UR football notes

Is quarterback really CAA's third-best?

Eric Ward's statistics do not indicate he is the most prolific passer in the CAA. But the case could be made that he is the best quarterback. The senior was named third-team all-CAA, behind Villanova's Chris Whitney and William and Mary's R.J. Archer. Head coaches voted.

Ward's knack for consistently getting UR in position to win games makes him a QB Richmond wouldn't trade.

"Still as unflappable as ever," Spiders offensive coordinator Mike Faragalli said of Ward, a four-year starter. "It's a little bit uncanny. But it comes mostly from experience and having confidence, not only in himself, but in the O-line, the backs, the team, having confidence in the team that some way somebody's going to make the play that needs to be made, and he's just a part of it.

"That's how he looks at it. It's not like he has to do it himself. It's like 'We'll do it.' He has the unique ability to do that, put it in a team perspective, even though he's the guy."

UR's '08 message: Seeds can be planted

Last season, UR wasn't seeded in the FCS playoffs, beat Eastern Kentucky at UR Stadium, then won playoff games at Appalachian State and Northern Iowa on the way to the championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn., where Richmond defeated Montana 24-7.

The Spiders in 2008 finished 6-2 in the CAA, third in the South Division. They required a win at William and Mary in regular-season finale (23-20 in OT) to secure playoffs inclusion.

"Once you get in, the sky's the limit in terms of opportunities for you," said Richmond coach Mike London. "So no one looks past anyone. Everyone respects every opponent that they have."

Therefore, being a No. 4 seed in the 16-team field this year doesn't make the Spiders a favorite over anybody, London suggested. UR (10-1) faces Elon (9-2) Saturday at UR Stadium. There will be no TV coverage.

Postseason includes a confident kicker

Andrew Howard had an inconsistent regular season as Richmond's kicker. He missed a 35-yard FG try in the final seconds of a 21-20 loss to Villanova, and had missed five of his previous six FG attempts before hitting the 48-yarder that beat William and Mary 13-10 on last Saturday's final snap.

"He thanked me for giving him a chance and believing in him," London said of Howard, whom the coach considered benching at halftime of the W&M game.

"I'm so happy for him because it boosts his confidence tremendously."

Forte ready to make playoff debut

So many of the Spiders participated in the 2007 and 2008 playoffs that it's easy to forget a key player who hasn't touched the ball in the postseason. Tailback Justin Forte wasn't involved in the 2007 Richmond run to the semifinals because he played behind Tim Hightower and Josh Vaughan. Forte broke his leg in the fourth game last year and didn't return for the playoffs.

"I'm trying not to let it throw me out of my game. I don't want to be out and be star-struck by the whole thing," Forte said. "I've got to remain composed and do what I've got to do."

Among CAA runners, the senior ranked third (903 yards) during the regular season. - John O'Connor