Richmond dominates Charleston Southern 38-0 in season opener

In a decisive season opener on Saturday, Richmond showcased a dominant performance against Charleston Southern, securing a 38-0 victory. The game began with Kyle Wickersham leading the Spiders, scoring a 1-yard touchdown run that capped a 10-play drive, establishing an early 7-0 lead. Zach Palmer-Smith contributed significantly with two touchdown runs, while Jabril Hayes made a pivotal play by intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown, extending Richmond's lead to 21-0 by halftime. Richmond's defense was particularly impressive, limiting Charleston Southern to just 69 total yards in the first half. Wickersham continued to excel in the third quarter, connecting with Nick DeGennaro for a 39-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 28-0. Palmer-Smith's 1-yard touchdown run later in the quarter capped off a 10-play drive, further solidifying Richmond's commanding lead. The Spiders maintained their offensive momentum, concluding the game with a 31-yard field goal from Sean O'Haire, marking their longest drive of the game at 13 plays. Wickersham's performance was notable, completing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards, while Palmer-Smith amassed 80 yards on 21 carries. On the other hand, Charleston Southern struggled offensively, with quarterback Zolten Osborne completing 10 of 19 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions. The Buccaneers managed only 131 yards in total, reflecting a challenging outing against a well-prepared Richmond team, which marked their first victory of the season.