Richmond, Appalachian State meet again

Again, they meet.

For the third time in three years, the University of Richmond will face Appalachian State in the FCS playoffs. The Mountaineers visit UR Stadium on Saturday in the FCS quarterfinals (time to be determined). The teams combined to win the past four FCS titles. The Mountaineers captured national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. UR won last season.

"I think it's going to be an incredible physical battle," said Elon coach Pete Lembo, whose Phoenix fell 27-10 to Appalachian two weeks ago, and to the Spiders 16-13 yesterday. "These are two big, strong, physical teams. I think they're two teams with corners that can really cover and obviously quarterbacks that are winners. [ASU's Armanti Edwards and UR's Eric Ward] just find a way to make plays."

Two years ago at ASU, the Mountaineers outclassed Richmond 55-35 in the FCS semifinals. Edwards ran 31 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Last year in the quarterfinals, UR won 33-13 at ASU, which committed seven turnovers (five interceptions, two fumbles lost).

"We all remember what happened last year," ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards said as the Mountaineers prepared for yesterday's 20-13 win over South Carolina State in the FCS first round. "We're back in this position again, so we're going to fight really hard this time not to let that happen again."

Said ASU coach Jerry Moore: "I wouldn't take one thing away from Richmond's effort. Most of those turnovers were caused. But that was the big thing. We just didn't play very well against Richmond. Richmond just beat us."

The Mountaineers, Southern Conference champions for five consecutive years, won 11 straight playoff games at home before UR dethroned them. In that game, Richmond linebacker Patrick Weldon registered career highs in tackles (11) and tackles for losses (four).

"To play them again and have them come here, it's exciting," said Weldon. "They're a great team. We're a great team. I think it's going to be a great atmosphere. It should be, leading up to a great ballgame."

Richmond (11-1) gets home-field advantage as the fourth seed in the FCS tournament. Unseeded Appalachian (10-2) has won 10 straight after opening with losses to East Carolina (29-24) and McNeese State (40-35). ASU hasn't played a playoff game on the road since 2001.

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or .