Blue Hen News:
Bulldogs Stung Late After Fourth-Quarter Surge
vs Delaware
11/8/2025 - https://latechsports.com/
NEWARK, Del. – Louisiana Tech's furious fourth-quarter comeback fell just short Saturday afternoon as Delaware connected on a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining to hand the Bulldogs a heartbreaking 25-24 loss at Delaware Stadium.
Trailing 16-7 entering the final period, LA Tech (5-4, 3-3 CUSA) erupted for 17 unanswered points in a six-minute stretch to seize momentum late. Drew Henderson's 38-yard field goal cut the deficit to 16-10 with just over nine minutes remaining. On Tech's next possession, Clay Thevenin capped a quick eight-play, 39-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Bulldogs ahead 17-16 with 3:09 on the clock.
Moments later, the Bulldog defense delivered what appeared to be the game-sealing play when Jacob Fields jumped a route and returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-16 with just 2:23 to play.
However, Delaware (5-4, 3-3 CUSA) refused to go quietly. Taking advantage of a pair of penalties by the Bulldogs, quarterback Nick Minicucci engineered an eight-play, 75-yard march, finding Elijah Sessoms for a three-yard score with 34 seconds remaining to make it 24-22.
The two-point conversion attempt failed thanks to a breakup by Jhamal Shelby Jr. on a fade route, keeping LA Tech in front – briefly.
The Blue Hens recovered an onside kick, giving the home team a chance to win the game. While the LA Tech defense did its job by not allowing a first down, a 6-yard completion was just enough to put Delaware in field-goal range setting up kicker Nate Reed, who drilled a 51-yarder through the uprights with 12 seconds left to snatch the victory for the Blue Hens.
Thevenin led LA Tech with 106 all-purpose yards and two rushing touchdowns, including a 37-yarder in the first quarter. The Bulldogs, who played three different quarterbacks, were outgained Delaware 333-399 and missed out on two other scoring chances in the first half with two missed field goals.
Tech's defense forced two interceptions – Jakari Foster picked off Minicucci on their opening drive of the game – and limited Delaware's ground game to under 100 yards, but Minicucci's 304 passing yards and Reed's four field goals ultimately made the difference.
Quotables
Head Coach Sonny Cumbie's opening statement:
"I'm just disappointed in the outcome. Our guys--I thought they really battled back. They handled adversity throughout the course of the game. Any time your starting quarterback goes down--it happened to us at Kennesaw State--I think our guys responded well from the standpoint of continuing to battle and execute. There were probably three or four areas where we did not execute in a winning manner and that's the difference in the football game for us. I was as pleased with how our guys were able to create takeaways on defense. It's the highest of highs and lowest of lows, really, throughout the course of this game. We talked on the headset when it was 24-16 with all of the coaches as far as keeping a clear mind because we knew that it could come down to a touchdown and a two-point conversion. And if they didn't get the two-point conversion then we needed a good plan for hands team. They executed the onside kick, we weren't able to get it, and then their kicker made the field goal at the end of the game. Just a heartbreaker for our players, for how much they prepared and put into it and how much they put themselves out there for our staff. The thing we have to control is our response in terms of how we get back up and show back up and continue to play winning football, becuase it doesn't get any easier next week with a trip to Washington State."
UP NEXT
LA Tech will now head to the west coast as the Bulldogs take on Washington State in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CT on the CW.
==============================================
Reed’s onside kick leads to his game-winning 51-yard field goal for Delaware in 25-24 victory
November 8, 2025 - https://apnews.com/
NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Nate Reed converted an onside kick and followed that with a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining as Delaware scored nine points in the final 34 seconds to beat Louisiana Tech 25-24 on Saturday.
Reed’s bounding onside effort cleared the Bulldogs players and Ja’Carree Kelly recovered on the Louisiana Tech 35. Four plays later, Reed booted the game-winner to spoil the Bulldogs’ comeback from a 16-7 fourth-quarter deficit.
Reed’s onside kick came after Nick Minicucci threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sessions to complete an eight-play, 75-yard drive. A two-point try failed.
The Bulldogs (5-4, 3-3 Conference USA) took a 24-16 lead with 2:23 to go on Jacob Fields’ 38-yard pick-6 to cap a run of 17 straight points.
Minicucci was 26-of-52 passing for 304 yards and two touchdowns but also two interceptions for the Blue Hens (5-4, 3-3). He added 56 rushing yards. Sean Wilson had 107 yards receiving.
Three Louisiana Tech quarterbacks combined for 202 yards passing with an interception. Clay Thevenin rushed for two touchdowns.
================================================
Louisiana Tech (5-3) at Delaware (4-4), Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. EST.
How to watch: ESPN+
Key stats
Delaware Offense
Overall: 418.3 yards per game (43rd in FBS)
Passing: 303.5 yards per game (8th)
Rushing: 114.8 yards per game (116th)
Scoring: 29.3 points per game (63rd)
Delaware Defense
Overall: 412.8 yards per game (110th in FBS)
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Passing: 236.1 yards per game (93rd)
Rushing: 176.6 yards per game (108th)
Scoring: 32.1 points per game (119th)
Louisiana Tech Offense
Overall: 370.1 yards per game (82nd in FBS)
Passing: 191.5 yards per game (104th)
Rushing: 178.6 yards per game (47th)
Scoring: 28.6 points per game (69th)
Louisiana Tech Defense
Overall: 371.6 yards per game (71st in FBS)
Passing: 240.6 yards per game (97th)
Rushing: 131 yards per game (45th)
Scoring: 18.1 points per game (19th)
Delaware is 115th in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 43.8% of the time. Louisiana Tech ranks 58th on offense, converting on 41.2% of third downs.
Delaware ranks 105th in the FBS with a -4 turnover margin, compared to Louisiana Tech's 23rd-ranked +5 margin.
Louisiana Tech is 135th in the FBS averaging 74.9 penalty yards per game, compared to Delaware's 17th-ranked 39.6 per-game average.
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Delaware is 76th in FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 84.4% of trips. Louisiana Tech's red zone defense ranks 3rd at 61.9%.
Team leaders
Delaware
Passing: Nick Minicucci, 2,421 yards, 15 TDs, 4 INTs, 63.2 completion percentage
Rushing: Jo'Nathan Silver, 451 yards on 88 carries, 3 TDs
Receiving: Kyre Duplessis, 593 yards on 43 catches, 4 TDs
Louisiana Tech
Passing: Blake Baker, 1,187 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, 66.7 completion percentage
Rushing: Clay Thevenin, 439 yards on 84 carries, 6 TDs
Receiving: Eli Finley, 334 yards on 25 catches, 0 TDs
Last game
Delaware lost 59-30 to Liberty on Saturday, Nov. 1. Minicucci led Delaware with 344 yards on 29-of-49 passing (59.2%) for two touchdowns and one interception. He also carried the ball eight times for 37 yards and one rushing touchdown. Silver had 25 rushing yards on six carries, adding three receptions for 10 yards. Sean Wilson recorded 109 yards on five catches.
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Louisiana Tech beat Sam Houston 55-14 on Friday, Oct. 31. Baker passed for 221 yards on 17-of-21 attempts (81.0%) with one touchdown and one interception. He also carried the ball seven times for 42 yards and one rushing touchdown. Thevenin had 143 rushing yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns, adding three receptions for five yards. Devin Gandy had two receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.
Next game
Delaware plays at Sam Houston on Nov. 15. Louisiana Tech plays at Washington State on Nov. 15.
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Flames’ Homecoming Win over Delaware
11/1/2025
https://libertyflames.com/
LYNCHBURG, Va. A well-rested Flames' team had their best offensive showing of the 2025 season, while Evan Dickens tied a Williams Stadium record in a 59-30 Homecoming game win over Delaware, Saturday afternoon.
Liberty, whose last game was 18 days ago on the same field against New Mexico State (Oct. 14), evens its record at 4-4 on the season and moves to 3-1 in Conference USA play. The Flames have now won three games in a row for the first time in 2025.
Delaware has lost three of its last four games, falling to 4-4 on the year and 2-3 in its first year as a member of Conference USA.
The Flames finished the game with a season-high 561 total offensive yards and scored their most points in a game under third-year head coach Jamey Chadwell.
Liberty also returned to what has led to Chadwell's success on the field – running the football. The Flames rushed for a season-high 282 yards and scored six times on the ground.
Chadwell-coached teams have now rushed for 200 or more yards in 103-of-190 games (54.2 percent) with him on the sidelines as a head coach.
The standout in the rushing performance was Dicken's career-high four touchdowns, matching the most scored by a Flame since Williams Stadium opened in 1989. He finished with a career-high 22 carries and a career-best 217 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Ethan Vasko had one of his best games as a Flame, completing 14-of-20 passing attempts for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
Vasko's top target continues to be wide receiver Donte Lee, Jr. The wide receiver finished the game with five receptions for a career-best 92 yards. He scored his fourth touchdown as a Flame and came within inches of getting a second score.
Derrell Farrar paced the Flames' defense with seven tackles, while cornerback Amarian Williams had five tackles and an interception, his fifth pick as a Flame.
The Flames' win today:
Gives the Flames their first three-game winning streak since the team opened November with three straight victories in 2024 (Nov. 9-23).
Marks the team's seventh straight Homecoming triumph, moving Liberty's Homecoming record to 37-14 overall and 15-3 in the last 18 years.
Improves the team's all-time record against CUSA opponents (at time of meeting) to 26-5, including 17-4 since the Flames joined the conference in 2023.
Boosts the Flames' home record at Williams Stadium to 3-1 this season, 16-2 under Jamey Chadwell and 40-8 since joining FBS.
Gives the Flames an 8-1 record in November games under Chadwell.
Marks Chadwell's 25th victory at Liberty (in 34 games), making him the second fastest Flames coach to reach the milestone. Hugh Freeze's 25th win came in his 33rd contest.
Box Score Highlights:
Final Score: 59-30 (Liberty)
Liberty (4-4, 3-1 CUSA)
Delaware (4-4, 2-3 CUSA)
Location: Williams Stadium (Lynchburg, Va.)
Attendance: 18,455
Play-By-Play Breakdown:
First Quarter
The visitors were the first team to put points on the scoreboard, getting a 42-yard field goal from Nate Reed at the 11:29 mark. Delaware's Nick Minicucci completed 5-of-7 passing attempts on a nine-play, 50-yard drive, but failed to convert on a third-and-eight play to keep the drive alive.
The Flames quickly responded on its first possession of the game, keeping the ball on the ground nine times on a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Ethan Vasko capped the scoring drive with a 15-yard rushing touchdown, his fourth of the season, giving Liberty a 7-3 lead at 6:02.
Second Quarter
Delaware managed to drive deep into Liberty territory on a 15-play, 64-yard drive, but the effort stalled at the Flames' 11-yard line. The Blue Hens were forced to settle for their second field goal of the game, a 28-yarder from Reed to pull within one, 7-6, just 55 seconds into the second quarter.
Dickens took over the game during the remainder of the quarter, scoring three times before the Flames headed to the locker room at the intermission.
The redshirt sophomore scored on carries of one yard, five yards and 30 yards, with the last score coming with 1:39 left before half and just two plays after Liberty intercepted a Minicucci pass.
The Blue Hens did manage to piece together another nine-play, 50-yard drive during the final 100 seconds of the half. The drive ended on Reed's third field goal of the half and another 42-yarder to give Liberty a 28-9 edge at the break.
Third Quarter
On the second play of the third quarter, Dickens showcased his speed, getting to the outside and running down the sideline for a 72-yard touchdown. The running back's fourth rushing touchdown of the game extended Liberty's lead to 35-9 just 30 seconds into the third quarter.
The remainder of the quarter turned into an offensive shootout with both teams scoring a pair of touchdowns.
Minicucci had touchdown passes on back-to-back drives, including an eight-yard scoring play to Elijah Sessoms at 12:58 and a three-yard scoring play to Donovan Lewis at 5:49.
Liberty answered by scoring on back-to-back drives. The Flames got passing touchdowns from Ethan Vasko to tight end Jacob Jenkins (15 yards at 3:07) and Donte Lee, Jr. (31 yards at 0:28) to push their lead back to 49-24.
Fourth Quarter
Delaware score one final time during the early part of the fourth quarter, getting a 12-yard rushing touchdown from Minicucci at 12:57 to pull back within 20 points, 49-30.
However, the Flames capped the offensive outburst with a Vaughn Blue 12-yard rushing touchdown at 9:05 and a 32-yard field goal by Brayden Beck at 4:49 to finish off the win.
What's Next:
The Flames will close out a three-game homestand when they welcome their second-straight CUSA newcomer to Williams Stadium in Missouri State, next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Liberty vs. Missouri State game will serve as the Flames' annual Military Appreciation Day, including a special halftime show where each branch of the armed forces will be honored and celebrated.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Location: Lynchburg, Va. (Williams Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: LFSN Radio (Flagship Station: The Journey 88.3 FM Lynchburg)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. (ET)
=======================================================
Delaware (4-3) at Liberty (3-4), Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
10/28/25 - AP NEWS
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Key stats
Liberty Offense:
Overall: 344.3 yards per game (103rd in FBS)
Passing: 185.7 yards per game (109th)
Rushing: 158.6 yards per game (64th)
Scoring: 19.1 points per game (120th)
Liberty Defense:
Overall: 356.3 yards per game (57th in FBS)
Passing: 166.7 yards per game (17th)
Rushing: 189.6 yards per game (118th)
Scoring: 21.6 points per game (45th)
Delaware Offense:
Overall: 418 yards per game (44th in FBS)
Passing: 297.7 yards per game (13th)
Rushing: 120.3 yards per game (110th)
Scoring: 29.1 points per game (64th)
Delaware Defense:
Overall: 391.6 yards per game (95th in FBS)
Passing: 230 yards per game (84th)
Rushing: 161.6 yards per game (94th)
Scoring: 28.3 points per game (95th)
Liberty is 92nd in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 41.4% of the time. Delaware ranks 22nd on offense, converting on 48.5% of third downs.
Delaware is 17th in the FBS averaging 39.6 penalty yards per game.
Delaware is 89th in FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 82.1% of trips. Liberty’s red zone defense ranks 20th at 76%.
Team leaders
Liberty:
Passing: Ethan Vasko, 1,185 yards, 6 TDs, 5 INTs, 59.1 completion percentage
Rushing: Evan Dickens, 394 yards on 78 carries, 4 TDs
Receiving: Donte Lee Jr., 344 yards on 18 catches, 3 TDs
Delaware:
Passing: Nick Minicucci, 2,077 yards, 13 TDs, 3 INTs, 64.2 completion percentage
Rushing: Jo’Nathan Silver, 426 yards on 82 carries, 3 TDs
Receiving: Kyre Duplessis, 495 yards on 35 catches, 4 TDs
Last game
Liberty won 30-27 over New Mexico State on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Vasko threw for 179 yards on 20-of-30 attempts (66.7%) with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Dickens carried the ball 13 times for 50 yards and scored two touchdowns. Lee had six receptions for 55 yards.
Delaware won 31-28 over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Minicucci passed for 276 yards on 27-of-41 attempts (65.9%) with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Silver had 51 rushing yards on 14 carries, adding two receptions for 27 yards. Duplessis had seven receptions for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
Next game
Liberty hosts Missouri State on Nov. 8. Delaware hosts Louisiana Tech on Nov. 8.
=====================================================
Blue Raiders Come Up Short in Midweek Battle at Delaware
10/22/2025 - https://goblueraiders.com/
NEWARK, Del. — Middle Tennessee came up just short in another midweek thriller Wednesday night, falling 31-28 to Delaware in its second Conference USA midweek contest at Delaware Stadium.
The Blue Raiders (1-6, 0-4 CUSA) rallied late behind quarterback Nicholas Vattiato's third touchdown pass of the game — a 6-yard strike to AJ Jones with just over a minute remaining — but could not recover the ensuing onside kick as Delaware (4-3, 2-2) held on for the narrow win.
Vattiato was efficient once again, completing 31 of 50 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns while connecting with nine different receivers. Nahzae Cox, Hunter Tipton, and Jones each found the end zone for the Blue Raiders, with Cox's 5-yard score in the first quarter tying the game 7-7 and Tipton's 11-yard touchdown midway through the third bringing MTSU within three.
Jekail Middlebrook led the Blue Raider rushing attack with 68 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, averaging more than six yards per attempt. He also added 53 receiving yards to finish with a team-best 147 all-purpose yards.
Middle Tennessee outgained Delaware 384-360 in total offense, marking the third straight game the Blue Raiders have topped their opponent in yardage. The MTSU defense recorded a pair of takeaways, including a first-quarter fumble recovery by Abdul Muhammad that set up Middlebrook's 4-yard touchdown run.
Defensively, Anthony Bynum and Shakai Woods paced the unit with nine tackles each, while Muaaz Byard grabbed an interception in the fourth quarter to keep the Blue Raiders within striking distance.
Trailing 31-21 entering the final minutes, MTSU put together a clutch 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by Jones' touchdown catch with 1:03 to play. Despite the late surge, Delaware ran out the clock to seal the 31-28 decision.
The loss marked MTSU's third consecutive single-possession defeat in conference play.
By the Numbers
9,000: with 281 passing yards on the night, Vattiato surpassed 9,000 career passing yards,
384: Despite the loss, the Blue Raiders outgained their opponent 384 yards to 360. This marks the third consecutive game MTSU has outgained its opponent.
9: Nine different Blue Raiders caught a pass on the night.
Thoughts from Head Coach Derek Mason
Up Next
The Blue Raiders will return to Murfreesboro for their final midweek matchup against Jax State on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and over the air on the Blue Raider Network.
====================================================
Nick Minicucci throws for 276 yards, 4 touchdowns and Delaware holds off Middle Tennessee 31-28
October 22, 2025 - AP
NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Nick Minicucci threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns, with Sean Wilson and Kyre Duplessis each scoring twice, and Delaware held off Middle Tennessee 31-28 on Wednesday night.
Minicucci left the game midway through the fourth quarter due to an injury and backup Braden Streeter threw an interception late. Middle Tennessee marched down the field and Nicholas Vattiato threw his third touchdown pass with 1:03 remaining to pull within three points.
But Nick Laboy recovered the onside kick to secure the victory.
Minicucci was 27 of 42 for Delaware (4-3, 2-2 Conference USA). Duplessis made seven catches for 65 yards and Wilson added 56 yards.
Vattiato threw for 281 yards with an interception for Middle Tennessee (1-6, 0-3). Jekail Middlebrook rushed for 68 yards and a score.
Minicucci completed all eight of his passes on Delaware’s opening drive of the game, including a 22-yard touchdown to Wilson. Minicucci found Wilson again for a 10-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to tie it at 14-all.
Duplessis’ 4-yard touchdown catch with 38 seconds left before halftime gave Delaware a 24-14 lead. Duplessis’ second touchdown grab came from 9-yards out with 1:39 left in the third for a 31-21 lead
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Delaware vs. MTSU
Wednesday, October 22nd | 7:30 P.M.
Delaware Stadium, Newark, DE
Youth Cheer and Dance Day | Breast Cancer Awareness | First Responder Appreciation | Educator Appreciation
Delaware Stadium Ticket Office (Bob Carpenter Center Box Office) Open: 8:30 a.m.
