Spiders suffer second-straight loss, fall 31-7 to JMU

HARRISONBURG, Va.-- The Richmond offense generated a season-low 118 total net yards, and the University of Richmond lost its second-straight game to a conference opponent, 31-7, to James Madison University.

The game, played Saturday afternoon at Bridgeforth Stadium, served as the Dukes' Homecoming game, and the home team likely pleased the sell-out crowd.

Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp was sacked seven times, and the offense as a whole was only able to pick up eight first downs.

"We didn't execute well enough especially on the offensive side of the ball to win the game," Richmond interim coach Wayne Lineburg said.

On defense, after shutting out the Dukes through the first quarter, the Spiders allowed almost 300 yards rushing despite JMU's star tailback, Dae'Quan Scott, suffering shoulder injury early in the second quarter.

"To cut off their running attack, we just needed to execute the schemes a little better," Richmond linebacker Darius McMillan said. "For the most part, I feel that we came out there and gave a great effort."

Most of Scott's production was picked up by third-string tailback Jordan Anderson, who finished with 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. His first touchdown came five minutes into the third quarter on a 45-yard run that extended his team's lead to 21-7. His second went for 49 yards early during the fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach.

"We knew they'd run the ball," Lineburg said. "That's what they are. It's kind of been their [modus operandus]."

The running game may have been even more prevalent than norma for the Dukes in this game. Redshirt-freshman quarterback Jace Edwards made his first career start in place of the suspended Justin Thorpe.

"We didn't really take that too much into effect," McMillan said.

While offensive backups made plays for James Madison, the Spiders' stars were kept in check.

Richmond receiver Tre Gray, coming off a 16-catch, 194-yard performance against University of New Hampshire last week, was held to four catches for 38 yards.

"JMU did a good job of putting pressure on Aaron and doubling Tre," Lineburg said. "They were able to get pressure with four guys up front on their defensive line, and they doubled Tre pretty much most of the game, tried to take him away, and we didn't do a good job compensating. He's obviously a big part of our offense."

For the fifth-straight game to begin the season, Richmond scored first, with fullback Kendall Gaskins running for a one-yard touchdown early during the first quarter. The touchdown came three plays after DeShawn Holmes blocked a JMU punt that Evan Joseph picked up and returned to the 3-yard line.

Richmond (3-2) will head next to Towson, Md., for a 7:30 p.m., game against Towson University on Oct. 8.

Game Notes: Gaskins has scored in each of the Spiders' five games this season... Richmond finished with -12 yards rushing... McMillan led the team in tackles for the fourth-consecutive game with 15.

Contact staff writer David Weissman at david.weissman@richmond.edu