Spiders ascend to No. 1 in FCS poll

The University of Richmond yesterday ascended to No. 1 in the Football Championship Subdivision poll. Spiders supporters hope this top ranking lasts longer than the previous one.

Last September, UR rose to No. 1, then fell 26-20 at Villanova five days later. Richmond slipped to No. 6 in the poll and finished the regular season ranked No. 7. The Spiders returned to No. 1 in the final poll after beating Montana in the FCS title game.

Richmond also was No. 1 for five weeks during 1985. That year, a 24-14 victory at Virginia Tech helped propel the Spiders to the top. This year, a 24-16 victory Saturday at Duke to begin the season did the job.

Richmond prevailed at Duke after East Carolina defeated Appalachian State 29-24. Appalachian State, was No. 1 in the preseason FCS poll. The Spiders were ranked second in the preseason poll.

Among other state teams, James Madison remained sixth, and William and Mary rose seven spots to seventh after winning at Virginia.

-- John O'Connor

Poll, Page C5