Parking Lots Open: 3:30 p.m. Click here to purchase parking in advance.
Stadium Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Purchase Here
Watch: ESPN2
Live Gameday Update: @UDBlueHens & @DelawareFB on Twitter
Radio: 94.7FM WDSD / 91.3 WVUD
The Blue Hens return home on Wednesday, October 22nd as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders make their way to Delaware Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m and gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Arrive hungry because it is Dollar Dog Night! Hot dogs are just $1 while supplies last.
Digital Ticketing: Delaware Athletics has moved to a digital ticketing system. Please click here for more information. We highly suggest adding your tickets to your mobile wallet before attending the game to avoid entry delays and spotty cellular service in the stadium on gamedays.
Traffic & Parking: Season and single game parking lots open four hours before kickoff for you to enjoy tailgating with your fellow Blue Hens. Parking on game days is $25 per car in all single game lots, excluding the ice arena which is $60 day of game. New for 2025: Cash will no longer be accepted for day of game parking. All parking must be paid with a credit or debit card. Advanced single game parking is available to purchase online for $20; you must print your pass and have it in hand upon entry. Please review the entrances and traffic flow patterns prior to arrival to avoid delays by clicking here. Please note, the all new Flight Path will be taking place approximately 3 hours prior to kickoff. During this time, parking entrance A will be closed until the conclusion of the Flight Path (approx. 15 minutes).
Anchor Buick GMC Fan Zone
Anchor Buick GMC Fan Zone will open at 4:00 p.m.
Club Seat Pregame Sweep: To ensure only club seat holders are seated in the club seat sections of Delaware Stadium, stadium security will perform a pre-game sweep to check tickets of those seated in club seat and loge box locations. Please be sure to sit in your ticketed section throughout the game.
Bags/Backpacks Policy: Bags smaller than 16" x 16" x 8" are permitted into the stadium. Backpacks are not allowed in the stadium. Bags and containers are subject to inspection by gate security prior to entering the facilities. Hard-sided coolers and bags or backpacks with metal frames are not allowed.
Concessions and Beer Service: Concessions are available throughout Delaware Stadium, with new offerings this season. Click here for a map of locations. Beer service is available to all adults over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license.
Guest Services: Fans may visit our Guest Services gazebos outside of the stadium on the west side beginning four hours prior to kickoff. There is one central Guest Services tent located inside the east main gates of Delaware Stadium; this booth will be open two hours prior to kickoff and remain open through the conclusion on the game, and houses our Lost and Found. Guest are invited to stop by for general information, solutions, and helpful service. Be on the lookout for guest service representatives walking around throughout the duration of the game for additional assistance.
Stadium Policies: In order to ensure the safety of our guests, all bags will be checked as patrons enter the facility. Please plan accordingly as long lines may exist. Delaware Stadium has a no re-entry policy. Patrons experiencing an emergency or who must exit for medical reasons may go to the main Guest Services kiosk inside the stadium in the east concourse assistance. For a full list of stadium policies, click here. For the comfort and safety of all, the following items are not permitted in Delaware Stadium:
Noise Makers • Bottles/Cans • Outside Alcoholic Beverages
Backpacks • Footballs • Coolers/Ice Chests/Thermos
Large bags • Umbrellas • Open Containers
Strollers • Video Cameras • Outside food or drink
Animals • Banners/Signs • Weapons/Firearms
Sporting Equipment
UD reserves the right to inspect and remove any packages and containers. All persons are subject to search, which includes clothing, jackets, bags and purses. The stadium will not be responsible for items left at any of the entry gates. Fans should return restricted articles to their vehicle.
Tailgating: Patrons may tailgate beginning four (4) hours prior to kickoff and may resume postgame for up to two (2) hours after the conclusion of the game. Tailgates must be limited to the immediate space behind the patron's vehicle and driveways must be kept clear at all times. For information on hospitality and tailgating packages in Blue Hens Hospitality Village, contact GroupTickets@udel.edu or 302-831-7386.
Tobacco Free Policy: The University of Delaware is a Tobacco-Free Campus applicable to all members of the University community and on all UD property. The use of all tobacco products (smoking, snuff, & e-cigarettes) on University property is prohibited to ensure a “Tobacco-Free UD.” For details, click here.
UD Player Guests: UD player guests should proceed to the player guest tent on the Bob Carpenter Center plaza to the left of the ticket windows.
UD Football Recruits: UD football recruits should proceed to the player guest tent on the Bob Carpenter Center plaza to the left of the ticket windows.
Visiting Team Guests: Guests whose names have been left on a pass list from the visiting school and/or who need to pick up tickets purchased directly through the visiting school should proceed to the visiting team tent on the plaza of the Bob Carpenter Center
HS Coaches/Non-Football Recruits: High school coaches and non-football recruits should proceed to the designated tent on the Bob Carpenter Center plaza to the left of the ticket windows.
Guest Code of Conduct
As part of the Guest Code of Conduct, the following will not be permitted:
Foul or abusive language or gestures
Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption
Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks or gestures
Sitting in a location other than the guest’s ticketed seat
Displays of affection not appropriate in a public setting
Obscene or indecent clothing
Any disruption to the progress of the event by guests’ actions
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DOLLAR DOG NIGHT on 10/22/25
The Blue Hens return home to Delaware Stadium to host another CUSA opponent when the Blue Raiders visit Newark on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7:30 p.m. Grab your tickets now for this weekday CUSA matchup between your Blue Hens and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
Be sure to arrive early and come hungry, because it's Dollar Dog Night! All concession stands, except booth 6, will be selling hot dogs for just $1 while supplies last. If you need something to wash those dogs down with, there is also a drink deal for $3 Bud Lights and White Claws. With deals this good, you really won't want to miss this game, so get your tickets now!
====================================================================
Middle Tennessee vs University of Delaware
Next Game: Wed, Oct. 22nd, 2025 at 6:30 PM
AT: DELAWARE STADIUM IN NEWARK DELAWARE
TV: ESPN2
RADIO: WDSD 94.7
; WVUD FM 91.3
; WGNS 1450 AM/100.5 FM/101.9 FM – 93.3 FM/95.1 FM - TuneIn
Opponent History:
Middle Tennessee 0 Wins
University of Delaware 2 Wins
Last Matchups:
Middle Tennessee 3 University of Delaware53
OCT 21 1978
Middle Tennessee 7 University of Delaware 60
OCT 22 1977
Team Leaders
Passing
Nicholas VattiatoJersey Number:11
Nicholas Vattiato
QB
Mid
1392 YDS
Rushing
Jekail MiddlebrookJersey Number:9
Jekail Middlebrook
RB
Mid
433 YDS
Receiving
Nahzae CoxJersey Number:1
Nahzae Cox
WR
Mid
353 YDS
Game Info:
October 22, 2025
6:30 PM
Conference USA
=======================================================
Jax State plucks Blue Hens to stay atop CUSA standings
10/15/25 - Jax
State plucks Blue Hens to stay atop CUSA standings - Jacksonville State
University Athletics
JACKSONVILLE – Jax State ramped up the defensive intensity against Delaware Wednesday evening to extend its home winning streak to nine and remain unbeaten in Conference USA.
Cam Cook, the nation's top rusher, ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns and Jax State's defense forced turnovers that led to two quick scores as the Gamecocks held on to defeat the Fightin' Blue Hens 38-25 before a crowd of 16,884 at AmFirst Stadium. Jax State improved to 4-3 overall and 3-0 in CUSA.
"I was proud of our guys for competing for 60 minutes. We didn't play perfect by any means, but that was a good football team on the other side," said Jax State head coach Charles Kelly. "Our whole slogan this week was 'Do Your Job.' When you do your job and you don't worry about the results, good things are going to happen and that's what we've got to keep on doing."
The Gamecocks' defense forced a key early turnover on Delaware's second series for a 7-0 lead. Travis Franklin Jr. forced a fumble after a Blue Hens' completion and linebacker Walker O'Steen scooped up the loose football and returned it 27 yards to Delaware's 11.
Cook then found the end zone from six yards away and Garrison Rippa, the hero of Jax State's previous game at Sam Houston, added the extra point with 9:27 remaining in the first quarter.
Another Blue Hens' miscue after a completed pass extended Jax State's lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.
Linebacker Mac Sanders stripped the ball from Delaware's Jake Thaw after a short completion and safety Caleb Nix returned the fumble 45 yards for a touchdown with 10:37 to go in the second quarter. Nix's return was the longest for a score by a Jax State defensive player since Nicario Harper's 55-yard fumble return vs. Stephen F. Austin in 2021.
Jax State tacked on another touchdown less than 2½ minutes later to extend its lead. Caden Creel, making his second career start at quarterback, moved the Gamecocks 48 yards in only three plays, finishing off the drive with a 23-yard strike to wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner at the 8:16 mark.
Rechsteiner's fourth receiving TD of the year and Rippa's third extra point pushed the Gamecocks' lead to 21-0.
Creel passed for 116 yards and ran 12 times for 57 yards.
Jax State carried a 21-6 lead into the locker room at halftime despite being outgained 199-193 by the Fightin' Blue Hens (3-3, 1-2).
Cook found the end zone twice in the third quarter as Jax State built a 35-6 lead. He broke loose for a 66-yard jaunt deep into Delaware territory, then capped the eight-play, 81-yard drive with a one-yard TD run with 8:44 left in the third.
Cook later added a two-yard run for his second career three-touchdown game and first with the Gamecocks.
Sanders led the Gamecocks with nine stops with 1½ tackles for loss. Cornerback RJ Rainer contributed a career-best five solo tackles.
Jax State has an open date next week. The Gamecocks return to action on Wednesday, October 29, to face Middle Tennessee (1-5, 0-2), which is off this week before visiting Delaware next Wednesday.
Kickoff at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tenn. is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN2 – Jax State's third straight national TV appearance.
Jax State Postgame Notes – Delaware
October 15, 2025 • Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium • Jacksonville, Ala.
Jax State Captains: Redshirt senior receiver Michael Pettway, redshirt senior tight end Preston Baldwin, redshirt sophomore kicker Garrison Rippa, redshirt junior defensive lineman Darrell Prater.
Jax State won the opening toss and deferred its option to the second half, the fifth time it has won the toss in seven games and first time at home.
Jax State has won nine straight games at AmFirst Stadium and 14 of its last 16 dating back to the start of the 2023 season.
Cam Cook, who entered the night as the leading rusher in FBS, added 117 yards vs. the Fightin' Blue Hens and now stands 138 yards shy of moving past Boyce Callahan (1,087 yards in 1972) for 10th place on the single-season rushing list.
Rippa, who also missed kicks of 54 and 46 yards, needs one more field goal to move into a tie for ninth place on Jax State's all-time career field goals list, tying Connor Rouleau (2013-16) and Rocky Riddle (1976-79) with 28.
Rippa's second career 52-yard kick in the fourth quarter ties Griffin Thomas (2013 vs. Eastern Kentucky) and Steven Lee (2003 vs. Murray State) for the longest field goal in program history. He now owns four of the 11 longest field goals in Jax State history.
Linebacker Walker O'Steen's first-quarter fumble recovery was the first of his career. The 27-yard return was the second-longest of the season, one yard shy of Chase Alexander's 28-yard return at Georgia Southern.
Safety Caleb Nix's 45-yard fumble return for a TD was the first by a Gamecock defender since Curley Young Jr. returned one for 26 yards against Middle Tennessee on Oct. 4, 2023.
Jax State, which saw its streak of games with multiple rushing touchdowns end at 11 in the season opener at UCF, rushed for three TDs against Delaware and now has 20 in its past six games.
Jawaun Campbell, a 282-pound defensive lineman, lined up in the backfield and took a direct snap in the third quarter but was stopped for no gain on his first career rushing attempt.
The Gamecocks are 9-1 all-time during "Weekday CUSA" games.
Redshirt freshman running back Jalen Likely finished with a career-best 42 yards on three carries, including a 34-yard run in the third quarter.
Games played on October 15 have been good for the Gamecocks. Over the past six decades, Jax State is 8-1 on this date while averaging 35.7 ppg. in those games.
Jax State is 4-3 for the second consecutive season.
Wednesday's broadcast on ESPN marked the fifth year in a row that Jax State has appeared in a game on the network's flagship channel. This was Delaware's first regular-season appearance on the Worldwide Leader since a 2008 game at No. 8 Maryland.
Seven different players had at least three carries for the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks are off to a 3-0 start in Conference USA for the second straight year.
Jax State has averaged 42.6 ppg in its last seven games in the month of October.
Delaware, fellow CUSA member Middle Tennessee (Blue Raiders), Duke (Blue Devils) and Creighton (Bluejays) are the only NCAA Division I athletic programs with "Blue" as part of their nicknames.
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Cam Cook's 3 rushing touchdowns lead Jacksonville State past Delaware 38-25
ByAP
Updated: Oct 15, 2025, 10:57 pm
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- — Cam Cook rushed for 117 yards and three touchdown, Caden Creel threw for 116 yards and a touchdown, and Jacksonville State beat Delaware 38-25 on Wednesday night.
Jacksonville State (4-3, 3-0 Conference USA) has won nine straight at AmFirst Stadium.
Jacksonville State scored the opening 21 points and extended it to 35-6 after Cook's two short touchdown runs in the third quarter. Garrison Rippa made a 52-yard field goal with 11:57 left in the fourth for a 38-12 lead.
Creel also carried it 12 times for 57 yards for Jacksonville State. Brock Rechsteiner had three catches for 48 yards and a score. Caleb Nix scored for the defense on a 45-yard fumble return.
Nick Minicucci was 32 of 50 for 422 yards and a touchdown for Delaware (3-3, 1-2). Viron Ellison Jr. had three short touchdown runs.
Delaware won the other two series meetings — in the 1978 Division II playoffs and in the 2020 FCS playoffs.
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Gamecock vs Delaware Football Moved to ESPN
10/11/-25 - Gamecock Football Moved to ESPN - Jacksonville State University Athletics
Jax State's Week 7 contest on Wed., Oct. 15, at AmFirst Stadium against Delaware has been upgraded from ESPN2 to ESPN, as announced Saturday by Conference USA and ESPN.
Kickoff for the game will still be 6 p.m. CT(7pm ET) with Clay Matvick (PxP) and Chase Daniel (Analyst) on the call. This will be the first regular-season CUSA game on the flagship channel since WKU and LA Tech faced off on ESPN on Oct. 5, 2023.
The Gamecocks have previously played on ESPN the last two seasons in the 2024 Cure Bowl and 2023 New Orleans Bowl. The last time a Jax State regular season game aired on ESPN was in 2021 against UAB.
A limited number of tickets remain for the game and are available at JaxStateSports.com/tickets.
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October 15 Jacksonville State vs. Delaware football tickets, game time, TV channel
Data Skrive
Jacksonville State plays Delaware on Oct. 15:
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet a conference opponent when they visit the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at AmFirst Stadium in a CUSA battle.
When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
Location: AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama
TV: ESPN2
Live stream: Watch LIVE with Fubo! (Regional restrictions may apply)
Jacksonville State leaders:
Gavin Wimsatt has 576 yards through the air (115.2 per game) and a 55.8% completion percentage (58-for-104), flinging two touchdown passes and two interceptions. He also has 237 rushing yards on 46 attempts (with four touchdowns).
Cam Cook has taken 111 carries for a team-high 614 rushing yards (122.8 YPG) and five touchdowns. He's also hauled in 11 passes for 125 yards .
So far this season Caden Creel has run for 249 yards (49.8 per game), with two touchdowns.
Brock Rechsteiner has been targeted 25 times and has 17 catches, leading his team with 215 yards (43 ypg) while hauling in three touchdowns.
Caleb Coombs has contributed with 17 receptions (on 27 targets) for 148 yards.
Jacksonville State schedule and tickets
Jacksonville State vs. Murray State
Date: 9/20/2025
Score: W 45-10
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Jacksonville State vs. Southern Miss
Date: 9/27/2025
Score: L 42-25
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Jacksonville State vs. Sam Houston
Date: 10/9/2025
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Next game: Jacksonville State vs. Delaware
Date: 10/15/2025
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Jacksonville State vs. Middle Tennessee
Date: 10/29/2025
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Jacksonville State vs. UTEP
Date: 11/8/2025
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Jacksonville State vs. Kennesaw State
Date: 11/15/2025
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware leaders:
Nick Minicucci has passed for 1,379 yards (120-of-188), with eight touchdowns and three interceptions (275.8 yards per game). He's also rushed 51 times for 128 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jo'Nathan Silver has racked up a team-best 373 rushing yards (74.6 per game) and three touchdowns. He has tacked on 15 receptions for 90 yards and one TD.
Viron Ellison Jr. has rushed for 163 yards on 37 carries (32.6 yards per game).
This season Kyre Duplessis has 22 receptions and leads the team with 340 yards (68 per game) while hauling in two touchdowns.
Sean Wilson has chipped in with 21 receptions (on 35 targets) for 236 yards.
Jake Thaw has collected 232 yards on 15 receptions with one touchdown, averaging 77.3 yards per game.
Delaware schedule and tickets
Delaware vs. UConn
Date: 9/13/2025
Score: W 44-41
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware vs. Florida International
Date: 9/20/2025
Score: W 38-16
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware vs. Western Kentucky
Date: 10/3/2025
Score: L 27-24
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Next game: Delaware vs. Jacksonville State
Date: 10/15/2025
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware vs. Middle Tennessee
Date: 10/22/2025
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware vs. Liberty
Date: 11/1/2025
Home/Away: Away
Tickets: StubHub
Delaware vs. Louisiana Tech
Date: 11/8/2025
Home/Away: Home
Tickets: StubHub
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Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Predictions
9-24-25
MATCHUP PREVIEW:
The Fightin’ Blue Hens and Hilltoppers have faced off in a series that highlights contrasting styles; Delaware often leans on a disciplined, methodical approach, while Western Kentucky thrives on a more aggressive, fast-paced game. Historically, the Hilltoppers have held an edge in head-to-head matchups, particularly at home, where their crowd and familiarity with the court can sway outcomes. Bettors should consider these historical dynamics and the potential for home court advantage when analyzing the matchup.
When the Fightin’ Blue Hens face off against the Hilltoppers, you’re looking at a clash of styles. Delaware tends to play a more methodical game, relying on execution, while Western Kentucky often looks to push the tempo and capitalize on their athleticism. Historically, this matchup has seen the money line shift depending on home court advantage, with the Hilltoppers generally getting a bump at home, but the Blue Hens have pulled off some surprises, especially when they catch WKU off guard in transition.
When the Fightin’ Blue Hens and Hilltoppers clash, you’re looking at a matchup steeped in contrasting styles. The Blue Hens often lean on a disciplined approach, relying on solid defense and efficient scoring, while the Hilltoppers bring a more athletic, up-tempo game that can stretch defenses. Historically, this has led to some tight spreads, especially when the game is played in Bowling Green, where the Hilltoppers tend to get a bump from home-court familiarity. Bettors should keep an eye on how these teams have fared against each other in the past—especially in terms of point spreads—because trends often reveal which team can exploit the other’s weaknesses. Plus, the travel factor plays a role; the Blue Hens have to adjust to the Hilltoppers’ pace and energy, which can affect performance on the road.
