What Is 2002 Richmond Spiders football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2002 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 6–5 record under head coach Mike DuBose. They competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference and did not qualify for the postseason. The team played home games at UR Stadium in Richmond, Virginia.

Key Facts

The 2002 Richmond Spiders finished the season with a 6–5 overall record
Head coach Mike DuBose was in his second season leading the program
The team played home games at UR Stadium in Richmond, Virginia
They competed as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference
The Spiders did not qualify for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 2002

Overview

The 2002 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 2002 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Led by head coach Mike DuBose in his second year, the team competed in the Atlantic 10 Conference and played its home games at UR Stadium, a 8,300-seat facility in Richmond, Virginia.

The season marked continued rebuilding for the Spiders program after a challenging 2001 campaign. While the team showed improvement, they ultimately fell short of postseason qualification. The 2002 campaign featured a balanced mix of home and away games, with several key matchups against conference rivals.

Record: The Spiders finished the 2002 season with a 6–5 overall record, a modest improvement from their 3–8 record in 2001.
Conference: As members of the Atlantic 10 Conference, the team faced strong competition from programs like Maine, Villanova, and Massachusetts.
Home Field: All home games were played at UR Stadium, which has served as the Spiders' home since 1929 and underwent renovations in the late 1990s.
Head Coach:Mike DuBose entered his second season in 2002, aiming to rebuild the program after a difficult first year with only three wins.
Postseason: The team did not qualify for the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, which featured a 16-team field and required a strong conference finish for entry.

How It Works

The structure and operations of a college football team like the 2002 Richmond Spiders involve coaching leadership, conference alignment, player development, and scheduling. These elements combine to determine performance and postseason eligibility.

Head Coach:Mike DuBose was responsible for overall team strategy, player development, and game-day decisions during the 2002 season.
Division Level: The Spiders competed in NCAA Division I-AA (now known as the FCS), one tier below the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Conference Play: As part of the Atlantic 10 Conference, Richmond played a scheduled slate of conference games affecting playoff eligibility.
Roster Size: The team maintained a roster of approximately 85 players, typical for Division I programs under NCAA scholarship limits.
Schedule Format: The 2002 season included 11 games—a mix of non-conference and Atlantic 10 matchups spread from September to November.
Player Eligibility: Athletes had to meet NCAA academic standards and maintain amateur status to participate in official games.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2002 Richmond Spiders compared to other teams in their conference and division based on key performance metrics:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Postseason	Head Coach
Richmond Spiders	6–5	4–4	No	Mike DuBose
Maine Black Bears	8–4	6–2	Yes (I-AA Playoffs)
Villanova Wildcats	6–5	5–3	No	Andy Talley
Massachusetts Minutemen	10–3	7–1	Yes (I-AA Semifinals)	Mark Whipple
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens	7–4	6–2	No	Teddy Dodds

The table highlights that while Richmond matched Villanova in overall wins, they lagged behind conference leaders like Massachusetts, who advanced deep into the playoffs. Their 4–4 conference record placed them in the middle of the Atlantic 10 standings, reflecting moderate competitiveness but insufficient consistency for postseason inclusion.

Why It Matters

The 2002 season was a transitional year for Richmond football, laying groundwork for future success under Mike DuBose. Though not a standout season, it contributed to long-term program development and player experience.

Program Building: The 6–5 record signaled progress from the previous 3–8 season, indicating early signs of turnaround under DuBose.
Player Development: Young athletes gained valuable game experience, helping build depth for future competitive seasons.
Recruiting: Improved performance in 2002 helped boost the team's recruiting profile within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Conference Reputation: Competitive games against strong Atlantic 10 teams maintained Richmond’s standing in a respected FCS conference.
Stadium Legacy: Games at UR Stadium continued a century-long tradition of college football in Richmond, Virginia.
Foundation for Success: The 2002 season preceded more successful campaigns, including a playoff appearance in later years.

While not a championship-caliber year, the 2002 Richmond Spiders played a role in the program’s evolution, contributing to a culture of resilience and long-term growth in FCS football.