Bronx, N.Y. – The Fordham University football team delivered a statement victory on Saturday afternoon, rallying past the 15th/19th-ranked University of Richmond Spiders, 20-14, in a Patriot League matchup at Moglia Stadium. This marks Fordham's second win over a ranked opponent this season.
With the win, Fordham improves to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in the Patriot League, while Richmond falls to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
The Rams struck first in the opening quarter when senior quarterback
Gunnar Smith connected with senior wide receiver
Ricky Gonzalez II for a 10-yard touchdown pass, capping a nine-play, 76-yard drive to give Fordham a 7-0 lead.
Richmond responded with a touchdown in the second quarter to even the score at 7-7, and the teams went into halftime tied.
The Spiders took their first lead early in the third quarter after recovering a Fordham fumble for a touchdown. The Rams answered later in the period, as senior running back
Jamell James found the end zone to knot the score at 14-14.
After a scoreless stretch, Fordham put together the decisive drive in the fourth quarter. Smith capped a 12-play, 62-yard possession with a five-yard touchdown run with 2:23 remaining, giving the Rams a 20-14 advantage. Fordham's defense held Richmond scoreless in the final quarter, as junior
Boogie Owens picked off Richmond quarterback Ashten Snelsire with 1:14 to play to seal the victory.
The Rams finished with 258 yards of total offense, including 160 on the ground. James led Fordham with 80 rushing yards, while sophomore running back
Yohan-Li Louis added 61 yards on 10 carries. Smith completed 13 of 25 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown while adding 20 rushing yards and another score.
Defensively, Fordham limited Richmond to 204 total yards and forced four turnovers, including three fumbles and an interception. The Rams also recorded three sacks, helping hold the Spiders scoreless in both the opening and final quarters.
Notes
• The victory marks Fordham's second win over a ranked opponent this season. The Rams previously defeated No. 21 William & Mary, 52-27, on September 19.
• Fordham improved to 2-2 in Patriot League play with the win.
• The Rams held Richmond to 204 total yards, including 82 rushing yards.
• Smith accounted for both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown.
By the Numbers
3 – Sacks recorded by the Fordham defense.
61 – Rushing yards for sophomore
Yohan-Li Louis.
80 – Rushing yards for senior
Jamell James.
160 – Rushing yards for Fordham as a team.
2 – Wins over ranked opponents for the Rams this season.
What's Next?
• Fordham returns to action next Saturday, October 17, when the Rams host Villanova University at Moglia Stadium.
• The contest continues Fordham's Patriot League schedule as the Rams look to build on Saturday's victory.