DELAWARE FIGHTIN’ BLUE HENS VS WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS OVER/UNDER:
When the Fightin’ Blue Hens face off against the Hilltoppers, you’re looking at a clash of styles that often impacts the total. Historically, the Blue Hens like to slow things down, playing a methodical game that emphasizes defense and half-court execution, which tends to keep scores lower. On the flip side, the Hilltoppers have shown they can push the pace, especially at home, leading to more high-scoring affairs. The rivalry history often sees tight contests, which can tighten the totals, but when these teams get going, especially in high-stakes situations, the over can come into play. Overall, it’s a matchup where understanding the flow and style is key to gauging those over/under lines.
This game is a BLUE OUT, so wear blue and be LOUD in the Tub!
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21-point second-quarter swing sends Delaware past FIU, 38-16
By The Associated Press
September 20, 2025
MIAMI — Nick Minicucci threw for 218 yards and three touchdowns, Jo Silver had 66 rushing yards and one touchdown, and Delaware defeated Florida International, 38-16 on Saturday night.
The Blue Hens (3-1) went 5-for-6 in the red zone, scoring all but seven of their points from inside the 20. They had 358 yards of total offense.
Two early interceptions by FIU quarterback Keyone Jenkins allowed Delaware to minimize the damage early, and they capitalized by scoring on three straight possessions in the second quarter.
Kyre Duplessis' 68-yard punt return touchdown at 2:37 in the second quarter capped off the 21-point swing, as the score flipped from 7-3 FIU to 24-7 Delaware before halftime.
A 7:31 Blue Hen drive ate up most of the fourth quarter and ended with Viron Ellison Jr.'s 9-yard receiving score that iced the game.
Kejon Owens led the Panthers (2-2) with 74 rushing yards on 15 carries, and Anthony Carrie had 73 yards on six carries. Alex Perry had 84 receiving yards and a touchdown.
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Football Suffers Setback to Delaware in Conference USA Opener
Florida International Football - 9-14-25
MIAMI — FIU's football program fell to Delaware in its Conference USA (CUSA) opener at home on Saturday night, 38-16.
The Panthers (2-2, 0–1 CUSA) were bested by the Blue Hens (3-1, 1-0 CUSA) as Delaware outscored FIU 21-0 in a pivotal second quarter. The loss snaps a 22-game home winning streak for head coach Willie Simmons that dates back to 2018, during his time with Florida A&M.
FIU had chances to take control of the game early and led 7-3 following a Keyone Jenkins rushing touchdown. Delaware answered with a second-quarter onslaught, using two touchdown drives and a punt return touchdown to take a commanding 24-7 lead to the halftime locker room. The Panthers managed a field goal after a promising first drive in the second half, but the Blue Hens used a 12-play, 79 yard touchdown drive to distance themselves again.
FIU responded with a long drive, marching down the field 75 yards, that was capped by a touchdown from Jenkins to Alex Perry. After a missed two point conversion by the Panthers, Delaware scored a touchdown late to seal the win, 38-28.
Kejon Owens led all rushers and had 74 yards on 15 carriers, 39 of which came on a long run in the first quarter. Anthony Carrie finished with 73 yards thanks to a 53-yard rush that set up FIU's second touchdown drive. with On the receiving end, Perry scored his second touchdown of the season and finished the night with five catches for 84 yards. Jenkins eclipsed the 200-yard mark with 203 passing yards and one touchdown and two interceptions.
Defensively, Johnny Chaney Jr. led the way with 13 tackles, a career-high. Mister Clark and Josiah Taylor each added seven tackles in support. Olasunkonmi Agunloye had a sack early in the game and finished with two total tackles. Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine intercepted a pass late in the first half as Delaware was driving.
QUICK NOTES
Jenkins rushed for his fourth touchdown on the ground this season, of which is currently the lead in CUSA.
Carrie's rush of 53 yards was the longest play of the season for the Panthers.
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Football tickets, including season tickets, single game and multi-game package tickets, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and
Instagram.
Team Statistics:
Game Stats DEL FIU
Total Yards 351 363
Pass Yards 211 203
Rushing Yards 140 160
Penalty Yards 2-10 7-68
1st Downs 24 14
3rd Downs 11-16 5-17
4th Downs 1-2 4-5
TOP 30:37 29:28
Scoring Summary:
Scoring Play Visiting Team Score Home Team Score
1st Quarter
DEL
09:31 - DEL - Reed,Nate 24 yd field goal 12 plays, 68 yards, TOP 05:29
3 0
FIU
03:32 - FIU - Jenkins,Keyone 2 yd run (Czeremcha,Robert kick), 3 plays, 54 yards, TOP 00:45
3 7
2nd Quarter
DEL
11:55 - DEL - Silver,Jo 14 yd run (Reed,Nate kick), 5 plays, 55 yards, TOP 02:13
10 7
DEL
04:26 - DEL - Laboy,Nick 2 yd pass from Minicucci,Nick (Reed,Nate kick) 8 plays, 77 yards, TOP 03:01
17 7
DEL
02:37 - DEL - Duplessis,Kyre 68 yd punt return (Reed,Nate kick)
24 7
3rd Quarter
FIU
09:24 - FIU - Czeremcha,Robert 35 yd field goal 13 plays, 59 yards, TOP 05:27
24 10
DEL
02:53 - DEL - Laboy,Nick 14 yd pass from Minicucci,Nick (Reed,Nate kick) 12 plays, 72 yards, TOP 06:33
31 10
4th Quarter
FIU
12:22 - FIU - Perry,Alex 5 yd pass from Jenkins,Keyone ( ) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:31
31 16
DEL
04:45 - DEL - Ellison Jr.,Viron 9 yd pass from Minicucci,Nick (Reed,Nate kick) 15 plays, 81 yards, TOP 07:31
38 16
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Delaware vs Florida International prediction and analysis
September 14, 2025 - https://www.newsnet5.com/sports/cfb-predictions/delaware-vs-florida-international-9-20-2025/
CFB Predictions and Matchup Overview:
The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (2-1) travel to face the Florida International Panthers (2-1) on September 20, 2025, in a contest that promises an intriguing clash of styles and conferences. Both teams enter the matchup evenly matched in terms of record, setting the stage for a competitive game at FIU’s home stadium.
Key Statistical Insights
Delaware’s Offensive Strengths: The Blue Hens boast an efficient passing game, ranking tied 25th nationally with an average of 289.3 yards through the air per game. Coupled with their ability to consistently move the chains (T24th in 1st downs with 74), Delaware’s offense shows a potency that will challenge FIU’s defense.
Standout Players: Delaware’s receiver Kyre Duplessis leads Conference USA in receiving yards (263 yards) heading into Week 4, highlighting a key target who could exploit mismatches in FIU’s secondary.
FIU’s Offensive Threat: The Panthers rely significantly on their scoring capability, with Kejon Owens spearheading the conference lead in touchdowns (4), an indicator of their red-zone efficiency and ability to punch the ball into the end zone.
Defensive Concerns: Florida International’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the passing game, ranked 115th in passing yards allowed per game (261.3 yards), which might be exploited by Delaware’s strong aerial attack.
Late-Game Performance: FIU struggles in the fourth quarter, with a negative average point differential of -5.7, ranking 120th nationally, suggesting potential late-game fatigue or strategic shortcomings.
Matchup Dynamics:
Delaware’s ability to sustain drives and generate first downs will be critical in controlling tempo and keeping FIU’s offense off the field. With Duplessis as a clear offensive weapon, Delaware can stretch the field and create opportunities against a defense that has difficulty limiting passing yards. Conversely, FIU’s Kejon Owens presents a scoring threat that could keep the Panthers in contention, especially if Delaware’s defense cannot contain him in the red zone.
Prediction Summary:
Given the comparative defensive weaknesses and Delaware’s effective passing game, along with FIU’s struggles in closing games, this contest favors the Blue Hens to exploit these mismatches. The game is anticipated to be competitive, but Delaware’s balanced offense and ability to sustain drives should tilt the outcome in their favor, especially if they capitalize on FIU’s defensive lapses.
Final Prediction
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens to win and cover the spread. Expect a closely fought contest with Delaware edging Florida International by a margin of 5 points.
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Delaware vs Florida International Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 20, 2025
By: Jake Allman Updated: 09/14/2025
https://picksandparlays.net/free-picks/ncaaf/delaware-vs-florida-international-picks-and-predictions-for-saturday-september-20-2025
Delaware vs FIU Game Information:
Delaware and Florida International both enter this matchup at 2-1, with each team showing offensive strengths early in the season. The Blue Hens are fresh off a wild 44-41 overtime win over UConn, while FIU bounced back from a shutout loss at Penn State with a 38-28 victory over Florida Atlantic. This will be the first C-USA game of the year for both sides, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, airing on ESPN+. Don’t miss the upset alerts — today’s best college football picks are live.
Delaware Preview
Delaware’s offense is led by quarterback Nick Minicucci, who has been solid through three games with 582 passing yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception on 46-of-72 passing. His ability to spread the ball has kept the Blue Hens balanced, with Jake Thaw leading the receiving corps at 177 yards and a touchdown on 11 catches. Running back Jo Silver has chipped in 81 yards on 17 carries, though the ground game hasn’t been the focal point. The defense has had its ups and downs, giving up 31 points at Colorado before surrendering 41 to UConn, but linebacker Dillon Trainer has been disruptive with 1.5 sacks and Gavin Moul has posted 16 tackles to anchor the unit.
Florida International Preview
Florida International has shown more strength in the run game. Running back Kejon Owens leads the Panthers with 149 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, and his success has helped take pressure off quarterback Keyone Jenkins. Jenkins has thrown for 314 yards on 33-of-58 passing but has yet to record a touchdown while tossing one interception. Wideout Eric Nelson has contributed 56 receiving yards, though FIU has leaned more on its rushing attack to generate points. On defense, linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr. has been everywhere with 17 tackles and a sack, providing the physical presence in the middle that FIU needs against Delaware’s quick passing game.
FIU vs Delaware Pick
This matchup sets up as a clash between Delaware’s aerial approach and FIU’s preference for establishing the run. The Blue Hens have proven they can win a shootout, but they have also struggled to slow down opposing offenses. FIU, meanwhile, has a more consistent balance on both sides of the ball and home-field advantage in Miami. If Owens finds running lanes and the defense forces Minicucci into uncomfortable throws, the Panthers should be able to pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Florida International 31, Delaware 21
Best Picks:
FIU -7
Over 52.5
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UConn football melts down defensively in OT loss to first-year FBS Delaware
By Roger Cleaveland, Staff Writer at https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/
Sep 13, 2025
The UConn football team's defense allowed more than 500 yards, yielded a game-tying field goal as time expired in regulation and gave up the winning touchdown in overtime in a stunning 44-41 loss to host Delaware on Saturday.
Blue Hens quarterback Nick Minicucci scored on a 13-yard run in OT for his third rushing touchdown of the game past a UConn defense that struggled mightily against a team that moved up from FCS to FBS football this season.
Minicucci, who finished with 48 yards rushing on 18 carries, threw for 265 yards and a touchdown on 23 of 34 passing as Delaware improved to 2-1.
The Blue Hens’ other victory came against FCS rival Delaware State. They lost their other FBS game this season to Colorado.
UConn took a 38-35 lead with 9:54 to play in the fourth quarter, and when the Huskies drove the ball to the Delaware 23-yard line on their next possession with just over two minutes to play in regulation, it appeared they had a great chance to pull out a win despite the lackluster play of their
defense, then allowed Delaware to drive 52 yards to tie the score on a 43-yard Nate Reed field goal that barely got over the right corner of the crossbar.
UConn had the ball first in overtime and after a 19-yard catch by tight end Lou Hansen, had a first-and-goal from the 2-yard line. A rush for no yards by Cam Edwards, a dropped pass by Hansen and a 4-yard sack of Joe Fagnano forced the Huskies to kick a field goal for a brief 41-38 lead.
It took four plays for Minicucci to score and win the game for Delaware (2-1).
The loss dropped UConn to 1-2, marking the eighth consecutive season they have started either 1-2 or 0-3.
Despite struggling early last season, the Huskies bounced back to finish 9-4, but this year’s team has huge defensive problems to fix.
Delaware finished with 512 total yards of offense as running back Jo Silver ran for 179 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, and wide receiver Kyre Duplessis had nine catches for 161 yards and a touchdown.
The Huskies’ offense played well, for the most part, as they finished with 521 total yards. Fagnano was 28 of 38 for 346 yards and two touchdowns. Leading rusher Cam Edwards had 116 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries while top receiver Skyler Bell had seven catches for 92 yards.
UConn went into the fourth quarter with a four-point deficit, 35-31.
The Huskies had taken a 28-24 lead with 5:05 left in the third quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Fagnano to Reymello Murphy, but as was the case all game, Delaware was able to move the ball against UConn’s porous defense.
The Blue Hens responded with their fifth scoring drive of 73 yards or more on their ensuing possession, and regained the lead as time ran out in the third quarter on an 18-yard touchdown run by Silver, his second score of the game.
The experienced UConn offense was resilient, however, and UConn struck back with its sixth scoring drive of 65 yards or more to regain the lead 38-35 on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Fagnano to Honig.
UConn, however, couldn’t put the game away.
The Huskies’ defense was bad from the start, allowing Delaware to score touchdowns on its first three possessions as the Blue Hens built a 21-10 lead just four plays into the second quarter.
In addition to allowing Delaware to drive 73 yards in just six plays for a touchdown run by Minicucci, the Huskies defense was called for a pair of penalties. The big play on the drive was a 32-yard pass from Minicucci to Sean Wilson.
UConn responded with its own touchdown drive as the Huskies went 75 yards in six plays to score on a 51-yard run by Edwards. The score gave Edwards a touchdown in six of the last seven games (including the final four of last season).
It took only two offensive plays for Delaware to regain the lead on a 70-yard run by Jo Silver.
Despite the lack of defense, the Huskies didn’t let the game get away from them. They bounced right back with another drive deep into Delaware territory on the strength of a 24-yard pass to Juice Vereen and a 31-yard reception by Bell, but settled for a 28-yard Chris Freeman field goal.
Already leading 14-10, the Blue Hens went right back to work offensively with a 12-play, 79-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by Minicucci.
The Huskies proved to be resilient as they answered with another long drive, going 73 yards on seven plays to keep the game close. They scored on a 32-yard run by Bristol’s Victor Rosa, his second touchdown of the season, to pull back within four points, 21-17.
The UConn defense finally made a stop on Delaware’s fourth possession of the game and forced a punt. The Huskies were pinned back at their own 17-yard line but it didn’t matter. They went the 83 yards in just seven plays to take their first lead of the game on a 2-yard run by Edwards.
Fagnano, who threw for 206 yards in the first half, had four pass plays of 14 yards or more on the drive with a 14-yarder to Murphy, a 23-yarder to Nader Chirchi and a 29-yarder to Milford’s John Neider down to the 2-yard line.
UConn’s 24-21 lead was short-lived, however, as the Huskies’ defense continued its awful play. It took Delaware just three plays to take the lead back on a 68-yard pass play from Minicucci to Kyre Duplessis.
Somehow, neither team managed to score over the final 5:48 of the half, and the teams went into intermission with the Blue Hens leading, 28-24.
The teams combined for 628 yards of total offense in the first half, with UConn finishing with 325 and Delaware 303.
The poor defense wasn’t the only disappointment for UConn in the first half. The Huskies lost running back Mel Brown to an undisclosed injury early in the first quarter.
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UConn Falls(to Delaware) In OT For Second-Straight Week
9/13/2025 | https://uconnhuskies.com/
NEWARK, DE – The University of Delaware edged out UConn in overtime, prevailing 44-41 at Delaware Stadium in front of 17,862. Both teams combined for over 1,000 yards of total offense on the day.
Running back Cam Edwards led the Huskies' offense with 116 rushing yards on 23 carries and scored two touchdowns. Joe Fagnano completed 28 of 38 passes for 346 yards, a career-high as a Husky, and added two touchdowns, bolstering the team's aerial attack. On defense, Bryun Parham recorded 10 tackles and sacked the quarterback three times, a new career-high.
In the first quarter, the Blue Hens opened the scoring with a methodical drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run by Nick Minicucci at 11:13, followed by Nate Reed's successful extra point. UConn responded with a 75-yard drive, highlighted by a 51-yard touchdown run from Edwards at 8:48, leveling the score after Chris Freeman's PAT. However, Delaware quickly regained the lead with a 70-yard touchdown rush by Jo Silver at 8:06, again capitalized with a Reed extra point, making it 14–7. The Huskies narrowed the gap with a 28-yard field goal by Freeman at 4:48, ending the quarter with Delaware ahead 14–10.
The second quarter began with UD extending their lead to 21–10, as Minicucci's 5-yard touchdown run capped a 12-play, 79-yard drive. The Huskies quickly responded, with Victor Rosa rushing for a 31-yard touchdown at 10:08, narrowing the deficit to 21–17. UConn then took the lead with 7:17 remaining when Edwards rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, making it 24–21. Delaware answered back with a significant 68-yard touchdown pass from Minicucci to Kyre Duplessis at 5:55, regaining the lead at 28–24.
The Huskies capitalized on their first drive of the second half, with a series of penalties against Delaware, ultimately leading to a 10-yard touchdown pass from Fagnano to Reymello Murphy, putting UConn ahead 31-28 with 5:05 left in the period. Delaware responded, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown run by Silver as time expired in the quarter, giving Delaware a 35-31 lead.
In the fourth quarter, UConn's Fagnano's hit a critical 27-yard completion to Murphy to set up a one-yard touchdown pass to Alex Honig at 9:54, giving UConn a 38-35 advantage. Delaware got a late stop on fourth down with just over two minutes to go and as time expired, Delaware's Reed successfully kicked a 43-yard field goal, tying the game at 38-38 and sending the game to OT.
In overtime, UConn took the ball first with Edwards rushing for a 4-yard gain, followed by a 19-yard pass from Fagnano to Louis Hansen, advancing to Delaware's two-yard line. However, after a failed rush and an incomplete pass, Fagnano was sacked for a 4-yard loss by Jack Hall and Ethan Saunders, forcing UConn to settle for a 24-yard field goal by Freeman. Delaware responded effectively, with Silver rushing for 9 yards and Minicucci then sealed the game with a 13-yard touchdown run, propelling Delaware to a 44–41 victory.
Muprhy had three catches for 51 yards and a score while Skyler Bell hauled in seven for 92 yards.
UD quarterback Minicucci led UD, completing 23 of 34 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. Minicucci was also a dual threat, rushing 18 times for 20 yards and securing three rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Duplessis was a key target, capturing nine receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Running back Silver carried the ball 15 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, KT Seay anchored the unit with 13 total tackles.
The Huskies return home next weekend for the first of two-straight against teams from the Mid-American Conference when they play host to Ball State at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Kick-off is slated for 3:30 pm on CBS Sports Network.
Game Notes:
First meeting between UConn and Delaware since the 1998 season. The 27 previous match-ups all took place when both schools competed at the FCS level. UD now leads the series 21-7.
RB Cam Edwards ran for a pair of touchdowns, marking his 5th career multi-touchdown game and his first this season. It is the second time in his career he has had two rushing TDs in a game.
