Richmond Earns First Patriot League Home Win Over Fordham, 17–14

(Richmond, VA) The Richmond Spiders defeated the Fordham Rams on Saturday, 17–14, to capture their first-ever Patriot League home win. The Spiders led wire to wire and were ahead by as many as ten points. Richmond totaled 323 yards of offense, including 193 passing and 130 rushing, while Fordham managed just 161 total yards with 91 through the air and 70 on the ground. Gunnar Smith, who entered the game leading the Patriot League in passing yards and yards per game, went 19 for 36 with 91 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Kyle Wickersham led the way for Richmond, finishing 23 for 35 with 193 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. After the game, I spoke with Kyle about his performance in the win.

Spiders Start Strong, but the Rams Counter

Richmond opened the scoring as Wickersham connected with Ja’Vion Griffin on a five-yard touchdown pass to cap off a nine-play, 75-yard drive that put the Spiders ahead 7–0. After a fumbled punt return gave Fordham the ball at the Richmond four-yard line, Gunnar Smith found Jack Freeburg for a four-yard score to tie the game at seven. The Spiders regained the lead when Jayden Alsheskie drilled a 36-yard field goal with 14:13 remaining in the second quarter, giving Richmond a 10–7 advantage.

Two Blocked Field Goals Keep Fordham Close

The Spiders looked to extend their lead late in the second quarter, but Alsheskie’s field goal attempt was blocked and recovered by Fordham’s Colby Spencer, who handed the ball off to Nate Lindsey-Gill to end the half. In the third quarter, another Alsheskie attempt was blocked by Terrence Jones II and recovered by Aiden Mack, keeping Fordham within striking distance as Richmond maintained a 10–7 lead.

Lee Bruner IV Saves the Day

With the Rams threatening, Gunnar Smith’s pass was intercepted by Richmond defensive back Lee Bruner IV, who returned it 25 yards to the Spiders’ 47-yard line. Richmond capitalized on the turnover as Wickersham punched in a four-yard rushing touchdown to give the Spiders their largest lead of the game, 17–7, with 3:47 remaining in the third quarter. Fordham answered in the fourth when Jack Kaiser scored on a four-yard run to cut the deficit to 17–14 with just over eight minutes to play. In the final minute, Bruner sealed the victory with his second interception of the game, returning it two yards with 55 seconds remaining as the Spiders held on for the 17–14 win. After the game, I spoke with Camden Byrd, who shared his thoughts on the team’s strong defensive effort.

At the Podium

Following the win, Head Coach Russ Huesman praised his team’s toughness and ability to respond in key moments.

What’s Next

The Spiders, now 5–4 overall and 2–3 in Patriot League play, will hit the road next week to take on Georgetown on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.