What Is 2011 Richmond Spiders football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond in the 2011 NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Head coach Danny Rocco led the team, which narrowly missed a playoff berth despite strong offensive performances.

Key Facts

The 2011 Richmond Spiders finished the season with a 6–5 overall record
They went 5–3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), placing fourth
Head coach Danny Rocco was in his fourth season leading the team
The Spiders scored 27.5 points per game on average in 2011
They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs despite a strong finish

Overview

The 2011 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Danny Rocco, who was in his fourth year at the helm. The Spiders played their home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia.

Despite a competitive season and several close games, the team failed to secure a spot in the FCS playoffs. Their 6–5 overall record reflected a mix of strong offensive performances and defensive inconsistencies. The 2011 season was notable for several high-scoring games and the continued development of key offensive players.

Record: The Spiders finished the season with a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in CAA play, placing fourth in the conference.
Head Coach: Danny Rocco, in his fourth season, led the team with an emphasis on aggressive offense and disciplined special teams.
Stadium: The team played home games at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, a 8,700-seat venue on the University of Richmond campus.
Offensive Output: Richmond averaged 27.5 points per game, ranking among the top half of the CAA in scoring offense.
Playoff Miss: Despite a winning record, the Spiders did not qualify for the 20-team FCS playoffs due to strength of schedule and tiebreaker rules.

How It Works

The 2011 season operated under standard NCAA FCS rules, with teams competing in a 12-game regular season followed by a 20-team playoff tournament. The CAA, one of the strongest FCS conferences, awarded automatic bids to its champion, while other teams relied on at-large selections.

Regular Season: The Spiders played a 12-game schedule, including eight conference matchups and four non-conference games against teams like VMI and Gardner-Webb.
CAA Structure: The Colonial Athletic Association consisted of 12 teams in 2011, with Richmond competing against powerhouses like Delaware and New Hampshire.
Playoff Eligibility: Only conference champions or top-ranked at-large teams qualified; Richmond’s 5–3 conference record wasn’t enough for selection.
Scoring System: The team averaged 27.5 points per game, fueled by quarterback Eric Ward and running back Terrence Mangan.
Defensive Performance: The defense allowed 24.8 points per game, a slight decline from previous seasons, which hurt playoff chances.
Home Field Advantage: Richmond went 4–1 at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, demonstrating strong fan support and field familiarity.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 Richmond Spiders compared to key CAA rivals and national FCS champions:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Per Game	Playoff Result
Richmond Spiders	6–5	5–3	27.5	Did not qualify
New Hampshire Wildcats	11–3	7–1	31.2	Lost in semifinals
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens	8–4	6–2	29.1	Lost in quarterfinals
North Dakota State	8–3	N/A	34.6	Won FCS Championship
James Madison Dukes	6–5	5–3	24.3	Did not qualify

The table highlights that while Richmond matched James Madison in record and conference play, both teams fell short of the playoffs. New Hampshire and Delaware, with better conference records, advanced deep into the postseason. North Dakota State, though not in the CAA, set the national standard by winning the 2011 FCS title, outscoring opponents by a wide margin.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was a transitional year for the Richmond Spiders, reflecting both promise and missed opportunities. While the team showed offensive strength and home-field dominance, defensive lapses and narrow losses kept them out of the postseason. The season underscored the competitiveness of the CAA and the high bar for FCS playoff qualification.

Program Development: The 2011 season helped build momentum for future recruiting and player development under Coach Rocco.
CAA Competitiveness: The tight standings in the CAA demonstrated how small differences in performance could determine playoff access.
Offensive Identity: Richmond’s focus on high-tempo offense became a hallmark of Rocco’s coaching philosophy in subsequent years.
Recruiting Impact: Strong individual performances helped attract mid-level FCS recruits to the program.
Fan Engagement: A 4–1 home record boosted attendance and local support at Robins Stadium.
Historical Context: The season was part of a broader trend of Richmond being a consistent mid-tier FCS program.

Though not a championship year, the 2011 campaign laid groundwork for future success and illustrated the challenges of achieving postseason play in a deep FCS conference.