What Is 2009 Richmond Spiders football team

Overview

The 2009 University of Richmond Spiders football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Under head coach Mike London, the team achieved a 10–3 overall record and captured the CAA title with a 7–1 conference mark, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Richmond earned an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, advancing to the semifinals for the second time in three years. The season culminated in a 46–24 loss to Villanova, ending their national championship hopes. Despite the defeat, the team's performance solidified its status as a top FCS contender.

• Head coach Mike London led the Spiders in his second season, building on the 2008 national title run and finishing 2009 with a 10–3 record.
• The team played its home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, drawing strong student and alumni support throughout the season.
• Richmond won the CAA championship outright by defeating rivals William & Mary and James Madison during the regular season.
• Quarterback Darius Madison emerged as a dual-threat leader, throwing for 1,650 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 542 yards.
• Defensive standout Andrew Levy recorded 102 tackles and 3 interceptions, anchoring a unit that ranked in the FCS top 10 in total defense.

How It Works

The 2009 season showcased Richmond's balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense, key elements in their playoff run. The team utilized a pro-style offense combined with a physical defensive front, allowing them to compete with powerhouse FCS programs.

• CAA Championship: Winning the CAA required a 7–1 conference record, achieved by defeating key rivals including No. 5 James Madison 27–21.
• FCS Playoffs: Richmond earned the No. 7 seed and defeated New Hampshire 36–31 in the second round to reach the quarterfinals.
• Quarterback Rotation: The Spiders used both Darius Madison and Kevin Johnson, combining for over 2,400 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.
• Running Game: Running back Justin Rogers rushed for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the CAA in rushing during conference play.
• Defensive Line: The defensive front recorded 32 sacks, with standout performances from tackle Cedrick Baxter, who had 7.5 sacks.
• Special Teams: Kicker Chris Hagerup averaged 42.1 yards per punt and made 10 of 13 field goals, providing consistent field position.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 Richmond Spiders compared favorably with other top FCS teams in key statistical categories:

Richmond ranked among the top FCS teams in scoring and defensive efficiency. Their 30.2 points per game and top-10 national defense highlighted their consistency. Though they fell short of the title, their performance demonstrated sustained excellence under Mike London.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was pivotal for Richmond football, reinforcing the program's national reputation and setting the stage for future success. The team's deep playoff run attracted national attention and boosted recruiting efforts.

• The season elevated Mike London’s profile, leading to his hiring as head coach at the University of Virginia in December 2009.
• Richmond’s success helped increase FCS visibility, showcasing competitive balance between mid-major and powerhouse programs.
• The team’s defensive discipline became a model for other CAA programs aiming to build playoff-caliber units.
• Student attendance and alumni engagement rose sharply, contributing to a 22% increase in season ticket sales the following year.
• The Spiders’ playoff game against Appalachian State drew over 18,000 fans, setting a Robins Stadium attendance record.
• The 2009 campaign laid groundwork for future Richmond teams, with six starters drafted or signing as free agents.

Ultimately, the 2009 Richmond Spiders left a lasting legacy in FCS football, combining competitive excellence with program growth and national recognition.