After a long Summer, Richmond football is back. The Spiders had sky-high expectations entering the season and faced a tough opponent in UVa at Scott Stadium. Richmond not only won the game, they were clearly the better team. Richmond got out of the gates early, picking up 17, 18, 9, 15 yards on the first four plays before ultimately settling for a field goal. They wouldn't look back, on their way to a dominating 37-20 win.

Below are three things we learned, two questions and one prediction for the 2016 Spiders.

1 - Games are won in the trenches

Richmond beat UVa up front on both offense and defense. On offense, the line blasted open holes, allowing the running backs to average nearly 5.2 yards per carry (not counting Gordon Collins' 55 yard scamper to end the game or late-game knees). Pass protection was solid across the line, allowing Kyle Lauletta to connect on 69% of his attempts for a UR/UVa game record 337 yards through the air.

The defensive line took a page from Gandolf's book, declaring "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

All-ACC running back Smoke Mizzell couldn't get started, adding 7 positive yards on seven carries, with a long of 3. He provided Richmond with two fumbles. Winston Craig was a bad man on the D-line, proving to be unblockable, as he spent most of his afternoon in the backfield, logging 2.5 tackles for loss for -19 yards.

2 - Playcalling excellence

The offensive playcalling was a thing of beauty. New Offensive Coordinator John Garrett looks as though he may be able to take Richmond's offense to the next level. Richmond laddered plays well, building upon similar looks and motions. Richmond often shifted at the line, confusing the defense and freezing them in place with misdirection. When UVa's defense penetrated the line, they were often welcomed by a quick retreating Lauletta tossing the ball over their heads on effective screens. TE Garrett Hudson was involved early, catching four balls on the day after pulling in only 11 catches in 2015.

3 - Five freshmen

Five Freshmen made their Spider debut against UVa; Xavier Goodall, Devin Campbell, Gabe Thomas, Maurice Jackson & Justin Hayes.

1 - How good can this team be?

In 2010, JMU stunned Virginia Tech but went 6-5 on the season missing the playoffs. 2011, UR beat Duke and won their next two on the way to a 3-8 season. Will the 2016 Spiders fall prey to the same fate?

No.

This team wasn't lucky in beating UVa. It was better, more physical, better prepared, had a superior coaching staff and more game experience. This team has the ability to be very special.

How good could this team be?

2- Who carries the load at RB?

With no heir apparent in the backfield to replace Jacobi Green, the Spiders turned to four different running backs in the first quarter. All of the backs were effective in running to daylight. Gordon Collins had an eye-opening touchdown run to seal the game, but no single back appeared to set themselves apart from the rest of the field. The committee approach will help keep guys healthy, as Richmond appears to be poised to make a deep playoff run.

Who will carry Richmond into the playoffs?

Kyle Lauletta will win the Walter Payton award.