What Is 1928 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1928 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 1928 college football season, finishing with a 5–4 record under head coach Frank Dobson. They played as an independent team and scored 123 points while allowing 92.

Key Facts

The 1928 Richmond Spiders finished with a 5–4 overall record
Head coach Frank Dobson was in his fifth season leading the team
The team scored 123 total points, averaging 13.7 per game
They allowed 92 points over nine games, averaging 10.2 per game
The Spiders played as an independent with no conference affiliation

Overview

The 1928 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 1928 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Frank Dobson, who was in his fifth year at the helm. The Spiders played a nine-game schedule and finished with a winning record, showcasing steady improvement under Dobson’s leadership.

The season reflected the evolving nature of college football in the late 1920s, with regional matchups dominating the schedule. Though not part of a formal conference, Richmond faced a mix of local and mid-Atlantic teams, building a competitive résumé through balanced offense and defense.

Record: The team finished with a 5–4 win-loss record, marking a modest improvement from previous seasons and demonstrating consistency under long-term coaching.
Scoring: The Spiders scored 123 total points across nine games, averaging 13.7 points per game, a solid output for the era.
Defense: They allowed 92 points on defense, averaging 10.2 points per game, indicating a relatively strong defensive performance.
Coach:Frank Dobson served as head coach for his fifth consecutive season, providing stability and continuity in program development.
Independence: The team played as an independent, meaning they were not affiliated with any athletic conference, a common status for smaller schools at the time.

Season Performance

The 1928 campaign featured a balanced mix of home and away games, with the Spiders facing opponents from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Their schedule included both established programs and smaller colleges, allowing for competitive but manageable matchups.

September 29: Opened the season with a 20–0 victory over Emory & Henry, setting a strong tone with a shutout performance.
October 6: Lost 13–0 to Washington & Lee, a more experienced team that outpaced Richmond in offensive execution.
October 13: Responded with a 13–7 win over Roanoke College, showing resilience after their first defeat.
October 20: Secured a decisive 20–7 victory against Lynchburg, highlighting improved offensive coordination.
October 27: Suffered a tough 14–0 loss to Western Maryland, struggling to generate points on the road.
November 3: Bounced back with a dominant 33–0 shutout of Virginia Military Institute (VMI), one of their best performances of the year.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1928 Richmond Spiders' performance can be contextualized by comparing key statistics with other regional teams from the same season.

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Coach
Richmond Spiders	5–4	123	92	Frank Dobson
Washington & Lee	5–4–1	98	85	Holcomb W. Austin
VMI	3–5–1	74	99	W. C. Raftery
Western Maryland	5–3–1	104	64	Harry W. Crum
Lafayette	7–2	160	76	Herb McCracken

This comparison shows that Richmond’s performance was competitive within the region. While not as dominant as Lafayette, they outperformed VMI and matched Washington & Lee in wins, despite allowing fewer points than both. Their scoring and defensive numbers placed them solidly in the middle tier of independent programs.

Why It Matters

The 1928 season is a notable chapter in the University of Richmond’s athletic history, illustrating the growth of its football program during the early 20th century. Though not a national contender, the Spiders demonstrated consistency and regional competitiveness, laying groundwork for future development.

The season highlighted the importance of coaching continuity, as Frank Dobson’s fifth year brought incremental improvement in win-loss record.
Playing as an independent allowed scheduling flexibility, a strategic advantage for schools not in formal conferences.
Strong performances against in-state rivals like VMI helped build local fan support and school pride.
The 33–0 shutout of VMI was one of the most lopsided victories of the season, boosting team morale and reputation.
Defensive consistency, allowing under 11 points per game, showed the team’s ability to limit high-scoring opponents.
The season contributed to the long-term athletic identity of the University of Richmond, shaping its football traditions.

While overshadowed by more prominent programs, the 1928 Richmond Spiders remain a testament to the development of college football at smaller institutions during a formative era. Their balanced record and regional impact underscore the evolving landscape of the sport in the 1920s.