QB Joe Fagnano threw for 3 TDs, his second time this season and fifth time as a Husky throwing for three or more scores in a game.
WR John Neider set new career-highs with four catches and 60 yards.
LB Byrun Parham had three sacks and Tyquan King had two sacks in the game. It is the second straight game the UConn defense registered 4.0+ sacks. Parham now has 4.0 sacks on the season to lead the team.
UD's Jo Silver's 70-yard TD run in the first quarter is the longest play and longest scoring play allowed by the UConn defense this season.
In the first half, the teams combined for seven touchdowns and a field goal and 52 points. The Blue Hens scored on three-straight drives to start the game and four of their six drives in the half. They had drives of 73, 75, 79 and 75 yards. The Huskies punted on their opening drive then put together four-straight scoring drives (TD, FG, TD, TD).
===================================================
Delaware plays UConn
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 8, 2025
UConn (1-1) at Delaware (1-1), Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. EDT.
How to watch: ESPN+
Key stats:
Delaware Offense
Overall: 402.5 yards per game (68th in FBS)
Passing: 292.0 yards per game (23rd)
Rushing: 110.5 yards per game (111th)
Scoring: 21.0 points per game (103rd)
Delaware Defense
Overall: 373.5 yards per game (96th in FBS)
Passing: 208.0 yards per game (79th)
Rushing: 165.5 yards per game (107th)
Scoring: 24.0 points per game (85th)
UConn Offense
Overall: 527.0 yards per game (17th in FBS)
Passing: 331.0 yards per game (14th)
Rushing: 196.0 yards per game (44th)
Scoring: 39.5 points per game (35th)
UConn Defense
Overall: 359.0 yards per game (89th in FBS)
Passing: 273.0 yards per game (119th)
Rushing: 86.0 yards per game (32nd)
Scoring: 20.0 points per game (67th)
Delaware is 106th in defensive third down percentage, allowing opponents to convert 43.3% of the time. UConn ranks 35th on offense, converting on 48.5% of third downs.
Delaware is 87th in the FBS with a -1 turnover margin, compared to UConn’s 25th-ranked +2 margin.
Delaware is 127th in FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 57.1% of trips. UConn’s red zone defense ranks 50th at 77.8%.
Team leaders:
Delaware
Passing: Nick Minicucci, 582 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 63.9 completion percentage
Rushing: Jo’Nathan Silver, 81 yards on 17 carries, 0 TDs
Receiving: Jake Thaw, 177 yards on 11 catches, 1 TD
UConn
Passing: Joe Fagnano, 519 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 61.8 completion percentage
Rushing: Cam Edwards, 190 yards on 27 carries, 1 TD
Receiving: Skyler Bell, 240 yards on 15 catches, 2 TDs
Last game:
Delaware was beaten by Colorado 31-7 on Saturday, Sept. 6. Minicucci led Delaware with 312 yards on 18-of-36 passing (50.0%) for one touchdown and one interception. Silver carried the ball 11 times for 47 yards, adding four receptions for 12 yards and one touchdown. Thaw put up 85 yards on four catches.
UConn was beaten by Syracuse 27-20 on Saturday, Sept. 6. Fagnano led UConn with 259 yards on 24-of-43 passing (55.8%) for no touchdowns and no interceptions. Edwards had 75 rushing yards on 21 carries, adding two receptions for 45 yards. Bell had 11 receptions for 105 yards.
Next game:
Delaware plays at Florida International on Sept. 20. UConn hosts Ball State on Sept. 20.
======================================================
Staub Shines To Lead Buffs Over Delaware
September 06, 2025 | Staub
Shines To Lead Buffs Over Delaware - University of Colorado Athletics
BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado's third-string quarterback, Ryan Staub, came off the bench to toss a pair of touchdown passes and lead the Buffaloes to a 31-7 victory over Delaware Saturday at Folsom Field.
Staub accomplished what he did in dramatic fashion, as well, not coming into the game until the final 46 seconds of the first half and orchestrating a perfect two-minute drill, throwing his first touchdown pass with just nine seconds left in the first half to put CU up 17-7 headed into the locker room. Then a mere 83 seconds of game time later, he hit Sincere Brown for 71-yards to open up the second half, and the game, 24-7 in favor of the Buffs.
"He earned it," Coach Prime said of Staub. "You want to reward them with an opportunity. I think that strengthens your team. When people say 'they played the guy that was on the third string quarterback,' and then guess what? He played so well the whole student body was chanting his name. I said, 'You got to be kidding me.' That's a blessing for me, because I really take a liking to those young men, like I'm I'm the guy I cried when I saw the movie Rudy. I did, okay, that's just who I am."
CU ran the ball well for the second straight game, picking up 131 yards with two rushing touchdowns, and CU's defense gave up some big plays but made big plays when needed, evidence by the defense having seven pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two sacks, a forced fumble, and interception.
After playing three quarterbacks, Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders was asked if he knew how he was going to handle the quarterback situation moving forward.
"Yeah, I know exactly how I will handle the quarterback situation," Coach Prime said. "I'm not going to say it, but yeah, I'm not lost for direction."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The plan all along was that each of CU's top three quarterbacks, Kaidon Salter, Julian Lewis and Staub, would each get two series and switch.
Salter got the start and the Buffs seized early momentum with a strong defensive performance followed by Salter picking up 75 of the Buffs 87 yards on the drive, hitting 6-of-6 passes for 46 yards and three rushes for another 29 yards and the 9-yard touchdown run. The drive was setup by a couple of big defensive plays on the first drive of the game, led by a sack from Martavius French and quarterback hurry by Keaton Wade.
The Buffs extended their lead in the second when Alejandro Mata nailed a 28-yard field goal at the 13:03 mark, following Salter's efficient passing and Simeon Price's rushing efforts. Delaware responded late in the quarter, capitalizing on a 45-yard pass to set up a touchdown with 45 seconds remaining. After Lewis' orchestrated an eight play drive in his first series, the Buffs went three-and-out in his second.
Delaware then made the game interesting with its only touchdown of the game, led by Jo Silver, who had the final four touches of the Blue Hens TD drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown with just 45 seconds left in the half, making the score 10-7 in favor of the Buffs.
That's when the Staub magic began. After two incompletions, DeKalon Taylor busted loose for 23-yards on 3rd-and-10 to get out near midfield. Staub then hit Joseph Williams for 31 yards approaching the red zone. Staub on the following play found Taylor on a check-down and Taylor found himself wide open at about the 15-yard line and scored a touchdown to give CU a 17-7 advantage going into the locker room.
Staub picked up the second half where he left off the first, hitting Sincere Brown on a 71-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the second half. That was the second longest passing touchdown of the Coach Prime era and the longest since Shedeur Sanders threw a 75-yard touchdown to Dylan Edwards against TCU in 2023, which also was the first possession of the second half.
Delaware then went on an 11-play drive but the Buffs stopped the Blue Hens on the 6-yard line as on fourth down Jeremiah Brown and French tackled Viron Ellison for no gain on 4th-and-1. Staub hit Sincere Brown for another 36-yards on a similar play to the 71-yard touchdown.
Staub explained postgame that he changed both of those plays at the line of scrimmage, "Those two plays, he wasn't supposed to run a 'Go' and on both plays, I told him to run a 'Go,' if they press Sincere, it's going up."
The Buffs got a break at the start of the fourth quarter, after Alejandro Mata picked a 40-yard field goal, Delaware was called for a personal foul, giving CU a first down, and Micah Welch scored from 10 yards out to make the score 31-7.
On the next drive, CU's Jeremiah Brown and Ben Finneseth came up big. Nick Minicucci completed a short pass to Ja'Carree Kelly, who broke free. Brown was able to hold him up and make him change direction, which gave Finneseth just enough time to punch the ball out from behind, and Brown fell on the ball.
The next Delaware series, RJ Johnson got his first career interception to hold the score 31-7 and the Buffs were able to put the game away with both Salter and Lewis getting some more possessions.
UP NEXT
The Buffs will hit the road for the first time in 2025 and open Big 12 play with a game at Houston on Friday, set for 5:30 p.m. on ESPN.
====================================================
Takeaways from Colorado football's win over Delaware
Story by Jack Freeman, Buffaloes Wire 9-6-25 - msn.com
Colorado beat the Delaware Blue Hens by 24 points to claim their first win of 2025, and while that margin looks good on paper, the game itself didn't go as expected.
From the unexpected emergence of Ryan Staub to the Blue Hens shredding a talented Buffs' secondary, the final score certainly doesn't tell the whole tale of this game. While the matchup leaves Buffs fans with more questions than answers, here is what we learned about Colorado before Big 12 Conference play begins next week,
If you have three quarterbacks, apparently you have one
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) calls for the ball in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Ryan Staub (16) calls for the ball in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
As the Buffaloes headed into halftime, head coach Deion Sanders made the then-baffling move to put Staub into the game. What followed felt like the sequence of a crazy dream as Staub cemented himself as the Buffaloes' starting quarterback moving forward.
While Kaidon Salter's legs looked good, his arm and decision-making continue to leave much to be desired. True freshman Julian Lewis played like a true freshman. Staub led the best Colorado offense we've seen this season. His ability to push the ball downfield and generate light boxes for the run game was game-changing, and the team seems to have finally found its guy.
Live by the blitz, die by the blitz
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Delaware Fightin Blue Hens offensive lineman Cole Snyder (77) holds Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Arden Walker (53) in the second half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Delaware Fightin Blue Hens offensive lineman Cole Snyder (77) holds Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Arden Walker (53) in the second half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Colorado's defense debuted a brand-new game plan against Delaware: blitz as often as possible, and it was a mixed bag. When the Buffaloes timed up their play calls, they were able to make plays in the backfield, especially in the run game. However, when they didn't get home, it got ugly, and the secondary unit didn't perform well when left on its own.
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Multiple times, Delaware did a great job of sniffing out what was coming and gashed Colorado for significant gains. Against an inferior opponent, allowing 312 passing yards is not a good sign, and a better team will be able to kill Colorado if they continue to live by the blitz.
Bring out the tackling dummies
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Delaware Fightin Blue Hens running back Jo Silver (27) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Delaware Fightin Blue Hens running back Jo Silver (27) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
I take notes when I watch the games, so that when I write these takeaways, I remember how the game went. This week, I wrote "poor tackling" as a note to myself six times. I tell you that anecdote to say, watching the Buffaloes try to tackle was a painful experience.
The Colorado linebackers continued to struggle tackling in the open field, and it was a near guarantee that whoever a cornerback was manned up against was going to miss his tackle attempt. The Buffaloes need to return to fundamentals and focus on their tackling issues, as they're usually getting to their spots but not making plays.
Related video: Breaking Down Shedeur Sanders’ 5 Greatest TDs — The Buffs’ Miracle Maker (Part 1) (Cleveland Browns Community)
Down to the 42 Sanders downfield got him in corn
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Offensive line looks to be regressing
While Colorado's run defense showed improvement, the offensive line had a miserable day against the Blue Hens. They were able to spring three runs of 20 yards or longer, but outside of that, the Buffaloes' promising run game regressed to 2024 form. The Blue Hens lived in the backfield, sacking Colorado's quarterbacks five times and racking up 11 tackles for loss. While Staub was shot in the arm for the offense, this was a game where they shouldn't have needed one.
Big plays are back on the menu
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Xavier Hill (71) in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Micah Welch (29) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Xavier Hill (71) in the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy, Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
With three runs of 20 yards or more and Staub finding wideout Since Brown for a 71-yard touchdown connection, the Buffaloes' offense finally delivered some explosive plays. Staub's chemistry with Brown allowed the duo to break from the called play and create excitement that Colorado was severely lacking.
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"Those plays he wasn't supposed to run a go, and I told him to run a go," Staub said post-game. "If they press Sincere, it's going up."
While an offense can't live off of go routes, the fact that Colorado can now add another dimension to the offense will be a significant factor in the team's success as Big 12 conference play begins.
======================================================
Know Before You Go: Colorado vs. Delaware
September 03, 2025 | Football, General, Gameday
https://cubuffs.com/news/2025/9/3/gameday-know-before-you-go-football-vs-delaware
Get the scoop on everything you need to know before the Buffs battle the Blue Hens!
By: CU Athletics
The University of Colorado will host the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens this Saturday, September 6 at 1:30 p.m. Check out everything you need to know for this game and every game at Folsom Field below. Gates for the Delaware game will open at 11:30 a.m. and fans are encouraged to enter as early as possible to avoid long lines getting into the stadium.
Please be reminded that there is no re-entry to Folsom Field. Once you enter the game, you cannot leave and come back inside the stadium. Also, Folsom Field has a clear bag policy in place and no lockers are available for rental.
Please review the Folsom Field Gameday Guide for information on what bags are permitted in the stadium.
BILL COLLINS TRIBUTE
Prior to the game, there will be a special tribute to Bill Collins, who played defensive tackle for the Buffs from 1967 to 1969 and was CU's first Black team captain his senior year.
At the end of the 1969 campaign, Collins and the Buffs played Alabama and their famous coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in the Liberty Bowl. Prior to the game, in an act of support and unity, Collins's co-captains stayed back while Collins took the coin toss alone. In response, Alabama, whose team was not integrated, sent its entire 40-man roster to midfield in an attempt to intimidate Collins and the Buffaloes. Instead, Collins's act of strength and perseverance propelled Colorado to a 47-33 win over the Crimson Tide. Collins passed away on July 31 after a battle with cancer. He was 76.
In recognition of Collins's incredible impact on CU and beyond, his wife Esther will be joined by Colorado's current team captains and members of the 1969 team to reenact Collins's historic stand.
COLOR THEME GAMES - There are three color themes this season:
Sept. 20 vs. Wyoming - Buffs Wear White
Sept. 27 vs. BYU - Gold Rush
Oct. 11 vs. Iowa State - Buffs Wear Black
BLACK & GOLD UPGRADES
This season, CU Athletics is excited to bring back Black & Gold Upgrades, to enhance your Colorado Football experience! Purchase a limited inventory experience to walk the Buff Walk with Colorado Football, watch the team take the field from field level, get behind the scenes access, and MORE!
THE NIGHT BEFORE THE GAME
PEARL STREET STAMPEDE
Don't miss one of the best community traditions in Boulder! Join us for the Pearl Street Stampede on Friday night, with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, CU Spirit Squad, Chip the Buffalo and CU Athletic teams as we celebrate gameday in a pep rally/parade. Stampede starts at 7 p.m. on the 1300 Block of Pearl Street in front of the courthouse and heads west.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
BUFFS FAN FEST
Located on Duane Field, Buffs Fan Fest is the official tailgate of Colorado Athletics and is open to everyone. Fan Fest will be open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and there will be cashless concessions and merchandise available.
CHIP'S KIDS CLUB AREA
Duane Field is the location for Chip's Kids Club Area. This space opens three hours prior to the game. Will include inflatables for kids and games for the whole family.
BUFF WALK
Welcome the team to the stadium on the east side of Folsom Field, once again taking place on Franklin Field. Head over at 11 a.m. this week so you don't miss the arrival of the team.
TICKETS AND PARKING
Tickets are still available!
RESERVED TAILGATE SPACES
Reserved tailgate spaces on Benson Field are still available. Contact buffclub@colorado.edu for more information.
PARKING
Parking lots for the Delaware game will open at 8 a.m. To learn more about single game parking, click here. All Public Parking Lots on main campus are $35 Text to Pay after you park. Parking lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, main campus public parking is very limited and will fill each game.
ADA shuttles will pick up in Lot 204 and drop off near the southwest entrance of the stadium. The shuttles will start three hours prior to the game's start.
MOBILE PARKING
New this year, mobile parking will be available for select donor lots. Permit holders can download and transfer parking just as they do their mobile game tickets. Season Ticket Holders with Donor parking can also now post their parking pass directly to Seat Geek through their ticket account if they cannot make a game.
Make sure to download your mobile parking pass before you leave for the game.
RIDE SHARE
The new ride share drop-off and pick-up is located at Euclid and 18th (alternate locations: Safeway on Arapahoe; University Ave and Macky Dr.)
BUFFS MOBILE APP
The comprehensive app from the Buffs and our partner SideArm is your one-stop shop on your device for all things CU Buffs. This app is the best way to purchase and manage tickets and get them in your wallet for entry into Folsom Field. On top of ticketing, the app also features our latest news, rosters, live stats, maps, videos and much more. Fans are encouraged to download the app before heading to the stadium and getting their tickets in their wallet ahead of time.
MOBILE TICKETING
All CU home events are completely mobile ticketed. After purchasing tickets, you will be emailed your mobile tickets to add to your wallet or they will be available in the Buffs Mobile App. Check out our step-by-step process to manage your mobile tickets. We encourage you to add your tickets to your wallet now.
TRANSFER TICKETS
Can't make the game and want to send seats to a friend? This is easiest to do in the Buffs Mobile App by selecting the tickets tab, clicking manage tickets, clicking transfer tickets and selecting the season and game you'd like to transfer. Enter the recipient's email address or mobile phone number and you're all set. Prefer the website? Click here to learn how.
SEATGEEK
Colorado Athletics is proud to partner with SeatGeek, the Official Fan to Fan Ticket Marketplace of the Colorado Buffaloes. This exciting partnership with SeatGeek allows you more freedom in pricing, number of ticket listings and lets you reach more ticket buyers than ever before. Can't make a game? Season ticket holders can login to their account, and under "My Tickets" select Sell on SeatGeek to get started. You can also buy parking on SeatGeek here.
TO DO AND TO KNOW ON GAMEDAY
STUDENT ENTRANCE
The Student Entrance will once again be on the NW side of Duane Physics & queue on Colorado Avenue. Students with Sports Passes will be the only patrons permitted through this entrance. The Southwest Entrance can be entered from either the west or east side of the stadium as we will allow patrons to flow freely from the east side of Colorado Ave to the west side of Colorado Ave. We have implemented this footprint to create the safest entry for all patrons entering the game.
FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
We're excited to welcome students, alumni, and fans to Folsom Field for what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime football season! While we're cheering on the Buffs, let's make sure we're all doing our part by staying true to the University of Colorado Boulder's core values of honor, integrity, and respect. Join us in standing "Shoulder to Shoulder" to make Buffs football a great experience for all!
CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS
All transactions at the ticket office, concession stands and merchandise areas will be cashless.
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The Blue Hens will be in the national spotlight this Saturday traveling to Colorado
Delaware Public Media | By Joe Irizarry
September 5, 2025 - https://www.delawarepublic.org
University of Delaware football’s move to the FBS level and Conference USA brings more opportunity on a national stage with this weekend being a “prime” example.
While beating Delaware State in head coach DeSean Jackson’s debut with the Hornets week one was great for the Blue Hens, this Saturday brings an even bigger name on the sidelines.
Colorado and its head coach Deion Sanders have taken the college football world by storm in Coach Prime’s two years in Boulder.
Primetime TV games, ESPN’s GameDay, a bowl game and national headlines have followed Sanders to Colorado.
This week UD will share that bright spotlight when the Hens travel to Colorado in its first FBS vs FBS game since the move up.
Sanders took notice of UD quarterback Nick Minicucci’s performance off the bench against DSU - throwing for 270 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 44 yards and a TD.
