Richmond vs. Maryland: Kyle Lauletta's Five Keys to a Spider Win

Richmond football's starting quarterback Kyle Lauletta was asked what he thought his team needed to do in order to win this weekend against the Maryland Terrapins at College Park. His keys to the game, followed by my own analysis, are as follows:

1. Establish the running game

Lauletta was spot on here. The Terrapins are a talented FBS school with NFL talent on defense. Despite Richmond's talented receiving corps, Maryland's defensive backfield is the highlight of that defense. The Spiders would be wise to give Seth Fisher and Jacobi Green, two explosive and proven running backs, plenty of opportunities early. 

This will also take some pressure off Lauletta, a first-time starter in a new offense. The quarterback would surely love to be able to turn around and get the ball into his backs' hands, rather than being forced to drop back and throw into Maryland's secondary. Surely if the running game establishes a rhythm, Richmond receivers Brian Brown and Reggie Diggs will find some space downfield to make big plays. But the running game should be the priority. 

2. Make and prevent big plays

In recent years, Richmond's offense has focused on being explosive and making big plays, and that mindset clearly hasn't changed with Lauletta under center. As I alluded to before, the offense's ability to make plays downfield will depend on the running game's success. Brown and Diggs are both exceptional deep threats with the height, speed and hands to score long touchdowns, even against Maryland's talented secondary. But the big play must be a secondary priority behind the running game because the offense, this week and all season, will be only as efficient as Fisher can be in the backfield.

The defense must do its part by preventing deep passes and long runs. The Spiders' secondary is similarly as talented as Maryland's, with veterans David Jones and Ayo Ogunniyi and young talents in Tafon Mainsah and Charles Mack. Richmond also has a strong defensive front, led by junior captain Winston Craig. Preventing big plays will be less about talent and more about preparation and awareness. If the Spiders can convert their film study into on-field production, preventing long plays shouldn't be an issue. 

3. Win the turnover battle

Lauletta hits on a crucial aspect of the game here. Three seasons ago, Richmond led the country in turnover margin, but the Spiders have been deplorable since. Fumbles and interceptions were rampant on offense last year, and the defense struggled mightily to take the ball away.

Perhaps that trend will change this year. We won't know until the Spiders actually play. It is positive, though, that Lauletta mentioned this as a key because it shows he has focused on minimizing turnovers. The defense will likely struggle to take the ball away from Maryland because the Terrapins are simply a fundamentally strong, well coached team. But if Lauletta can avoid throwing interceptions in his first start, the Spiders should be good enough in the turnover department. An even turnover battle would be a win for Richmond in this game. 

4. Win the special teams battle

This was a wise answer from Lauletta. The Spiders would obviously love to return a kick for a touchdown and prevent the same from the Terrapins, but special teams means much more than long returns. Talented kicker Peter Yoder will have a few long field goal opportunities, and if he can connect on one or two that will be crucial for Richmond in what is likely to be a close game. 

The most important part about special teams, though, is field position, especially with a young quarterback. Yoder will need to kick some touchbacks to bail out a typically weak Richmond kickoff unit, and a few long punts from D.J. Helkowski could save the day after Lauletta leads some inevitable three-and-outs early in the game. The key on special teams is to force Maryland's offense to put together long drives, and to prevent any big plays that alter field position or lead to points. 

5. Confidence

This might be the most important key for Richmond, but I'm glad Lauletta included it nonetheless. Any time an FCS program travels to an FBS school, especially one as talented as Maryland, confidence is absolutely necessary. If Richmond goes to Maryland with any doubt at all, the Spiders will be blown out. No question. So, how do they avoid a debacle? Confidence.

The Spiders have the talent and the coaching to beat the Terrapins. Do I think it will happen? Probably not. Lauletta is starting his first game ever and, more importantly, the Spiders are starting a few inexperienced offensive linemen that will have problems blocking Maryland's defensive front. The Spiders should put up a fight, and certainly have the ability to beat Maryland, but I'm predicting a narrow victory for the Terrapins. I've got Maryland winning, 28-20. Don't tell Lauletta I said that, though.

Thanks for reading, be sure to check in next week for a different player's perspective on Richmond's keys to victory. 

Contact Sports Editor Charlie Broaddus @charlie.broaddus@richmond.edu