What Is 2007 Richmond Spiders football team

Overview

The 2007 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Spiders posted a 10–3 overall record and captured their first-ever national title in program history.

Under head coach Dave Clawson, the team combined a disciplined defense with a balanced offensive attack. Their championship victory over Montana marked a historic achievement for the program, solidifying Richmond as a rising power in FCS football.

• 10–3 record: The Spiders finished the season with 10 wins and only 3 losses, including a perfect 6–0 mark in the FCS playoffs.
• FCS National Champions: Richmond won the 2007 NCAA Division I FCS Football Championship, defeating the Montana Grizzlies 24–7 on December 14, 2007.
• Championship venue: The title game was held at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the traditional site for the FCS final.
• Head coach Dave Clawson: In his sixth and final season at Richmond, Clawson led the team to the championship before departing for Bowling Green State University.
• CAA performance: The Spiders finished 7–1 in conference play, securing a share of the CAA title with James Madison and Villanova.

Championship Journey

The 2007 season was defined by Richmond’s resilience in high-pressure playoff games. After a mid-season loss to James Madison, the team rebounded with a strong finish, culminating in a dominant playoff run.

• September 22, 2007: Richmond defeated then-No. 3 James Madison 27–24, a pivotal win that boosted their national profile.
• Playoff run: The Spiders won four consecutive playoff games, including victories over Appalachian State, New Hampshire, and James Madison.
• Defensive strength: The team allowed only 13.8 points per game during the season, one of the best marks in FCS football.
• Offensive balance: Richmond averaged 26.2 points per game, with quarterback Eric Ward throwing for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns.
• Running game: Senior running back Josh Vaughan rushed for 858 yards and 12 touchdowns, providing a consistent ground threat.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2007 Richmond Spiders to other top FCS teams that season in key statistical categories:

Richmond’s combination of defensive dominance and timely offense set them apart. Despite not leading in total points scored, their consistency in close games and ability to peak during the playoffs gave them the edge over higher-scoring teams like Appalachian State and James Madison.

Why It Matters

The 2007 championship remains a landmark achievement in University of Richmond athletics, elevating the football program’s national reputation and inspiring future recruiting success.

• First national title: This victory marked the first NCAA team national championship in any sport for the University of Richmond.
• Program elevation: The win helped Richmond transition from a mid-tier FCS program to a consistent playoff contender.
• Coaching legacy: Dave Clawson’s success led to a high-profile move to Bowling Green, showcasing the program’s ability to develop top coaches.
• Recruiting boost: The national exposure improved the Spiders’ ability to attract top FCS-level talent in subsequent years.
• Fan engagement: Attendance and alumni support increased significantly following the championship season.
• Historical significance: The 2007 team is still celebrated as one of the most successful in CAA football history.

The 2007 Richmond Spiders set a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating that disciplined play and strategic coaching could lead a smaller program to the pinnacle of FCS football.