What Is 2017 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond in the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record under head coach Mike London. They competed in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and did not qualify for the FCS playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2017 Richmond Spiders finished with a 6–5 overall record
Head coach Mike London led the team in his first season
They played in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)
The team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs
Richmond hosted games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium

Overview

The 2017 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Spiders were led by first-year head coach Mike London, who took over the program after the departure of Wayne Lineburg.

The team played its home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, a venue with a capacity of approximately 8,700. Despite a competitive schedule, the Spiders finished the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play, falling just short of postseason eligibility.

Record: The Spiders posted a 6–5 overall record and a 4–4 conference record in the CAA, reflecting a mid-tier finish in a competitive league.
Head Coach: Mike London began his tenure in 2017, bringing prior Power Five experience as a former head coach at Virginia and defensive coordinator at Maryland.
Home Stadium: E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, located on campus, served as the team’s home field with a seating capacity of 8,700.
Postseason: Richmond did not qualify for the 2017 FCS playoffs, missing the postseason for the second consecutive year.
Key Game: A notable 24–21 win over in-state rival William & Mary highlighted the team’s season, preserving the Capital Cup rivalry trophy.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign featured a mix of offensive struggles and defensive resilience, with the Spiders adapting to new leadership under Mike London. The team showed improvement in key areas compared to the previous season, though consistency remained an issue.

Offensive Output: Richmond averaged 23.8 points per game, ranking in the middle of the CAA, with quarterback Reece Udinski emerging late in the season.
Defensive Stats: The defense allowed 24.1 points per game, a modest improvement from 2016, anchored by linebacker Jordan Anderson’s 89 tackles.
Non-Conference Play: The Spiders went 3–1 in non-conference games, including a 27–24 win over Monmouth in a season-opening thriller.
CAA Competition: They split games with ranked opponents, defeating #18 William & Mary but losing to #11 New Hampshire and #15 North Carolina A&T.
Injuries: Key absences, including starting quarterback Shane Gibson for part of the season, disrupted offensive continuity and depth.
Special Teams: Kicker Noah Ruppert converted 10 of 14 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close contests.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Richmond Spiders compared to recent seasons in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	CAA Record	Points For	Points Against	Postseason
2017	6–5	4–4	262	265	None
2016	3–8	2–6	201	312	None
2015	7–4	5–3	278	245	None
2014	7–5	5–3	292	258	FCS First Round
2013	6–5	4–4	246	259	None

The table shows a modest improvement from 2016’s 3–8 record, with the 2017 team scoring more points and playing closer games. However, the defense still allowed more points than it scored, and the team fell short of playoff contention, continuing a trend of near-misses in the competitive CAA.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year that laid the foundation for future rebuilding under Mike London. While the record wasn’t dominant, the team showed signs of progress after a struggling 2016 campaign.

Program Stability: Hiring Mike London signaled a commitment to restoring Richmond’s football reputation after several down years.
Recruiting Impact: The 2017 class included several key future contributors, such as defensive end Eric Carter and linebacker D’Shawn Davis.
Conference Competitiveness: Remaining competitive in the CAA kept Richmond relevant in a league that regularly produces FCS playoff teams.
Fan Engagement: The close games and rivalry win helped maintain fan interest despite missing the postseason.
Player Development: Young talent like Udinski and Anderson gained valuable experience that would benefit future seasons.
Long-Term Outlook: The 2017 season was a stepping stone toward a more consistent program, with expectations rising in subsequent years.

Though not a standout year in terms of wins or accolades, the 2017 Richmond Spiders season played a crucial role in stabilizing the program. It represented a step forward in a rebuilding effort that would eventually lead to improved performance in the years that followed.