Spiders Dominate Keydets in Weather-Delayed Clash, Richmond Rolls to 38-14 Victory Over VMI (9-20-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Richmond Spiders
In a game marked by explosive plays, a dominant ground attack, and an unexpected three-plus-hour weather delay, the University of Richmond Spiders overpowered the Virginia Military Institute Keydets with a convincing 38-14 win on Saturday afternoon at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium. The 91st meeting between these in-state rivals showcased Richmond’s offensive firepower, particularly on the ground, as they racked up a staggering 353 rushing yards while holding VMI to just 34 yards on the turf.
The contest, originally kicking off at 2:00 p.m., was interrupted by a pop-up storm with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter, forcing both teams into the locker rooms for a 3-hour and 19-minute lightning delay. Play resumed at 5:45 p.m., but the interruption seemed to sap some momentum from VMI, which had tied the game twice early on. Richmond, however, emerged revitalized, erupting for 24 unanswered points to pull away decisively.
First Quarter: Fast Start and Stormy Interruption
Richmond wasted no time asserting control, marching down the field on their opening possession with a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped by a two-yard touchdown plunge from running back Aziz Foster-Powell—his first score of the season. The Spiders led 7-0 just 4:37 into the game. VMI responded immediately with a bang. On their very first offensive snap, quarterback Collin Shannon unleashed a 75-yard bomb to wide receiver Owen Sweeney, who hauled it in for a touchdown to knot the score at 7-7. It was Sweeney’s fourth touchdown reception in as many games this season. The Spiders struck back swiftly. Quarterback Kyle Wickersham connected with receiver Isaiah Dawson on a 67-yard touchdown pass—the longest reception of Dawson’s career—reclaiming a 14-7 lead for Richmond. With the game heating up, Mother Nature intervened. A sudden storm brought lightning, halting play and sending fans scrambling for cover. The delay, which Head Coach Danny Rocco of VMI described as “unpredictable” and not anticipated in pregame discussions, lasted over three hours.
Second Quarter: Spiders Pull Ahead Post-Delay
When action resumed, VMI capitalized first. Shannon orchestrated a drive featuring key third-down conversions, culminating in another touchdown pass to Sweeney from 18 yards out, tying the game at 14-14 midway through the quarter. Richmond’s response was emphatic. Wickersham found Dawson again, this time for a 13-yard score where Dawson broke multiple tackles en route to the end zone, putting the Spiders up 21-14. The Spiders’ defense then stepped up. Linebacker Lee Bruner IV snagged his first career interception off Shannon, returning it 29 yards to set up a 41-yard field goal by kicker Jayden Alsheskie as time expired in the half. Richmond headed to the locker room with a 24-14 advantage.
Third Quarter: Ground Game Takes Over
VMI’s defense showed fight early in the second half when defensive back Kouri Crump forced a fumble recovered by Isaiah Grevious, but the Keydets’ offense stalled, punting the ball back to Richmond. That’s when the Spiders’ rushing attack exploded. Running back Andrew King broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown scamper—the longest run of his career—extending the lead to 31-14 with 6:17 left in the third. Richmond’s defense clamped down, limiting VMI to zero points in the second half while forcing punts and turnovers.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Deal
Wickersham put the finishing touches on the victory early in the final frame, scrambling for an eight-yard touchdown run to make it 38-14.
Standout Performances
• Kyle Wickersham (QB): Efficient through the air (10-of-13 for 166 yards, 2 TDs) and on the ground (15 carries for 44 yards, 1 TD).
• Jamaal Brown (RB): Career-high 153 yards on 14 carries, including a 43-yard long, showcasing physicality after contact.
• Andrew King (RB): 100 yards on just a few carries, highlighted by his 83-yard TD burst.
• Isaiah Dawson (WR): 4 receptions for 99 yards and 2 TDs.
• Defensively, Peyton Seelmann led with 7 tackles and 2 QB hurries, while Carter Glassmyer added 6 tackles and a sack. The unit recorded 2 sacks and 5 hurries overall.
Looking Ahead
Richmond will aim to build momentum in their next outing. VMI heads into an early bye week before facing UT Chattanooga on October 4. This game highlighted Richmond’s balanced attack and defensive grit, while VMI showed flashes of big-play potential but struggled to sustain drives against a superior front.
