What Is 2010 Richmond Spiders football team

Overview

The 2010 Richmond Spiders football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Under the leadership of head coach Mike London, the team achieved a 10-3 overall record and a 7-1 mark in conference play, securing the CAA championship outright.

The Spiders demonstrated consistent performance throughout the season, highlighted by strong defensive play and balanced offensive production. Their success earned them an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, where they advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by eventual national champion Eastern Washington.

• Record: The team finished with a 10-3 overall record and a 7-1 mark in CAA play, winning the conference title outright.
• Head Coach: Mike London led the team in his final season before accepting the head coaching position at the University of Virginia.
• Key Victory: A 26-14 win over Villanova on November 6, 2010, clinched the CAA championship for Richmond.
• Playoff Run: As a seeded team, they defeated Gardner-Webb in the second round before falling to Eastern Washington 37-20 in the quarterfinals.
• National Ranking: The Spiders were ranked as high as No. 4 in the FCS Coaches Poll during the regular season.

How It Works

The 2010 season exemplified how a well-coached FCS program could compete at a high level through disciplined play, strong recruiting, and strategic leadership. The Spiders' success stemmed from a combination of defensive dominance and balanced offensive execution.

• Defensive Strength: The defense allowed just 18.5 points per game, ranking among the top units in the FCS and forcing 24 turnovers.
• Quarterback Play:Derek Nicholson started most games, throwing for 1,652 yards and 12 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions.
• Running Game: The team averaged 167.8 rushing yards per game, led by senior tailback Josh Vaughan’s 893 yards and 11 touchdowns.
• Special Teams: Kicker Andrew Howard made 15 of 18 field goals, including a long of 47 yards, providing reliable scoring.
• CAA Competition: The CAA was one of the toughest FCS conferences, with five teams reaching the FCS playoffs that year.
• Coaching Transition: After the season, Mike London left for UVA, and Wayne Lineburg was promoted to interim head coach.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2010 Richmond Spiders compared to other top FCS teams in key statistical categories:

The table shows that while Richmond’s defense was among the best, Eastern Washington’s explosive offense ultimately proved too much in the playoffs. Despite the loss, the Spiders’ season was one of the most successful in program history, reflecting strong program stability and coaching excellence.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season was a landmark year for Richmond football, representing both a peak in on-field performance and a transition point in coaching leadership. The team’s success reinforced the university’s reputation as a powerhouse in the FCS.

• Program Prestige: Winning the CAA title elevated Richmond’s national profile in FCS football.
• Player Development: Several players, including Josh Vaughan, went on to sign NFL contracts or participate in pro camps.
• Coaching Legacy: Mike London’s departure marked the end of a successful era but also highlighted the program’s ability to develop top-tier coaches.
• Recruiting Boost: Success in 2010 helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent seasons.
• Playoff Experience: Deep playoff runs provided invaluable experience for younger players and staff.
• Historical Benchmark: The 10-win season remains one of the best in the program’s modern era.

The 2010 Richmond Spiders set a standard for excellence that continues to influence the program’s culture and expectations in the years that followed.