Lehigh pulls off stunning upset over Richmond in FCS playoff opener

On November 30, 2024, the football team from Lehigh University accomplished a remarkable comeback against the ninth-ranked Richmond University in their first-round playoff game of the FCS postseason held in Richmond, Virginia. Trailing 16-7 with less than a quarter remaining, Lehigh's fortunes shifted dramatically when Jaden Green sprinted 65 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the deficit to just two points. Following this pivotal moment, Lehigh's defense successfully halted Richmond’s subsequent drive, allowing Lehigh to take control of the game. Quarterback Hayden Johnson then connected with Geoffrey Jamiel for a crucial 56-yard touchdown pass, giving Lehigh a 20-16 lead, which they maintained until the final whistle. Despite Richmond's efforts, including a notable play where they recovered a muffed punt, Lehigh's defense held strong to secure the win. This victory marks Lehigh's first playoff appearance since 2017 and advances them to a second-round matchup against eighth-seeded Idaho on December 7. The game was notable not only for its dramatic late-game turn of events but also for the impressive performances from Lehigh players, with Johnson completing 14 of 18 passes for 199 yards and Jamiel receiving 10 passes for 137 yards. Richmond struggled to maintain their strong offensive performance from the first half, where they had a total of 249 yards but only managed to put points on the board through field goals.