"For a kid to come off the bench and do what he did is phenomenal. Love him, love the opportunity that he sees. It's not like he's a stranger to being out on the field getting reps. This kid is a baller. He just was prepared for his opportunity, so hats off to him," said Sanders.
Sanders says he’ll have his team motivated this week as the Buffaloes lost their first game at home last week vs Georgia Tech as he knows the Blue Hens can be formidable.
"I love what they're doing, I really do. I love what they're doing,” said Sanders. “On film they do some nice things. They got some people that could make things happen offensively, as well as them getting to the ball defensively."
Saturday’s game will be televised nationally on Fox at 3:30 pm.
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Colorado vs. Delaware (Sep 6, 2025): A Look Ahead
Colorado
vs. Delaware (Sep 6, 2025): A Look Ahead
Colorado Updates:
On September 6, 2025, sports fans will turn their attention to a highly anticipated football game: Colorado against Delaware. Even though these programs come from distinct parts of the country, their histories and ambitions will create a thrilling contest for those who love the game. It is not every day that these teams face each other, so this event has stirred excitement among their respective supporters. Whether you are a long-time follower of college football or someone new to the scene, this clash could offer plenty of action, compelling moments, and memorable highlights.
Background of the Teams:
Colorado:
Colorado’s football program has been recognized for its strong presence in the athletic world for decades. Fans of the Buffaloes have enjoyed periods of national attention, especially during times when the team produced dynamic players and successful seasons. In more recent years, Colorado has worked hard to strengthen its roster, coaching staff, and overall approach. With a blend of experienced athletes and promising new recruits, the team has targeted consistent improvement and higher rankings within its conference.
The home stadium for Colorado is often filled with spirited fans dressed in the team’s colors. These fans are known to be vocal supporters, creating a loud and energized environment that can be challenging for any visiting team. This season, Colorado is looking to balance its offense and defense while showcasing a more confident game plan. The coaching staff has emphasized preparation, discipline, and focus on fundamentals, hoping these areas will improve the squad’s ability to handle pressure. Beyond individual talents, Colorado is seeking a cohesive style of play that allows them to respond to whatever challenges their opponents present on any given day.
Delaware:
Delaware, nicknamed the Fightin’ Blue Hens, has a proud football tradition of its own. While Delaware may not always capture the same level of national attention as larger programs, it has a history of success, a loyal fan base, and a firm commitment to building a strong program year after year. The Fightin’ Blue Hens often display a never-give-up attitude, fueled by a sense of team unity and perseverance.
Delaware competes at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, which has its own style and intensity. Teams in the FCS are known for developing strategies and recruiting players who are hungry to stand out on the field. Delaware has produced noteworthy alumni who have gone on to play professionally, and it continues to attract skilled student-athletes who see an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage. The coaching staff’s philosophy typically centers on hustle, intelligence, and consistent execution of assignments. Heading into this particular season, Delaware looks to maintain and build upon the strengths they have cultivated, while also adjusting to any new systems or strategies that the coaching staff aims to implement.
Significance of This Game:
You may wonder why a Colorado vs. Delaware game in 2025 has generated so much excitement. One reason is the sheer novelty of it. These two teams, hailing from vastly different regions, rarely clash on the gridiron. When matchups like this arise, fans are curious about how each side will handle a new style of competition. Conferences generally have their own personality, influenced by geography, tradition, and coaching philosophies. Stepping outside of that comfort zone and playing a team from another part of the country can introduce fresh challenges and surprises.
Another reason for the anticipation is the chance for both squads to earn early-season momentum. A strong showing in a game this early can set the tone for the rest of the season. Players can harness the confidence from a well-played victory, and coaches can fine-tune their strategies based on insights gained from a tough contest. Additionally, for a program like Delaware, facing a prominent opponent such as Colorado offers an opportunity to shine on a national stage. Likewise, if Colorado wants to assert its dominance and seriousness about that season, it must handle teams both large and small with equal discipline and respect.
Pre-Game Preparations:
In the weeks leading up to September 6, the practices for both teams will likely focus on specific areas of improvement. This is particularly true for early non-conference games, since squads often discover what works best through real-game scenarios.
Scouting the Opponent: Both programs will analyze game footage and study their opponent’s tendencies. Colorado may examine Delaware’s offensive style, looking for patterns in their running and passing plays. Meanwhile, Delaware might search for weaknesses in Colorado’s secondary or identify ways to exploit potential gaps at the line of scrimmage. Assistants and coordinators will spend countless hours dissecting each detail, hoping to refine strategies that counter the other team’s habits.
Building Cohesion: Early in the season, establishing team chemistry is a priority. Whether it is a returning group of seniors or a cluster of freshmen stepping into bigger roles, each roster needs to find its balance. Coaches often use position drills, scrimmages, and film sessions to help players form stronger bonds and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Focus on Fundamentals: Blocking, tackling, route running, and ball handling are all essential at this point in the year. The success of even the most creative plays hinges on consistent execution of basic skills. Mistakes often arise when players are still adjusting to new schemes or the increased pace of the game, making this foundational work crucial.
Key Players to Watch
While it is impossible to say exactly who will make a game-changing play in this contest, there are usually a few names that surface when people discuss key athletes.
Colorado’s Quarterback: Often considered the conductor of the offense, the quarterback is responsible for reading defenses, calling out coverage changes, and delivering accurate passes. This individual’s leadership skills and ability to manage pressure can be the deciding factor between success and failure. If Colorado’s quarterback can blend athleticism and decision-making, he may lead the Buffaloes down the field with purpose.
Delaware’s Running Back: Depending on Delaware’s approach, the running back may take center stage. A talented and energetic ball carrier can churn out yardage, break tackles, and maintain ball control, especially in adverse conditions. If Delaware leans on the ground game, their running back could keep the Colorado defense on its heels.
Colorado’s Linebackers: In a contest that might involve both strong passing and running attacks, linebackers must be quick to adapt. They have to read the backfield, anticipate the direction of the play, and respond immediately. Colorado’s linebackers will try to disrupt Delaware’s offensive flow, limit big gains, and impose physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Delaware’s Defensive Backs: Playing a bigger or more recognized program means the secondary will likely face receivers who have size and speed advantages. Good coverage, sound tackling, and the capacity to win 1-on-1 battles are all vital for Delaware’s defensive backs. One turnover at the right moment could transform the momentum of the entire game.
Potential Game Strategie:
Each team will adopt an overall strategy with specific goals, shaped by the strengths and weaknesses they observe in one another.
Colorado’s Possible Offensive Approach: The Buffaloes might test Delaware’s secondary with early passing attempts, especially if they have a wide receiver corps capable of creating separation. If Delaware’s defense plays back, Colorado could shift to a heavier run-based approach, looking to wear down the Blue Hens through time of possession and short-yardage success. Ultimately, balancing the pass and run while preventing turnovers will be key.
Delaware’s Possible Game Plan: The Fightin’ Blue Hens could aim for a quick, methodical offense that seeks to control the clock. By sustaining drives and limiting unnecessary risks, Delaware might reduce Colorado’s scoring opportunities. They might also use trick plays or unexpected formations to catch the Buffaloes off-guard, especially if they sense any complacency from their opponent. On defense, they will likely concentrate on discipline and forcing punts, focusing on pressuring the quarterback and preventing explosive plays.
Special Teams: In many games, the importance of special teams is overlooked until a crucial play happens, such as a fumbled punt return or a missed field goal. Both teams will need to sharpen their kickoff coverage, punt returns, and placekicking. A well-executed special teams play can instantly change field position or even add points to the board.
Atmosphere and Fan Perspective
The fan experience on September 6, 2025, is expected to be lively. Colorado’s fans are known for their spirit, especially at home, but Delaware supporters might travel in respectable numbers to root for their team. Whether you are watching from the stadium or at a gathering with friends, the passion in the air can energize players on the field. Tailgating activities, pre-game traditions, and the emotional rollercoaster of close calls and big plays all combine to create an atmosphere unique to college football.
For those wearing the colors of Colorado, this matchup is a chance to reaffirm the Buffaloes’ position in the national conversation. Meanwhile, Delaware fans look forward to demonstrating that their team is more than capable of thriving against larger opponents. Although the squads come from different backgrounds, a shared love for football and the excitement of competition brings them together on this day.
Storylines to Follow:
Underdog vs. Favorite: Many analysts will likely label Delaware as the underdog, given Colorado’s status in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Still, college sports have a history of upsets, so the Blue Hens might relish the opportunity to challenge this perception.
Coaches’ Rivalry (or Friendship): Sometimes, coaches share personal history, having crossed paths at coaching clinics or while working as assistants. Even if there is no direct link between these two coaching staffs, it is interesting to see how each side adjusts its tactics during the game.
Player Development: Early-season games provide a glimpse into which emerging players might become key contributors. Fans and analysts will watch how true freshmen or first-year starters cope with the demands of a bigger stage.
Conference Implications: While this is a non-conference game, the outcome can still influence perceptions of the teams’ respective leagues. A strong showing by Colorado could reflect positively on its conference, while a valiant performance from Delaware could boost morale for the Fightin’ Blue Hens heading into their own conference matchups.
Game Day Experience:
If you plan to attend the game in person, expect a lively day filled with excitement:
Tailgating: Hours before kickoff, parking lots typically buzz with fans grilling food, enjoying soft drinks, or sharing stories about past seasons. The smell of freshly cooked meals and the chatter of sports predictions create a festive mood.
Merchandise and Team Colors: Walking around, you will see people decked out in team jerseys, caps, and other accessories. Merch vendors often set up stands selling everything from T-shirts to miniature footballs. It is not unusual to spot local families introducing their little ones to the spirit of college football.
Marching Bands and Cheerleaders: College football is known for its traditions. The sound of a marching band playing a fight song can send chills down a fan’s spine. Cheerleaders and dance squads keep the energy high and rally the crowd at pivotal moments during the game.
Halftime Show: At halftime, you might witness a creative marching band routine or special performances from community groups. This break from the on-field battle provides an added layer of entertainment, giving fans a chance to refill snacks and beverages while still enjoying a spectacle.
Possible Outcomes
Forecasting the winner is always a tricky game because football can be unpredictable. However, we can ponder some scenarios:
Colorado’s Dominance: If the Buffaloes establish a fast tempo early and overwhelm Delaware with a robust mix of passing and running, the scoreboard could tilt heavily in their favor. This scenario would allow Colorado’s younger players to gain valuable playing time later in the game, while the starters preserve energy for upcoming challenges.
Delaware’s Surprising Control: Should Delaware execute a meticulously planned strategy, limiting turnovers and controlling the clock, they could frustrate Colorado. If the Fightin’ Blue Hens maintain a lead, or keep things close into the fourth quarter, the pressure could shift onto the favored side, resulting in a tense finish.
A Balanced Contest: The most thrilling outcome for neutral observers is a game that remains uncertain until the final moments. Both offenses might find success, leading to a back-and-forth battle, while each defense attempts to step up at crucial points. In this case, a single touchdown, field goal, or defensive stand might decide the victor.
Player Stories and Motivations
College athletes often have unique journeys that led them to where they are. Some players might have been overlooked during high school recruiting and are determined to show they belong on this stage. Others might be veterans who have waited for their chance to start. There could be seniors inspired to finish their final college season on a high note. All these motivations can surface during a game like this, creating personal stakes beyond the overall final score.
Impact on the Season Ahead:
No matter the result, both teams will walk away with lessons they can apply to the rest of their schedules:
Confidence and Cohesion: A victory can enhance a team’s belief in its approach and style. Players are more likely to trust the system when they see positive outcomes on the field.
Identifying Weaknesses: Even a comfortable win can reveal areas that require attention. If certain plays do not work or if miscommunications happen, the coaching staff can use film sessions to correct these mistakes before conference play intensifies.
Rebounding from Losses: If one team experiences a tough defeat, the next step is to move forward. The emotional response can either galvanize the players to fix the problems or create uncertainty if morale falls. Coaching staffs often emphasize staying positive and determined, regardless of the final score.
Media and Recruiting: Games featuring schools from different regions can affect how recruits and the media view a program. A strong performance might help a team attract promising high school athletes who see the program as an appealing destination, while a weak performance could trigger doubts that need to be addressed.
Fan Stories and Travel
One of the best parts of college football is the shared passion among supporters. Colorado fans, known for their dedication, could be hosting tailgate parties that welcome Delaware visitors. Meanwhile, traveling supporters from Delaware might explore the local scene, sampling regional cuisine and landmarks. It is an experience that blends sports with community building, offering moments of friendly interaction between fanbases.
Some supporters will use this trip as a mini-vacation, perhaps visiting the surrounding mountains if the game is in Colorado, or exploring the cultural and historical sites if the game takes place in Delaware. Regardless of location, gatherings before and after the contest allow people to form bonds that transcend the scoreboard.
Historical Perspective:
While Colorado and Delaware have had their fair share of memorable seasons, they do not often share a field. That rarity alone makes this matchup noteworthy. If we look back at college football’s history, it is filled with surprising results when a more established program takes on a smaller or less-hyped program. Those moments often end up shaping the sport’s narrative, as fans reflect on underdog stories and close calls long after the final whistle.
For Colorado, playing a school like Delaware is a chance to continue its tradition of hosting or traveling to face squads from different levels. Sometimes, the broader aim is to schedule intriguing out-of-conference showdowns that can attract local attention and media coverage. For Delaware, stepping onto the field against an FBS opponent is an opportunity to elevate the program’s profile. The Fightin’ Blue Hens might feel a sense of pride in challenging themselves against a team that operates within the bigger, more resourced FBS environment.
Potential Rivalry?
Could Colorado and Delaware become rivals? Rivalries usually develop when teams face each other repeatedly, often with championship or historical implications. However, even one game can spark conversations if the outcome is particularly dramatic or if an incident on the field or in the stands captures widespread interest. While it is unlikely these schools will form a long-term rivalry based on a single matchup, sports fans love a good storyline. If the contest is packed with drama—like a last-second touchdown or an overtime thriller—then people might clamor for another clash in future seasons.
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
Part of the thrill of college football is the emotional investment. Moments of triumph, like a long touchdown pass or a clutch field goal, can erupt the stadium in cheers. Meanwhile, a costly turnover can feel like the entire momentum is slipping away. Players pour their energy into every down, knowing that each play might be the difference between heartbreak and celebration. Fans, too, ride that wave, living each snap from the stands or on their couches, sharing in the highs and lows that define the sport.
Closing Thoughts:
September 6, 2025, promises to offer a memorable football experience for fans of Colorado, Delaware, and the broader college football community. The anticipation stems from the contrast between the two programs’ backgrounds, the uncertainty of an early-season game, and the natural intrigue of two squads trying to assert themselves on the field. Regardless of the final score, you can expect passionate performances from both sides, supported by fans who have been waiting all offseason for the chance to cheer again.
Beyond the scoreboard, this showdown will be a chance for players to grow, coaches to refine their philosophies, and fans to soak in the unique atmosphere of a college football Saturday. If you are seeking big plays, intense moments, and the kind of teamwork that defines this sport, September 6 is a date you will not want to miss. Both Colorado and Delaware have stories to tell, and this game is where a new chapter begins.
In the grand scheme of the season, one victory or loss may not decide a team’s entire fate, but it can set the tone. Observers will watch carefully to see whether Colorado rolls on to the next week with a sense of momentum or if Delaware can pull off something that sparks national discussions. No matter which side you support, the spirit of college football thrives on these kinds of matchups.
So mark your calendars for the Colorado vs. Delaware game in 2025. There will be plenty of action, excitement, and lessons learned on that field. While nobody can predict exactly how things will unfold, the possibility of the unexpected is what keeps fans coming back year after year. On any given Saturday, a single play can shift an entire game, reminding us that nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle. On September 6, both teams will show the country what they have been working for, and that display of effort, passion, and resilience is what makes college football so special.
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Colorado Buffaloes Coach Deion Sanders Previews Week 2 vs. Delaware Blue Hens:
9/2/25 - Jack Carlough | https://www.si.com/
BOULDER — Ahead of the Colorado Buffaloes' Week 2 home game against the Delaware Blue Hens, coach Deion Sanders will address the media on Tuesday. "Coach Prime" is expected to preview the matchup and share a few other updates on the Buffs as they look to regroup from Friday's loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Perhaps the two biggest questions facing Colorado this week are the injury status of wide receiver Omarion Miller and the possibility of freshman quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis making his college debut. Many have also expressed uncertainty about offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's play-calling abilities, but no changes are expected for now.
Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
This article will be updated throughout Sanders' Delaware Blue Hens game week press conference:
Will Julian Lewis See Playing Time?
Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) before the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
While Kaidon Salter is still expected to start at quarterback again, Lewis may see snaps if Colorado builds a large enough lead. "Coach Prime" said Lewis was available to play against Georgia Tech, but the close nature of the game kept Salter on the field.
Salter, a transfer from Liberty, threw for 159 yards, rushed for 43 and accounted for two touchdowns against Georgia Tech in his own Colorado debut. After the loss, "Coach Prime" said he'd like to see Salter use his legs more.
Expect "Coach Prime" to provide additional insight into Colorado's quarterback situation on Tuesday.
Omarion Miller's Injury Status
Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images / Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
"Coach Prime" revealed after Friday's loss that standout wide receiver Omarion Miller "tweaked" his hamstring. It's currently unclear whether Miller, who recorded one catch for 39 yards against Georgia Tech, will see action on Saturday.
Quick Look At Delaware Blue Hens
Delaware State's Wayne Favors III (left) moves for Delaware's Sean Wilson on a first quarter reception in the Blue Hens' 35-17 win at Delaware Stadium, August 28, 2025. / William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Led by fourth-year coach Ryan Carty, Delaware is 1-0 after beating rival Delaware State in Week 1, 35-17. Quarterback Nick Minicucci threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns, and defensive backs KT Seay and Kahlil Ali each recorded an interception.
The Blue Hens are navigating their first season at the FBS level as a member of the Conference USA.
Kickoff between the Buffs and Blue Hens on Saturday at Folsom Field is set for 1:30 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Colorado Buffaloes Coach Deion Sanders discusses the Buffs' time management at the end of the game
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Delaware football begins new era with win over Delaware State
Kyle Ingerson - Newark Post Aug 29, 2025
Thursday evening marked a historic night for the University of Delaware’s football program. The Blue Hens competed in their first official game as a member of Conference USA and defeated visiting Delaware State 35-17 in the 12th iteration of the "Route 1 Rivalry."
It was the 12th win in as many meetings for the Hens.
Despite facing adversity in the first half, which included an injury to starting quarterback Zach Marker and a turnover deep in Delaware State territory, Delaware rallied back with two scores in the final four minutes of the second quarter to take a double-digit lead into the half.
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci capped off a six-play, 75-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run to put the Blue Hens on the board with 3:44 to play in the first half. Minicucci finished the night 28-of-36 for 251 yards and three touchdowns through the air, along with nine carries for 44 yards and a rushing score on the ground.
”I think I’ve been prepared a lot better,” Minicucci said. “Obviously, I understand the system way better than when I was a freshman or sophomore. It’s really just about going out there, trusting myself, trusting my o-line and trusting the guys around me. I needed to knock the rust off on that first drive a little bit, but after that I felt pretty good.”
