Feb. 1, 2007

2007 SCHEDULE

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - After capturing its first back-to-back winning seasons in eight years, the Richmond Spider football program released the 2007 slate Thursday which includes five home games. Richmond will open on the road Sept. 1, at Vanderbilt, while its first home contest will be Sept. 29 against New Hampshire.

"We are looking forward to the inaugural season of football in the Colonial Athletic Association, which in our opinion is the premier FCS conference in the country," head coach Dave Clawson said. "Each year we enjoy the opportunity to schedule quality BCS opponents from great conferences, and in 2007 we have that in Vanderbilt from the SEC."

The Spiders will follow up their season-opening trip to Nashville, Tenn., with a trip to Northeastern, Sept. 8, for their inaugural CAA opener. Following a bye week, Richmond will travel north again to face Bucknell, Sept. 22. Richmond defeated Northeastern (12-7) and Bucknell (48-21) last season.

After opening the season with three road contests, Richmond will return home for its first CAA game in UR Stadium, Sept. 29. The Spiders will look to avenge a 27-17 loss at then-No. 1 New Hampshire last season, when the Wildcats visit for Family Weekend. Richmond hits the road again the following week for a CAA South battle at Towson, Oct. 6.

The Spiders return to UR Stadium, Oct. 13, for two-straight including a non-conference contest against Stony Brook. The Rhode Island Rams then visit UR Stadium, Oct. 20. After splitting the last two meetings, Richmond and James Madison will meet, Oct. 27, in Harrisonburg, Va., marking the 25th meeting all-time between the two schools.

Villanova visits UR Stadium, Nov. 3, which will serve as homecoming weekend. Richmond follows homecoming with its first trip to Delaware in three seasons, Nov. 10. The Spiders return home for their final regular-season game of the season, Nov. 17, as William & Mary visits UR Stadium for the 117th meeting in the all-time series.

The Spiders ended the 2006 season with a record of 6-5, marking the first back-to-back winning seasons since 1997-98, and just the second since 1984-85. In two seasons under Clawson, Richmond has combined to win at least 15 games for the first time in consecutive seasons since 1997-98. The Spider offense has combined to garner 8,817 yards over the past two seasons, which is the most-ever in back-to-back seasons in Richmond football history.

Game times for all contests are still being determined, and season-ticket info will be available in the coming months. Check back at www.RichmondSpiders.com for game time listings and updates on season-ticket packages and information.

Clawson and the Spider coaching staff will host the Second Annual Spider Football Signing Party, Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Shula's 2.

Clawson will address those in attendance at approximately 5:45 p.m., while showing highlight clips of the 2007 signees. Come enjoy free hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and watch the 2006 highlight tape.