By: Jack Greven
It’s the final week of the regular season, and every Tribe football fan knows what that means: It’s Capital Cup week against Richmond.
The “Oldest Rivalry in the South” dates back to 1898, and its 135 meetings make it the fourth-most played rivalry in Division I. Richmond holds a narrow lead in the all-time series, 66–64–5.
The Tribe enter the game riding their most dominant win of the year—a 55–14 victory over Hampton—marking three straight wins and five of their last six. Richmond, meanwhile, is coming off a 35–28 loss to Lafayette, though it’s worth noting that the Leopards are 8–1 in FCS play. The Spiders have won the last two Capital Cups, including a 27–0 result in 2024—their first shutout of the Tribe since 1973. Here’s a closer look:
Richmond Spiders
Conference: Patriot League
Record: 6–5
Richmond is a historic program with a strong tradition of success. Over the past 20 years, the Spiders have won seven conference titles and made ten playoff appearances, highlighted by their lone National Championship in 2008—coached by none other than former Tribe coach Mike London.
After three straight FCS Playoff appearances, Richmond’s streak is likely ending this year following their fifth loss. While they’re not as strong as in recent seasons, Russ Huesman’s squad remains solid: all five losses came either against FBS opponents or in one-possession games. In fact, nine of Richmond’s eleven games have been decided by one score.
They tend to play low-scoring contests, allowing the 2nd-fewest points per game (22.8) in the Patriot League while scoring the 3rd-fewest (21.4). The pass defense has been elite—only 161.6 passing yards allowed per game (6th-best in the FCS) and a conference-best 55.4% completion rate allowed. Their pass rush is similarly strong with 33 sacks, second in the league.
Oddly, Richmond has forced 12 turnovers, the most in the Patriot League, but recovered only two, the fewest in the conference. Third down and red-zone efficiency have also been weak points: they convert just 34.9% on third down and 70.6% in the red zone, while allowing 39% and 84.8% respectively.
Offense
Richmond has used two senior quarterbacks this season.
- Kyle Wickersham has taken the majority of snaps, completing 64.4% of his passes for 1,224 yards, 7 TDs, and 4 INTs.
- Ashten Snelsire has been less accurate (52.4%) but thrown for 804 yards, 8 TDs, and 5 INTs.
Wickersham is the bigger dual threat, rushing for 365 yards and 5 scores. Snelsire has added 164 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.
The run game is led by redshirt sophomore Aziz Foster-Powell (551 yards, 4 TDs). Fellow sophomores Jamaal Brown (268 yards) and Andrew King (175 yards on just 27 carries) round out the group. King is also the top receiving back with 23 catches for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The receiving corps is balanced:
- Freshman Isaiah Dawson leads with 575 yards and 4 TDs on 42 receptions.
- Senior Ja’Vion Griffin follows with 492 yards and 4 TDs.
- Freshman Andreas Hill has been the deep threat (314 yards, 3 TDs on 18 catches).
- Junior Quanye Veney, now healthy after missing three games, adds 212 yards from the slot.
The Tribe will need to limit explosive plays, as Richmond protects the passer well and Wickersham is more accurate than many QBs the Tribe have faced. This could be a major opportunity for Luke Banbury in what is likely his final game in green and gold.
Defense
Richmond’s defense is a gritty, physical unit that makes moving the ball difficult. The interior duo of redshirt seniors Donovan Hoilette and Camden Byrd is especially dangerous—they’ve combined for 16 sacks, 22 TFLs, and 4 forced fumbles.
Senior Matei Fitz adds 3 sacks, 8.5 TFLs, and an interception.
Young talent fills the back seven:
- Sophomore LB Peyton Seelmann has been outstanding, leading the team with 113 tackles, plus 2 INTs, 5 PBUs, and 4 QB hits.
- Freshman DB Lee Bruner IV leads the team with 3 interceptions.
- Sophomore Tayshaun Burney leads the Patriot League with 10 pass breakups.
This is a defense that sends pressure and makes opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. Expect Tyler Hughes to use his legs often, and his 66.5% completion rate will be tested by Richmond’s aggressive young secondary. Meanwhile, explosive plays from Deven Thompson could be game-changing, especially against a team that struggles to score and doesn’t thrive in long drives.
This is the most important game of the Tribe’s season—a chance to finish 8–4, beat their biggest rivals, and complete a perfect 6–0 season at Zable, the program’s first unbeaten home slate since 2015. It’s also Senior Day, as we honor the graduating Tribe.
Get out to Zable for the final time this season! Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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