Delaware head coach Ryan Carty praised Minicucci for his performance and how he handled the adversity despite being thrown into the game so early on.
“I’m so proud of Nick,” Carty said. “He just did what he always does, be prepared, ready to go and make plays when his number is called. Once we settled in and the dust settled on offense after Zach’s injury, I think we moved the ball really well and that’s because of his decision making and his physicality.”
After its defense forced a Delaware State three-and-out on the ensuing possession, the Delaware offense kept rolling on its next possession. This time, an 11-play, 77-yard drive in just over two minutes resulted in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Minicucci to Kyre Duplessis to give Delaware 14-3 lead. Duplessis ended Thursday’s contest with a career-high seven receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.
“During summer workouts just throwing him the ball, I just knew that the kid would be good,” Minicucci said of Duplessis.
Delaware State rallied back on the opening drive of the second half with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kaiden Bennett to cut Delaware’s lead to four.
After Delaware’s Mysonne Pollard returned the ensuing kickoff to the Delaware State 34-yard line, the Blue Hens’ offense restored their double-digit advantage with a seven-play drive capped off by a 9-yard touchdown reception from Ja’Carree Kelly.
Delaware's defense made its biggest play of the night in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter when safety Kahlil Ali picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 18. The interception was the first of Ali’s career, who transferred to Delaware this offseason from Boston College.
“I thought he was sacked and I didn’t think he was going to throw it, so when he threw it my eyes got real big and I just wanted to maximize the opportunity,” Ali said. “I didn’t think I was going to score but I’m glad it all happened. I couldn’t be more proud of myself and just couldn’t be more thankful for Coach Carty and the people that gave me the opportunity.”
Delaware State kept itself in the game with a score on its ensuing possession when Bennett connected with Marquis Gillis for a 39-yard score to cut the Delaware lead to 11 with 8:10 to play.
The Blue Hens put the game away with just over six minutes to play when Minicucci threw for his third touchdown of the night on a 50-yard pass to Jake Thaw. Thaw finished as the game’s leading receiver with seven receptions for 92 yards and a score.
A familiar face was on the sidelines for Delaware State, as former Philadelphia Eagles pro bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson made his head coaching debut for the Hornets. Jackson was named Delaware State’s new head coach last December.
“Overall I think they played great,” Jackson said. “They played with a lot of intensity, could’ve been a little more disciplined and left a lot of points out on the field as well too. We know it’s a building process, we expect to win early on and today was just a real look of what we look like and I think we did a great job.”
Delaware will travel out west to face Deion Sanders and Colorado next Saturday.
Carty believes that his team will have much to improve on prior to next week’s contest as the Blue Hens move forward in their first year of FBS competition. Delaware will be back at home to host Connecticut on Sep. 13. The Hens begin conference play on Sep. 20 at Florida International.
“We’ll certainly have to get better,” Carty said. “Between week one and week two, everyone that’s playing is going to get better. I think we did a lot of really good things out there and also did a lot of average and below average things. So it’s all about ‘how do we capitalize on our gains that we need to make.’”
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Hornets Rush for 200 yards in 35-17 loss to Delaware
8-28-25 - https://dsuhornets.com
NEWARK, Delaware -- Delaware State put together an explosive 200-yard performance on the ground, including 123 yards from Marquis Gillis,, but fell 35-17 to Delaware Thursday night on the road at Delaware Stadium.
The Fightin' Blue Hens improved to 1-0 on the season while the Hornets dropped to 0-1.
Gillis led all Hornets rushers with 123 yards in the contest, picking up 7.2 yards per carry. Gillis also added 46 receiving yards and one touchdown. Kaiden Bennett also added 30 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Delaware State also got a significant contribution from Samuel Scaife IV, who caught two passes for 23 yards.
Dasheen Jackson showed out for the Delaware State defense, collecting four tackles and one recovered fumble. Emerson Martin III added 1.0 TFL and one sack and had six tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack in the loss.
Delaware State recorded a stellar showing on the ground, totaling 200 rushing yards while averaging 4.9 yards per carry and out-rushing Delaware by 63 yards. Delaware State converted on 42.9 percent of third-down attempts on the day. The Hornets also went 2-for-2 on fourth down.
Defensively, Delaware State held up fairly well against the Delaware rushing attack, holding the Fightin' Blue Hens to 137 yards on the ground.
How It Happened
Delaware State got on the scoreboard first and took a 3-0 lead with 6:46 left in the second quarter.Delaware then scored to take a 14-3 lead before the Hornets put a touchdown on the board to close the gap and make it a 14-10 game.
After Delaware scored to increase its lead to 28-10, Delaware State responded with a touchdown with 8:10 left in the fourth quarter lead to cut the deficit to 28-17. Delaware State didn't score again in the game and Delaware added seven more points to finish off the game.
Game Highlights
» Delaware State went 2-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
» Delaware State forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
» Delaware State won the time of possession battle 31:53 to 28:07.
Up Next...
The Hornets return to action September 6 for their home opener. The Hornets will host Albany in Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET
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Football Stings Hornets, 35-17 For Season-Opening Win
8/28/2025 - Bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team began its first season at the FBS level with a 35-17 win over the Delaware State Hornets Thursday night in Delaware Stadium. It marks the fourth-consecutive season that Delaware has started the year 1-0 under Ryan Carty. UD set a student-attendance record with 5,756 students packing the student section.
HEN HIGHLIGHTS
QB Nick Minicucci finished with 251 passing yards and three touchdown passes to go with 44 yards on the ground and another score.
WR Kyre Duplessis scored his first touchdown as a Fightin' Blue Hen. The Coastal Carolina transfer tallied career-highs in catches (7) and yards (89) and a touchdown. He surpassed his all-purpose yards from the 2024 season (79) in tonight's contest (113).
WR Ja'Carree Kelly hauled in two receptions for 22 yards and one touchdown.
S Kahlil Ali recorded his first-career interception and touchdown in his first game as a Blue Hen.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Delaware State opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 40-yard field goal to jump in front 3-0.
Delaware answered with a six-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by an eight-yard rushing touchdown by Minicucci to make it 7-3 with 3:44 to go in the half.
The Hens closed the first half out with an eight-yard Minicucci touchdown pass to Duplessis to increase the lead to 14-3 with 33 ticks on the clock.
The Hornets cut the UD lead to 14-10 with 10:29 to go in the third quarter on a 23-yard touchdown run by QB Kaiden Bennett.
The Blue & Gold scored their third touchdown of the game on a nine-yard grab by Kelly to make it 21-10 with 7:15 to play in the third frame.
With Delaware State driving late in the third quarter, S KT Seay intercepted Bennett to halt the attack. It was the sixth pick of the junior's career.
With 10:44 left in the game, Ali intercepted a pass and took it 45-yards to the house for a pick-six to increase the lead to 28-10.
Delaware State RB Marquis GIllis cut the game to two scores with a 39-yard touchdown reception before UD WR Jake Thaw hauled in a 50-yard touchdown from Minicucci to make it a 35-17 final. The 50-yarder was the longest of his career.
GAME NOTES
Fifteen players played their first game as a Blue Hen: Ali, LB Meikhi Cuttino, Duplessis, RB Viron Ellison Jr., S AJ Graham, S Noah Jefferson, CB Jamarion Kolagbodi, P Brenden Lach, DE Noah Matthews, TE Scott Moore, WR Brandon Rehmann, DE Kaeden Singleton, RB Greg Spiller, OL Noah Rosahac, and TE Jackson Whitacre.
Five players made their first-collegiate start: Duplessis, OL Anthony Caccese, Rosahac, Thaw, and WR Sean Wilson. All three wide receivers that Delaware started made their first-career start.
Nine players played in their first-collegiate game: Cuttino, Graham, Jefferson, Kolagbodi, Moore, Singleton, Spiller, Rosahac, and
Whitacre.
UP NEXT:
The Fightin' Blue Hens will travel to Boulder, Colorado for a clash with the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, September 6 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air nationally on FOX.
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Delaware vs Delaware State Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines 2025
Pete Fiutak - Aug 21, 2025 - https://collegefootballnews.com
Delaware vs Delaware State prediction, game preview, and betting lines for the 2025 Week 1
matchup.
It's the first game of the rest of Delaware football's life.
The Blue Hens are playing their first game as an FBS program, getting a tune-up before collecting a paycheck from Colorado, hosting UConn, and diving into Conference USA play.
They should be dangerous. Ryan Carty's last two teams were terrific in the FCS ranks, and there's enough experience back to keep the success going.
Delaware State has managed two victories in the last two years, but it's hoping to catch fire right away with new head man DeSean Jackson. The former NFL deep threat is getting his first shot at a head coaching gig.
Delaware vs Delaware State Preview:
Blue Hens head coach Ryan Carty is on the field for the open preseason football camp at the Delaware football practice field in Newark on July 28, 2025. This will be the Blue Hens' first season in Conference USA and as part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
Blue Hens head coach Ryan Carty is on the field for the open preseason football camp at the Delaware football practice field in Newark on July 28, 2025. This will be the Blue Hens' first season in Conference USA and as part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
Delaware vs Delaware State: How To Watch
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Location: Delaware Stadium, Newark, DE
Why Delaware State Will Win
It's DeSean Jackson, so the idea is to get the offense moving fast with plenty of pressure played on opposing secondaries.
He has a few parts to make this interesting, getting former Sacramento State quarterback Kaiden Bennett to go along with leading passer Marqui Adams to try making the passing game go. Leading receiver NyGhee Lolley is back, but ...
Why Delaware Will Win
The Delaware defense will be a plus early on.
The line loses the top pass rushers, but the Hornets won't be able to run on this bunch. The linebacking corps might be the team's biggest strength, and the secondary is full of veterans, starting with an outstanding group of safeties.
Delaware State might be fun under Jackson, and there are more parts in place, but this is a total rebuild. As long as the Blue Hens don't start turning the ball over early, they shouldn't have too many problems.
Delaware vs Delaware State: Who Will Win
This won't get too out of hand until late. Delaware won't be threatened.
Delaware State will come up with a big play or two, and it'll take a little while for the Delaware offense to connect with a few new receivers getting their shot, but the lack of a Hornet pass rush will be a problem.
The Delaware experience will keep this from ever getting dramatic.
Delaware vs Delaware State Prediction, Betting Lines
Delaware 48, Delaware State 10
Consensus Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: COMING
Must See Rating: 1.5
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Football Opens Inaugural FBS Season Against Delaware State
8/25/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team begins its first season at the FBS level Thursday night against in-state rival Delaware State at 7 p.m. in Delaware Stadium.
ABOUT THE HENS:
The Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens enter a new era, playing their first season at the FBS level in Conference USA.
Delaware head coach Ryan Carty has never lost a home opener in his coaching career dating back to 2007, when he was the tight ends coach at New Hampshire. Dating back to his playing days in his first season as a quarterback at UD in 2002, Carty is 22-1 in home openers between being a player and a coach, suffering his only loss in 2004 against the team he eventually coached, UNH.
The Blue Hens are led on offense by offensive coordinator Terence Archer with head coach Ryan Carty as the play caller. The offense returns five starters from a season ago (QB Nick Minicucci, WR Ja'Carree Kelly, WR Max Patterson, OL Anwar O'neal, and OL Patrick Shupp).
The Blue & Gold defense is led by sixth-year defensive coordinator Manny Rojas. The defense returns eight starters from 2024 (DT Jack Hall, DT Keyshawn Hunter, LB Gavin Moul, LB Dillon Trainer, CB A'Khoury Lyde, S Hasson Manning Jr., S Jason Scott, and S KT Seay).
UD's special teams are led by second-year special teams coordinator Rocco DiMeco, and features K Nate Reed (returnee), P Brendan Lach (Michigan Tech transfer), and LS Noah Vitko (returnee).
ABOUT THE HORNETS:
Delaware State enters 2025 under first-year head coach and former three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver, DeSean Jackson.
Jackson comes to the Hornets after spending one season as an assistant coach at Woodrow Wilson High School (CA).
Jackson takes over a team that won two total games the previous two seasons.
The Hornets offense is likely to be led by Sacramento State transfer QB Kaiden Bennett, who appeared in 26 games with 12 starts from 2021-24. Also in the mix is Maryland transfer QB Jayden Sauray and incumbent QB Marqui Adams.
In addition to Jackson, Delaware State's staff includes former two-time NFL Pro Bowl running back, Clinton Portis, as its running backs coach.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!
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Delaware Football Preview 2025:
Pete Fiutak - https://collegefootballnews.com
Aug 19, 2025
How Fast Can the Blue Hens Get Up To FBS Speed?
Are the Blue Hens ready for the big leagues? 2025 Delaware season preview with breakdowns, top players and transfers, keys to the season, what will happen, and projected win total.
Just how quickly will Delaware football translate to the FBS world? No two FCS jumps up in weight class are the same.
James Madison didn’t break stride when it came into the Sun Belt in 2022. Sam Houston positioned itself perfectly for the 2023 season, but it took a season - with zero luck whatsoever - to get up going before winning ten games last year. Jacksonville State was supposed to need a little bit, and it was great from jump when it arrived two years ago.
Delaware might not be a Conference USA superstar quite yet, but after the last two years of FCS success under Ryan Carty, it shouldn’t take too long.
On the plus side there’s lots of experience, plenty of returning production, and good depth for an FCS program about to make a move like this. But there’s a negative to that - there’s plenty of experience and returning production.
If the talent was higher the Blue Hens would’ve been picked clean by the transfer portal.
But there’s something to be said for having a team full of veterans that knows how to play. It’ll be a rocky first run, and it might not always be pretty, but when if comes to FCS teams being prepared for being in the big leagues, Delaware is right on track to be really good really quickly.
Delaware Blue Hens Preview 2025: Offense:
- The ultra-efficient attack of last year is balanced, experienced, and surprisingly deep considering the move up. So what’s the problem? The top targets are gone.
The Blue Hens lost everyone who caught more than one touchdown pass last season. There’s experience back among the three main starters, but the firepower has to emerge for the Blue Hen
quarterbacks to find targets. Zach Marker was the leading passer with just over 1,000 yards and ten scores with no picks, and Nicholas Minicucci added ten touchdown passes, three picks, and more rushing ability. Also coming in to challenge for the gig is Riley Trujillo, a dual-threat option from UCF.
- The starting five up front is strong around Anwar O’neal at left tackle with last year’s main backups playing bigger roles. Leading rusher Marcus Yarns is gone, but Jo’Nathan Silver and Saeed St. Fleur are veterans who can take over.
Delaware Blue Hens Preview 2025: Defense:
- The terrific defense of last year loses the top pass rushers, but the run D should continue to be strong with a great front three around Keyshawn Hunter on the nose - he’s back after missing half of last year. Ethan Sanders is more of an edge rusher than a true defensive end, and now he has to a force behind the line.
- The linebacking corps has a good top three. Gavin Moul led the team with 81 tackles, No. 2 tackle Dillon Trainer missed a chunk of last year but should be great on the outside, and there’s depth.
- KT Seay, Haasan Manning, and Jason Scott form one of the best safety groups in CUSA - they’ll combine for well over 100 tackles. The corners are have experience, but it’s the one area on the D missing the bulk starting time. There should be enough options to be okay.
Delaware Blue Hens Key to the Season:
Keep the ground game moving. Time of possession won’t mean everything to the Blue Hens, but they’ll be better if they don’t get into shootouts. The O line has just enough size to generate a push for the decent backs.
Get to 175 rushing yards and the offense will be doing its job. In the two losses, Richmond stuffed the Blue Hens and Villanova held up well up front.
Delaware Blue Hens Key Player:
Anwar O’Neal, OT Jr.
Again, it’s a good line, even if most of the starting parts are new.
O’Neal is the best of the bunch at left tackle, but at 295-pounds he’s also one of the lightest. As long as he’s holding his own at an all-star level in pass protection the rest of the front will work.
Delaware Blue Hens Top Transfer, Biggest Transfer Loss:
Top Transfer In: Keontae Jenkins, CB
The Delaware corner isn’t a problem, but it could use some options and beefing up. Jenkins started out his career at TCU and then moved to Coastal Carolina, He once has 11 career tackles and a broken up pass, but he can move.
Top Transfer Out: Melkart Abou-Jaoude, EDGE Sr.
The 6-5, 260-pounder led Delaware with 6.5 sacks and generated plenty of pressure throughout the season. The top pass rusher left to go play for Bill Belichick at
North Carolina.
Delaware Blue Hens Key Game:
UConn, Sept. 13
Call this a measuring stick moment. UConn should be good enough to go bowling again, but it has to make the trip to Tubby Raymond
Field in Week 3. The Conference USA season starts up a week later for the Blue Hens at FIU. That’s winnable, so pull this off against the Huskies and it could and should be a 3-1 September.
2025 Delaware Blue Hens Schedule Breakdown:
Delaware Blue Hens Top 10 Players
1. Gavin Moul, LB Jr.
2. KT Seay, S Jr.
3. Anwar O’neal, OT Jr.
4. Keyshawn Hunter, DT Sr.
5. Dillon Trainer, LB Sr.
6. Nate Evans, CB Sr.
7. Zach Marker, QB Sr.
8. Jason Scott, S Sr.
9. Nick Minicucci, QB Jr.
10. Nate Reed, PK Sr.
Delaware Blue Hens 2024 Fun Stats:
- 3rd Quarter Scoring: Delaware 82, Opponents 27
- Field Goals: Delaware 7-of-10, Opponents 6-of-10
- Two-Point Conversions: Delaware 3-of-8, Opponents 1-of-3
Delaware Blue Hens 2025 Season Prediction, Win Total, What Will Happen:
There’s talent and experience in place, and that should be enough to pull off a few wins here and there in the Conference USA race.
Delaware is well coached, it won’t be intimidated by the step up in weight class, and it only has two dates against Power Four programs - at Colorado and Wake Forest. But it should still be an up-and-down season.
There’s enough in place to push for six wins, but it really, really hurts to miss
out on scheduled games with Kennesaw State, Missouri State, and New Mexico State.
For a program that’s used to success, just being competitive won’t do. But it’ll be a tough out each week in conference play. If it all comes together in a hurry,
our prediction win total might be laughably low.
Set The Delaware Blue Hens Win Total At … 4.5
Likely Wins: Delaware State
50/50 Games: at FIU, at Jacksonville State, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, at Sam Houston, UConn, UTEP, WKU.
Likely Losses: at Colorado. At Liberty, at Wake Forest
4-8; maybe 5-7
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CUSA Announces 2025 Football Preseason Watch List and Bowl Confidence Index
7/18/2025 - bluehens.com
DALLAS – Conference USA released the 2025 preseason watch list, as selected by the league's 12 head coaches on Friday. Five student-athletes from each of the conference's 12 member institutions are recognized as key players to watch ahead of the 2025 season. For the Fightin' Blue Hens, the list featured OL Fintan Brose (Irwin, Pa./Hempfield Area), LB Gavin Moul, OL Anwar O'neal, K Nate Reed, and S KT Seay.
Brose appeared in four games last season with one start after two-consecutive All-CAA Third Team campaigns in 2022 and 2023. The Irwin, Pa. native has made 26 starts along the offensive line in his career.
Moul was an All-CAA Honorable Mention selection last season after he started all 11 games for the Blue & Gold at linebacker. The Bethel Park, Pa. native led the team with 71 tackles and finished second with 6.0 TFLs.
