the ground game would help Richmond avoid relying on its defense to supply another score. Richmond’s game notes
There is a cost to forcing the ball downfield: Colgate has intercepted 11 passes and recorded at least one interception in six straight games. On the other side, receiver Matt Fogler gives the Raiders a threat beyond their running game, averaging 94.7 receiving yards with six touchdown catches through seven games. Colgate’s current team report
Richmond has won six consecutive meetings, but the last three were decided by seven points or fewer. With a place near the top of the league at stake, the difference may come from which team turns pressure into a takeaway without surrendering a similar opportunity on offense.