Richmond Vs UNI (FCS Semifinals)

If you did not watch the FCS (formerly known as Div 2) playoff game between the Richmond Spiders and the Northern Iowa Panthers, you missed one of the most exciting games of the season, period. Former South West Dekalb star, Eric Ward, led the Spiders to a thrilling comeback victory over UNI on Saturday night.

The sellout crowd at the UNI-Dome rocked, as the home town Panthers appeared to secure the victory by stopping Richmond RB Josh Vaughan short of the first down marker on 4th and 1 with just over 2 minutes remaining. Leading 20-14, the only obstacle left in Northern Iowa's path to the FCS championship game was one more first down. But, the resilient Spiders had plenty of fight left, along with 3 timeouts to spend. A game clinching conversion would not happen for UNI. Instead, the Richmond defense stopped them for a short gain on 3rd and 8. The Spiders then called their final timeout, setting the stage for Marietta's own Eric Ward and the Richmond offense. The Spiders took possession on their own 34 yard line with no timeouts, and a 6 point deficit to overcome. With just 1:45 left in the game, the poised QB led his team down the field, unfazed by the raucous crowd or the magnitude of the moment. From the Panthers 13 yard line, Ward threw a game tying 6-strike to Joe Stewart with just 14 seconds left. The PAT by Andrew Howard gave Richmond a 21-20 lead. That was all the Spiders would need.

On the game's final play, Northern Iowa attempted a little razzle dazzle, throw back action. After lateraling the ball a few times, the Panthers launched a sideways pass across the field from left to right. UNI needed a miraculous score. They didn't get it. Instead, the Richmond defense made a game ending tackle, as time expired. While the Spiders rejoiced, the stunned UNI-Dome crowd left in somber disbelief. Richmond, who started the season with a modest 4-3 record advances to play Montana in the FCS Championship game on Friday night at 8ET on ESPN 2.
If you think FCS football ain't exciting, you just ain't been watching.
Go Spiders!