O'neal was an All-CAA Honorable Mention during the 2024 campaign. He started all 11 games on an offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks. The line also paved the way for a rushing attack that averaged 184.2 rush yards per game.
Reed, who set the Delaware single-season record with 47 touchbacks, was an All-CAA Honorable Mention honoree. He played in all 11 games and finished 7-of-10 on field goals with a long of 41. The Manheim, Pa. native tallied 56 total points on the year after going 35-of-39 on PAT attempts.
Seay finished his sophomore season as an All-CAA Third Team honoree. He started all 11 games for the Hens as he paced the squad with four interceptions and finished fifth with 38 tackles.
New for the league this season is the CUSA Bowl Confidence Index, a ranking in which the percentage indicates the likelihood of the school making a bowl game, as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches. Delaware was given a 29.17 percent chance to be bowl eligible.
School (Percentage)
Liberty (100.00%)
WKU (100.00%)
Jax State (91.67%)
LA Tech (75.00%)
Sam Houston (45.83%)
UTEP (41.67%)
FIU (37.50%)
Delaware (29.17%)
MTSU (25.00%)
NM State (25.00%)
Kennesaw State (16.67%)
Missouri State (12.50%)
Poised to start the new era of Delaware athletics in 2025-26, the Hens eye their first FBS season in 2025 as a member of Conference USA. The campaign kicks off at home against Delaware State on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m.
TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!
Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games.
For more information or to secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
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2025 Football Promo Schedule Announced
7/17/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The promotional schedule for all six University of Delaware football home games is set, Delaware Athletics announced Thursday.
Delaware opens the season at home against in-state rival Delaware State on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. The 302 Night will offer half-price tickets to government employees.
UD will host UConn on Saturday, September 13, playing an FBS opponent at home for the first time as a member of the bowl subdivision. The Hall of Fame, Healthcare Appreciation, and Band Day game will kickoff at 3 p.m., and it includes half-price tickets for healthcare employees, as well as performances by local high school bands at halftime alongside the UD marching band.
The Fightin' Blue Hens will make their home Conference USA debut against Western Kentucky on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m. for Parents and Family Weekend. It's a Blue Out, where fans are encouraged to wear blue, and it will also be a CUSA Mental Health Awareness Game.
The Hens host Middle Tennessee State on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. for Breast Cancer Awareness, First Responder Appreciation, Educator Appreciation, and Youth Cheer and Dance Day. Fans should wear pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and honor all those who are fighting or have fought the disease. There are also half-price tickets for first responders, a pregame clinic, and an in-game performance for kids (ages 5-12) featuring Delaware's spirit squads, as well as half-price tickets for local teachers (K-12).
Delaware's Homecoming game on Saturday, November 8 against Louisiana Tech will be at 3 p.m. In addition to Homecoming, it is Salute to Service, Celebration of Champions, MVP Day, and UD Faculty and Staff Appreciation. The day will celebrate past Delaware conference and national champions across all sports, as well as offer half-price tickets for University of Delaware faculty & staff, all active-duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel.
UD closes out its home slate with its Senior Day game against UTEP on Saturday, November 29 at 1 p.m. In addition to celebrating Delaware football's senior class, it is also Youth Day and Be a Hero Day, with half-price tickets for kids ages 3-12 with the purchase of an adult ticket.
TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!
Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games.
For more information or to secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
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Want to play as a Blue Hen? Delaware added to EA Sports 'College Football 26' video game
Delawareonline - 7-8-25
This July, you can become a Fightin' Blue Hen from home.
EA Sports College Football 26 video game will be released on July 10, and the University of Delaware will be among the teams you can select in the popular game.
The move comes months before the team will begin its first season as part of the Football Bowl Subdivision program, moving up from the FCS's Coastal Athletic Association conference. The Blue Hens will compete in Conference USA, taking on opponents like the perennially ranked Liberty Flames and last year's conference champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
“Being included in the EA Sports College Football video game is a huge benefit to joining FBS and Conference USA, as it brings great visibility to our university and our student-athletes," said interim Athletic Director Jordan Skolnick.
Visibility isn't the only way the school will benefit. Sports memorabilia magazine "cllct" reported last year that teams were also profiting from the game, paid by a "tier system" that directly relates to their on-field success. Delaware would have been in "Tier 4" for last year's game, due to their lack of an AP Top 25 appearance in the past 10 years. The Blue Hens would have made $9,987.52.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Delaware quarterback Zach Marker takes part in warmups before the Blue-White Spring Game, April 18, 2025 at Delaware Stadium.
Blue Hen players will have an option whether to opt into being a part of the game or not, through signing a "NIL" deal with the company. Each player who opted in for last year's game received $600 for the usage of their name, image and likeness, as well as a copy of the game itself.
EA Sports 'College Football 26' trailer.
When does EA Sports 'College Football 26' come out?
The game will be released on July 10. However, those who preorder the deluxe edition received early access to the game on July 7. It is still available for preorder now online, and those who preorder will be able to instantly download the game.
Adam Denn is a general assignments reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal.
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University of Delaware Officially Enters Conference USA
7/1/25 - BLUEHENS.COM
NEWARK, Del. – After a nearly 18-month wait, the new era is finally here and the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens are officially full members of Conference USA as of July 1, 2025. Fourteen of UD's 22 varsity programs will be housed in CUSA, with seven others joining as affiliate members in the Atlantic Sun (women's lacrosse, men's and women's swimming & diving), Atlantic 10 (men's lacrosse), Mid-American Conference (rowing), The Summit League (men's soccer), and Atlantic Hockey America (ice hockey). Field hockey will play an independent schedule this fall as the department continues to work diligently to finalize a new conference for the reigning CAA champions.
An athletic department built on history and tradition, Delaware brings an abundance of success to CUSA having won 10 national championships, 172 team conference titles, 282 individual conference crowns, 342 major conference awards, 2,655 all-league selections, and 543 all-americans.
UD student-athletes complement their athletic success with strong academic performances. During the 2024-25 academic year, the Blue Hens compiled a cumulative 3.41 grade-point average—the highest in department history, excluding academic terms impacted by COVID-19. This marked the 11th-consecutive year and the 23rd-straight semester in which UD student-athletes have posted a 3.00 GPA or better.
The move will push the Delaware brand across the nation, spanning from the northeast down into Florida, and west as far as New Mexico. However, the reach won't stop there. At least five football games will hit the national scene on CBS Sports Network/ESPN family of networks, including a non-conference tilt on FOX against Colorado. Men's and women's basketball will also have the chance to play nationally televised games as part of CUSA's media rights agreement with CBS Sports Network and ESPN.
Speaking of reach, Delaware's initial announcements about joining Conference USA reached over two billion people according to social media analytics. Put that into perspective - just over one million people live in the state of Delaware. That means these announcements reached over 2,000 Delawares.
Football has already benefitted, nearly filling its schedule through the 2029 season! These opponents include Power 4 games at Colorado and Wake Forest in its inaugural FBS season and hosting UConn in the first FBS game at Delaware Stadium. Other Power 4 road games include Vanderbilt, Virginia, Penn State, Maryland, Pitt, and Indiana. FBS home-and-home series are set with Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Temple, and Buffalo.
On the ice, the Hens have become the first-ever women's ice hockey program to have a partnership with a NHL franchise, as the Philadelphia Flyers have signed on to assist. In the newly rebranded Atlantic Hockey America (previously College Hockey America), UD has its inaugural roster and schedule set for the 2025-26 season.
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Football Set to Renew Rivalry in Home and Home Against Temple
6/9/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware football will renew its rivalry with longtime Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) opponent Temple with a home and home series starting in 2032, the schools announced jointly on Monday. The Owls will return to Newark on September 2, 2032, followed by the Blue Hens embarking to Philadelphia on September 1, 2033.
UD holds the all-time record of 22-14 between the two programs. Both were members of the MAC from 1958-69, with the Blue & Gold claiming six league titles during that span. The two teams played every season from 1954-85, the last time the schools matched up. The Blue Hens won 10-consecutive bouts over the Owls from 1954-63, outscoring them 385-84 during the decade.
The Delaware-Temple rivalry is etched in the record books. Temple owns the two fewest games when it comes to total yards by a Delaware opponent, as the Cherry & White recorded 16 total yards in 1969 and 27 total yards in 1961. Delaware has scored 50 or more points four times against the Owls and has shut them out five times. The squads also played in the first game at Frazer Field, the home of Blue Hens football from 1913-46, with the Hens defeating the Owls, 28-0, on October 18, 1913.
Former Blue Hens made a name for themselves against the Owls with multiple school records being set during the rivalry. In 1985, Darrell Booker broke the Delaware record for most tackles in a single game against Temple with 23, a record that would be tied three more times since then. In 1975, Johnny Bush tallied a 100-yard pick-six against the Owls, a feat that has only been accomplished four other times in school history.
The addition of the Owls to the schedule marks the second former rival added to the 2032 slate, joining James Madison. The Hens travel to Harrisonburg in 2032 to complete the four-game series.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets, partial plans, and select single game tickets are on sale now. Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games. Secure your seats today at BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
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2025 Football Kickoff Times and TV Selections Announced
6-1-2025 - BLUEHENS.COM
NEWARK, Del. – Game times for the 2025 University of Delaware football season are set, along with television selections, Conference USA announced Thursday in conjunction with its media partners. The Blue Hens are currently set to have five nationally televised bouts, with the potential for others flexed into the national spotlight.
Delaware opens the season at home against in-state rival Delaware State on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
The Blue Hens will head to the mountains for a matchup with Colorado on Saturday, September 6 at 1:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. ET) on FOX.
UD will host UConn on Saturday, September 13, playing an FBS opponent at home for the first time as a member of the bowl subdivision. The game will kickoff at 3 p.m. and will air on ESPN+.
On Saturday, September 20, the Blue & Gold will travel to Miami to take on Florida International at 6 p.m. on the ESPN family of networks.
The Blue Hens will make their home Conference USA debut on CBS Sports Network against Western Kentucky on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m. for Parents and Family Weekend.
Delaware then finds itself on ESPN2 at Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 15 for a 6 p.m. local kick (7 p.m. ET).
UD returns home the following Wednesday, October 22 to host Middle Tennessee State at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Blue & Gold will make its second appearance on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, November 1 at 3:30 p.m. to take on Liberty.
Delaware's homecoming game on Saturday, November 8 against Louisiana Tech will be at 3 p.m. and will be on the ESPN family of networks.
The Blue Hens will square off with Sam Houston on the road on Saturday, November 15 at noon local time (1 p.m. ET) on the ESPN platforms.
UD closes out its home slate with a game against UTEP on Saturday, November 29 at 1 p.m. that will air on the ESPN family of networks.
The kickoff time and TV selection for Wake Forest (11/22) will be announced at a later date.
All game time and TV selections are subject to change.
TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Single game tickets for the 2025 Delaware Football season go on sale Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m. — secure your seats early for games vs. Delaware State, Middle Tennessee State, Louisiana Tech and UTEP. Single game tickets for UConn and Western Kentucky will go on sale Thursday, July 17 at 10 a.m.
Season tickets and partial plans are on sale now. Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games. Secure your seats today at BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
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How will the Delaware Blue Hens do in Year One of FBS Football?
Lucca Mazzie | May 16, 2025
https://www.si.com/college/group-five/cusa/how-will-the-delaware-blue-hens-do-in-year-one-of-fbs-football
For the 2025 college football season, two new teams enter the FBS landscape after jumping up the FCS level. One of those teams is the Delaware Blue Hens.
The Blue Hens have been a solid program in the FCS in the past few years. Holding a 26-11 record over the last three seasons, Delaware has been a successful program under head coach Ryan Carty, with two appearances in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Going into 2025, they will join Conference USA along with former FCS side Missouri State.
Over the offseason, Delaware utilized the momentum from the FBS move on the recruiting side. They brought in athlete Azir Lee, a three-star recruit (247 sports) from Camden, New Jersey, the highest-rated recruit in Delaware history. To add to that, they brought in six other three-star recruits, as well as 13 unranked players.
In the transfer portal, the Blue Hens also made some strong moves. They added eight guys through the portal, including six coming from Power Five schools like Rutgers, Syracuse, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The Blue Hens have truly gone all out to make sure they perform in their new environment.
As far as FBS schedules go, Delaware's isn't mathematically the toughest. They start at home against rival and former FCS counterpart Delaware State. However, they follow that with a tough road test against Deion Sanders and Colorado. They then play UConn at home, before starting their conference schedule: at FIU, Western Kentucky, at Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee State, at Liberty, Louisiana Tech, then at Sam Houston State. Before their final conference game against UTEP, they meet Wake Forest on the road.
Their only easy victory theoretically comes against Delaware State. However, the Blue Hens could also claim victories against rebuilding clubs like Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech, as well.
With some big time offseason moves, and prestige at the lower level, the Delaware Blue Hens can not only upset some teams this, but could even be a great program in the FBS in the coming years, if fans can give Carty a little time.
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Football Inks UCF Transfer QB Riley Trujillo
5/1/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football program signed Riley Trujillo, head coach Ryan Carty announced Tuesday. Trujillo joins the Blue Hens after spending the previous season redshirting at UCF.
Trujillo, a St. Johns, Florida native, graduated from Bartram Trail High School in 2023. The 6-3 signal caller was the 11th-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2024 according to Rivals. He was rated as the No. 50 quarterback recruit in the nation and a three-star prospect by 247Sports.
Trujillo passed for 4,610 yards and 40 touchdowns for Bartram Trail, while adding 1,801 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. As a senior in 2023, Trujillo completed 99-of-177 passes for 1,549 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Bears to an 8-5 record and a regional final appearance in the Florida 4S Playoffs. In 2022, he led Bartram Trail to a 12-1 record and Florida 4S district title, completing 132-of-231 passes (57-percent) for 1,910 yards with 15 TDs as a junior. He rushed for 710 yards and five more scores, averaging 7.2 yards per carry in 2022.
Some of his high school accolades include the Florida Times-Union SUPER 11, Rivals MVP Golden Ball Award Winner, Elite 11 Regional Finalist (2022, 2023, 2024), Volusia-Flagler-St. Johns All-Area Football Offensive Team, nominated for Florida Offensive Player of the Year (2022), Offensive MVP National Combine at the 2023 All-American Bowl, News4Jax First Team selection, Second Team All-State (2022), and being on the ESPN Top 300 list (2022).
Trujillo selected the Knights out of high school over other notable offers from Arkansas, Duke, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for Delaware's inaugural 2025 campaign at the FBS level are now on sale. Fans who purchase season tickets can save up to 27-percent compared to single-game tickets. The Blue Hens will host six games at Delaware Stadium, and season ticket holders will have first access to upgrade their seats or parking, as well as purchase additional tickets for home and away games - including UD's matchups at Colorado (Sep. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). Partial plans and select individual game tickets will be available later this spring.
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Football Concludes Spring with Annual Blue & White Game
4/18/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware football completed the spring season with its annual Blue & White game on Friday, April 18 in Delaware Stadium. The event consisted of three scrimmage rounds with NFL pro bowl-style challenges mixed in.
HOW IT HAPPENED
1-on-1 competition: Offensive Line vs Defensive Line
The offensive and defensive line each won five reps, leaving the battle of the trenches in a tie.
Scrimmage 1: Offense vs Defense
On the first play from scrimmage, Zach Marker completed a 21-yard pass outside the numbers to Jake Thaw. The play was called by Marker's father, Gary through a paid sponsorship with the 302 Collective.
DT Jack Hall tallied a sack to halt the drive.
Quarterback Challenge
All five quarterbacks competed in a skills competition showing off accuracy, throw power, and mobility. The challenge consisted of six throws of increasing difficulty and point values.
Zach Marker went 4-for-6 for 16 points, as he was the only quarterback to hit the base of the goal post for five points. His final throw hit the moving target on the back of a golf cart for six points, enough to pass Austin Troyer.
Troyer came in second, completing 3-of-6 passes for 11 points. He joined Marker as the only other QB to hit the moving target in the endzone.
Nick Minicucci finished third with eight points, Braden Streeter had five points, while EJ Archield Jr. notched three points.
3-on-3 Open Field Tackle Competition
RB Greg Spiller scored the only offensive touchdown of the drill, helped by blockers WR Matt McKinley-Daniels and TE Connor Witthoft.
The defense stepped up for the final two iterations of the drill with S Kahlil Ali, LB Anthony Crenshaw Jr. and S Nate Spak combining for the first stop. S Jason Scott, LB Jawarren Corbin, and CB Nyair Domnie teamed up for the defense's second victory of the session.
Scrimmage 2: Offense vs Defense
J. Scott got in the backfield for a sack early in the drive.
Marker hit WR Donovan Lewis and Spiller for consecutive first downs.
The defense stood tall in the red zone as it came away with a turnover on downs on fourth and goal from the two yard line after the offense began with first and goal from the five.
Archield Jr. hit RB Saeed St. Fleur on a screen pass to pick up 22 yards.
LB Marje Mulumba came up with a tackle for loss on a run play, setting the offense back two yards.
Archield responded on the next play as he found WR Nick Tyree for a 26-yard touchdown up the seam on third and 12.
Kicking Competition
All three kickers competed in making field goals and placed kickoffs, showcasing their kick accuracy and kick power
Nate Reed led the way with 13 points, making the longest field goal of 47 yards and kicking the farthest kickoff to the six-yard line.
Garrett Bennion and Skyler Sholder each notched six points to tie for second place as WR Luke Brown held and LS Noah Vitko snapped for all three.
Scrimmage 3: Offense vs Defense
LB Gavin Moul made a quick statement, tackling his offensive counterpart behind the line of scrimmage.
Streeter found Witthoft for six as the tight end hurdled his defender at the one-yard line for a 16-yard touchdown.
DE Nate Ray was a menace in the backfield, recording two sacks and a TFL on the drive.
Troyer hit RB Daniel McConomy on a screen pass for 22 yards, allowing him to find paydirt.
DT James Yelbert Jr. got in the backfield for a loss of five, before DE Ethan Saunders tacked on a sack.
Reed was called upon to make a 47-yard field goal, drilling it with ease.
S Kingsley Royal tallied the defense's sixth sack to cap the evening.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for Delaware's inaugural 2025 campaign at the FBS level are now on sale. Fans who purchase season tickets can save up to 27-percent compared to single-game tickets. The Blue Hens will host six games at Delaware Stadium, and season ticket holders will have first access to upgrade their seats or parking, as well as purchase additional tickets for home and away games - including UD's matchups at Colorado (Sep. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). Partial plans and select individual game tickets will be available later this spring.
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Football Set to Play Indiana in 2030; Buffalo Game Date Changed
4/9/2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team will head to Indiana to take on the Hoosiers on September 14, 2030, the schools announced jointly Wednesday. Due to the addition of this game, the previously announced game at Buffalo will now take place on September 7, 2030. This will be UD's first-ever game against the Hoosiers.
The game at Indiana marks the 21st non-conference football game scheduled since the department announced the move to FBS in November of 2023.
