Final Score: Old Dominion University- 45, University of Richmond- 37
What Happened: Richmond's fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell just short, as ODU got the drive it needed to kill the clock after the Spiders pulled to within 8 points with more than 6 minutes to go. Old Dominion quarterback Taylor Heinicke couldn't repeat his record-setting 730 yard passing performance from last week, but he was just as advertised, throwing for more than 300 and two scores, while also running for a touchdown. He did throw for a pair of interceptions, but also could have had more touchdowns, instead letting the running backs for ODU finish off some drives with short touchdown runs. For Richmond, quarterback John Laub had career highs in passing yards and completions, but couldn't connect on a couple throws early that could've kept the game closer. Overall, Old Dominion proved why it's at the top of the CAA conference and Richmond is still trying to get there.
Spider Positives: Richmond coach Danny Rocco has to be happy with the way his team played in the fourth quarter, where the starters had yet to see significant action. Receiver Ben Edwards proved again that he's one of the top receivers, tallying nearly 200 yards receiving. The coverage by the defensive back was also impressive throughout the game for Richmond. The Spiders proved they can hang with the top competition in the CAA, and maybe they aren't as far off from competing for a title as many thought at the beginning of the season.
Spider Negatives: Richmond just couldn't string together much during the first three quarters. Despite his great game statistically, Laub missed some open receivers in critical situation. Defensively, the Spiders literally could not stop ODU until the fourth quarter. There was nonexistent pressure from the defensive line in the first half, and it again proved to be a problem on the final, game-clinching drive late in the fourth quarter.
Up Next: Richmond will continue into the bulk of its CAA conference play, as it heads to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on Villanova University. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Contact staff writer David Weissman at david.weissman@richmond.edu
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