The Blue Hens will return to the field on Friday, April 18 for the annual Blue & White Spring Game at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Season tickets for Delaware's inaugural 2025 campaign at the FBS level are now on sale. Fans who purchase season tickets can save up to 27-percent compared to single-game tickets. The Blue Hens will host six games at Delaware Stadium, and season ticket holders will have first access to upgrade their seats or parking, as well as purchase additional tickets for home and away games - including UD's matchups at Colorado (Sep. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). Partial plans and select individual game tickets will be available later this spring.
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Blue Hen Football long time offensive coordinator passed away:
3/23/25 - hickshomeforfunerals.com
Theodore “Ted” C. Kempski, 84, of Elkton, MD passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Born in Wilmington, DE on April 8, 1940, he was the son of the late Theodore T. and Margaret Tessein Kempski.
A native of Wilmington, DE and a star at Salesianum School, Ted has served the University of Delaware for more than a half-century. He returned to Newark as an assistant coach in 1968 and served for 34 seasons before retiring as offensive coordinator following the 2001 season.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Catherine “Cathy” M. Kempski; children, Daniel Kempski (Wendy Wolf), Wilmington, DE, and Margaret “Peggy” Rambo-Biddle (Patrick), Elkton, MD; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eve Roberts Kempski; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Abrams; and his daughter, Janeen Rambo-Whalen.
Funeral service will be held 4 PM, Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 W. Stockton Street, Elkton, MD 21921, with visitation beginning at 2 PM. Interment will be private in Cherry Hill Methodist Cemetery, Cherry Hill, MD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Delaware Athletic Fund at 631 S. College Avenue, Bob Carpenter Center- Room 239, Newark, DE 19716.
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/md/elkton/theodore-c-kempski-19530243
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Football Ready for 2025 Spring Practices; Spring Game Set for April 18
March /2025 - bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The new era of University of Delaware football is officially here as the team begins its preparations for the 2025 season - its inaugural FBS campaign as members of Conference USA. The Blue Hens will begin spring practices on Saturday, March 8, the first of 14 practices that lead up to the annual Blue-White Spring Game.
While practices will not be open to the general public, fans can follow along through the program's social media accounts for behind-the-scenes content as well as on Bluehens.com for additional features.
The 2025 Blue-White Spring Game will take place at Delaware Stadium on Friday, April 18 at 6 p.m. The Spartin Family Gate will open at 5 p.m., and parking and admission is free to the public. All seating will be in the west stands and is general admission. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the Blue Hens in a live scrimmage atmosphere as the offense takes on the defense in the team's final spring tune-up before the 2025 season.
The Whitney Athletic Center Stadium Club will be open during the spring game exclusively to season ticket members who have renewed or purchased their 2025 season tickets, and will include a cash bar along with free appetizers on a first come first serve basis from 5 - 6 p.m. During that time in the stadium club, Delaware football alum and newly-hired general manager Patrick Callaway will take part in a Q-and-A with season ticket members.
At the conclusion of the season ticket member event at 6 p.m., the stadium club will remain open to all fans, including concessions and cash bar offerings, throughout the game.
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Season tickets for Delaware's inaugural 2025 campaign at the FBS level are now on sale. Fans who purchase season tickets can save up to 27-percent compared to single-game tickets. The Blue Hens will host six games at Delaware Stadium, and season ticket holders will have first access to upgrade their seats or parking, as well as purchase additional tickets for home and away games - including UD's matchups at Colorado (Sep. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). Partial plans and select individual game tickets will be available later this spring.
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Hen House Powered by Schell Brothers Unveils Exclusive Upgrades for 2025 Football Season
3/10/2025 - bluehens.com
Delaware football fans will enjoy an enhanced gameday experience this fall, thanks to exciting upgrades to the Hen House powered by Schell Brothers, the premier tailgating destination at Delaware Stadium. The upgrades, inspired by fan feedback, promise to provide an elevated experience for all attendees and make every home game even more memorable.
"Schell Brothers is thrilled to partner with the University of Delaware sports teams this season," Director of Marketing at Schell Brothers Alyssa Titus said. "We're excited to support our local athletes and participate in the Blue Hen community spirit! We can't wait to share game day fun with all the fans."
A One-of-a-Kind Experience in a Premium Location
For the 2025 season, the Hen House is introducing 34 premium VIP parking spaces, situated in a prime location next to the Anchor Buick GMC Fan Zone. These spaces offer fans unparalleled access to the vibrant pre-game atmosphere and are conveniently located near the start of the all new Flight Path. The Flight Path will occur close to 3 hours before kickoff, and allow fans to join our band and spirit programs as they welcome the team to the stadium on game days. More details on the Flight Path, and additional gameday experience enhancements will be announced this summer.
Room to Celebrate and Enjoy
Each new VIP parking space measures a generous 15'x30'—a significant upgrade from the standard 9'x18' spaces—allowing ample room for tailgate tents and gatherings with friends and family. Fans will also enjoy the convenience of a wide 20' drive lane, ensuring easy access without navigating around other tailgate setups.
Upgrades Based on Fan Feedback
The improvements to the Hen House powered by Schell Brothers come directly from feedback gathered from Blue Hens' fans, aiming to make the tailgating experience more enjoyable and comfortable. These changes reflect the university's commitment to continuously enhancing the fan experience and providing the best possible atmosphere for every game day.
Private Tent Reservations Still Available
In addition to the new VIP parking spaces, the Hen House will continue to offer space for private tent reservations. Fans can secure a turnkey tailgate experience to host clients, employees, social groups, or friends and family. These private tents offer a premium setting for anyone looking to elevate their game day experience with a hassle-free, all-inclusive tailgate.
Prime Real Estate, Limited Availability
These exclusive 34 VIP parking spaces will be available to current season ticket members during the Seat & Parking Relocation & Upgrade process, which starts on March 13, 2025. Any available spaces will go on sale to the general public on a season basis starting April 1, 2025. With only a limited number of spots available, fans are encouraged to act fast to reserve their VIP parking for the 2025 season.
For just $750 per season pass, fans can secure their spot for every home game. That's just $125 per game to enjoy the ultimate tailgate experience in the heart of the action.
Reserve Your VIP Parking Pass Now
To reserve your VIP parking spot or inquire about private tent reservations, visit https://bluehens.com/feature/football25 or call the Delaware Ticket Office at (302) 831-2257. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be part of the best pre-game atmosphere in college football.
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Complete Football Schedule Announced for 2025
2/6/2025 - BLUEHENS.COM
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football schedule for the inaugural FBS season in Conference USA has been released, the league announced Thursday. The Blue & Gold will play four previously announced non-conference contests and an eight-game Conference USA slate, with six total games being played at Delaware Stadium.
The Department of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation (DACCR) also announced that the Parents and Family Weekend game will take place on Friday, October 3 against Western Kentucky and Homecoming will happen on Saturday, November 8 versus Louisiana Tech.
The 2025 CUSA alignment will feature 12 teams with no divisions. FIU, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP and WKU, along with newcomers Delaware and Missouri State comprise CUSA for the 2025 football season. The 2025 schedule complies with CUSA scheduling policies as approved by the Board of Directors.
With the move to FBS and Conference USA, the Hens will play at least three national television games as part of the league's media rights agreement. This marks the third season of "Weekday CUSA," which will see all October league matchups played on midweek evenings. CUSA's broadcast partners will share the October weeknight football games on linear television across CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU.
The full 2025 schedule can be seen here. Game times will be announced at a later date.
Delaware State – Thursday, August 28 – Delaware Stadium
The Blue Hens are 11-0 against their in-state rivals, with a 10-0 mark at Delaware Stadium.
The two teams last met during the 2022 season, a 35-9 UD victory behind Nolan Henderson's 240 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Delaware State is coming off a 1-11 season in 2024 and is entering its first season under new head coach DeSean Jackson.
Colorado – Saturday, September 6 – Boulder Colo.
This will be the first meeting between the two programs.
Colorado is entering its third season under head coach Deion Sanders.
The Buffaloes went 9-4 last season behind Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and played in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
UConn – Saturday, September 13 – Delaware Stadium
UConn will be the first FBS program to visit Delaware Stadium in the new era.
The Blue Hens lead the all-time series 20-7, including a 12-2 record at Delaware Stadium.
In the most recent meeting in 1998, the then-No. 15 Blue Hens defeated then-No. 5 UConn 59-17 behind a program record 732 yards of total offense, including a record 556 passing yards by quarterback Matt Nagy.
UConn is coming off a 9-4 record a season ago, after going 3-9 in 2023, and beat UNC in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl.
Florida International - Saturday, September 20 – Miami, Fla.
Delaware will hit the road for its first-ever CUSA contest.
It will be the first meeting between the two schools.
FIU went 4-8 in 2024 and is entering its first season under new head coach Willie Simmons.
Western Kentucky – Friday, October 3 – Delaware Stadium – Parents & Family Weekend*
The Blue Hens will host their first CUSA opponent on a Friday night as part of UD's Parents & Family Weekend.
Delaware is 2-0 all-time against WKU, winning both previous meetings during the 1981-82 seasons.
WKU went 8-6 overall in 2024, and 6-2 in CUSA play to advance to the conference championship game.
Jacksonville State - Wednesday, October 15 – Jacksonville, Ala.
Delaware travels to the reigning CUSA champions for a Wednesday night matchup.
The Blue Hens are 2-0 against the Gamecocks with wins in the 1978 Division II quarterfinals and the 2020-21 Spring FCS quarterfinals.
Jax State went 9-4 in 2024 with a 7-1 mark in CUSA, winning the league's regular season title before defeating Western Kentucky in the CUSA Championship Game.
Middle Tennessee State - Wednesday, October 22 – Delaware Stadium
The Blue Hens will host a midweek matchup against the Blue Raiders.
Delaware is 2-0 all-time against MTSU, winning both previous meetings during the 1977-78 seasons.
MTSU went 3-9 overall in 2024 and 2-6 in CUSA play.
Liberty – Saturday, November 1 – Lynchburg, Va.
Delaware will open November with its first-ever trip to Liberty.
It will be the first meeting between the two schools.
After winning the CUSA Championship in 2023, Liberty went 8-4 last season and 5-3 in conference play, playing in the Bahamas Bowl.
Louisiana Tech - Saturday, November 8 – Delaware Stadium – Homecoming*
The Blue Hens will host Louisiana Tech as part of the University's Homecoming Weekend.
UD won the only previous meeting between the two schools, a 17-0 victory in the 1982 NCAA I-AA semifinals.
LA Tech went 5-8 in 2024 with a 4-4 record in CUSA action and played No. 19 Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
Sam Houston State - Saturday, November 15 – Huntsville, Texas
Delaware Football head coach Ryan Carty makes his return to Sam Houston where he spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator. Several other members of the coaching staff spent time coaching in Huntsville.
It will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Sam Houston went 10-3 in 2024 and tied for second in the CUSA standings with a 6-2 record. The Bearkats defeated Georgia Southern in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Wake Forest - Saturday, November 22 – Winston-Salem, N.C.
Delaware plays its final road game of the season when it takes on its first ACC opponent since 2019.
The Blue Hens are 0-2 all-time against the Demon Deacons, with the most recent meeting coming in 2016.
Wake Forest is coming off a 4-8 season in 2024, but has played in a bowl game in seven of the past nine seasons.
UTEP - Saturday, November 29 – Delaware Stadium
The Blue Hens will close the regular season at home against the Miners.
It will be the first meeting between the two schools in the only season as conference opponents with UTEP's departure to the Mountain West Conference in 2026.
UTEP went 3-9 last season and 3-5 in CUSA play.
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Season tickets for the 2025 season, Delaware's inaugural campaign at the FBS level, are on sale now. Fans who purchase season tickets by February 28, 2025 can save up to nine percent on their season ticket package with Early Bird pricing and up to 34 percent over single-game ticket prices. The Blue Hens will play six home games at Delaware Stadium, and season ticket members also get first access to upgrade their seats and/or parking space, additional home and away game tickets, including UD's games at Colorado (Sept. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22), and receive a 2025 Delaware Football STM gift. Partial plans and individual game tickets will go on sale at a later date.
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Ryan Carty Signs Contract Extension Through 2030
1/14/2025 3:00:00 PM | bluehens.com
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware and Head Football Coach Ryan Carty have agreed upon a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the football program through 2030, Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak announced Tuesday.
"Coach Carty is a proud Blue Hen who has injected creativity, energy and a winning mindset into our football program," President Dennis Assanis said. "He has led our student-athletes to great accomplishments over the past three seasons, both on and off the field. We all look forward to having Ryan continue leading our program into an exciting new era and wish him and the team continued success."
Carty was named Delaware's head coach in December 2021 and has led the Blue Hens to immense success over the past three seasons. The Blue & Gold has gone 26-11 under Carty and the Blue Hens advanced to the FCS Playoffs in each of his first two seasons, winning first round games in 2022 and 2023. UD has won at least eight wins in three-straight years for the first time since the 1995-97 seasons and the nine wins in both 2023 and 2024 marked the first back-to-back nine-win seasons since 2003-04. Delaware's win over Rhode Island this season was Carty's 25th career victory, tying him with David Nelson for the third-fastest Delaware coach to reach 25 wins.
"First off, I would like to thank President Assanis and Chrissi Rawak for the support and trust they have in me," Carty said. "I am incredibly honored to continue leading the University of Delaware football program through this exciting and transformative era. Over the past three seasons, we've built a foundation of success together—both on and off the field. It's a testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved, and I am eager to lead this team into a new chapter of competition and growth."
UD's offense has been prolific with Carty calling the plays, increasing its scoring output and total offense each season. The Blue Hens have scored at least 40 points on 14 occasions and surpassed 400 total yards of offense 19 times, including 11 games with more than 500 yards.
Delaware has had 34 players earn All-CAA honors during Carty's three seasons, including a league-high 15 in 2024, and five Blue Hens have received All-America selections. The program has also been successful off the field with 254 CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll honorees, 14 CSC Academic All-District selections and two Campbell Trophy Award semifinalists.
"I'm delighted to have Coach Carty continue his tenure as our head football coach," Rawak said. "He is the definition of Blue Hen Built and represents the 302 with an innate sense of pride having graduated from UD. I believe in him and his staff's ability to continue to lead us into the new era of Delaware Athletics in Conference USA."
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Season tickets for the 2025 season, Delaware's inaugural campaign at the FBS level, are on sale now. Fans who purchase season tickets by February 28, 2025 can save up to 34 percent on their season ticket packages over single-game ticket prices. The Blue Hens will play six home games at Delaware Stadium, including non-conference contests against Delaware State (Aug. 28) and UConn (Sept. 13). Season ticket members also get first access to away game tickets, including UD's games at Colorado (Sept. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). The eight-game Conference USA schedule, which consists of four home games, will be announced by February.
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Temple University Names K.C. Keeler Head Football Coach
12.1.24 - https://owlsports.com/
PHILADELPHIA - Temple University has hired K.C. Keeler as the new head coach of the Temple football program. Keeler, a championship-winning head coach who has successfully built winning programs at multiple levels of college football, brings a track record of effective recruiting in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and elite-level coaching to the Owls' program.
"Coach Keeler has a track record of evaluating, recruiting, and developing student-athletes into championship-level young men," Vice President/Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz '65 Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson said. "His leadership, experience, and the culture he establishes within programs are exactly what Temple football needs as we look to return to prominence in the competitive college football landscape. We are ecstatic to welcome K.C., his wife, Janice, and his entire family to Temple."
"Coach Keeler is a proven winner, but just as important as that, he is a proven program builder. That is exactly what he did at both the University of Delaware and Sam Houston State University," said Temple University President John Fry. "He also led the Bearkats through a seamless transition from the FCS to the FBS, where his teams continually rose to the challenge. Coach Keeler is the perfect leader to help us navigate the rapidly changing landscape of college football and position Temple to compete for conference championships and play in bowl games. This is a great day for Temple University."
Voted one of the 150 greatest college coaches of all time by Blue Ribbon ESPN panel in 2019, Keeler most recently served as head coach at Sam Houston where he compiled a 97-39 record over his 11 years at the helm. The Bearkats advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs six times and went a perfect 10-0 during the 2020 season to capture a FCS national title.
Additionally, Keeler guided the Bearkats through their successful transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision as part of Conference USA, where they earned bowl eligibility this year with a 9-3 record, narrowly missing out on an appearance in the C-USA title game.
"I am beyond thrilled to be named Temple University's next head football coach," Keeler said. "I would like to thank Arthur Johnson and President John Fry for this incredible opportunity. Their shared vision and enthusiasm for returning this program to greatness has been contagious. I'm eager to get to work to bring that vision to fruition for the Cherry and the White. It's a perfect fit and it feels great to be coming back home!"
Keeler's experience also includes coaching stints at Rowan University (1993-2001) and the University of Delaware (2002-12), where he led the Blue Hens to three FCS national championship game appearances and won the 2003 title. Throughout his career, Keeler has earned several prestigious coaching honors, including the Eddie Robinson Award as the FCS Coach of the Year in 2016.
In his remarkable coaching career, Keeler has amassed 271 career wins, making him the second-winningest active college coach and 21st-winningest college coach of all-time. His teams have appeared in 17 NCAA postseason playoff appearances, 11 conference championships, and have played in nine national championship games across all levels.
Keeler made history as the only coach to win national titles at two different FCS institutions, having claimed championships at both Sam Houston (2020) and Delaware (2003). He was also the fifth-fastest coach to record 250 wins in college football history.
Keeler's accomplishments extend beyond his team's successes on the field. He is known for developing NFL talent, including Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco and 2018 second-round pick PJ Hall, and for mentoring 77 All-America players. His ability to cultivate academic excellence has also been a hallmark of his career, with 22 student-athletes earning national or district Academic All-America honors under his watch.
In addition to his coaching success, Keeler has been involved in numerous community service initiatives. He and his wife, Janice, raised nearly $1 million as part of the One Campaign for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, and he has been recognized by the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation for his commitment to helping others.
Keeler, originally from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where he played linebacker for the Blue Hens. He and his wife, Janice, have two children, Kate and Jackson, and are the proud grandparents of Gannon, Isla, and Calla.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT COACH KEELER...
"I'm so grateful of my time working with K.C. I quickly learned about his approach of putting people first and transformational leadership. He gave me the opportunity to grow as a young coach and steered me along the way. I will be forever thankful for my opportunity to coach for him. I'm excited to see where he takes the program at Temple!"
-Dan Lanning, Head Football Coach, University of Oregon
"K.C. will be a great hire at Temple. His recruiting skillset is one of the best in the country. His success at Delaware and what he accomplished at Sam Houston State makes him one of the best coaches in the country."
-Andy Talley, Former Villanova Football Coach; College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
"Coach Keeler took a chance on me 20 years ago and I'll never forget that. I couldn't be more excited for him and his family. If you're an Owls fan, I'd be excited. He has been a winner everywhere he's been."
-Joe Flacco, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts; Super Bowl XLVII MVP
"Coach Keeler is a great fit and a great look for the Owls! They will be competing for championships in no time! Every program he has been around, he has turned the program around. He is a great leader and always surrounds himself with great coaches. I can't wait to see this unfold! Congratulations to Temple, you have your guy!"
-Mike Adams, 16-Year NFL Veteran; Captain of 2003 Delaware National Championship Team
"Bearkat Football has been very blessed to have had a Hall of Fame coach like K.C. have such a positive impact on our program. I want to thank Coach Keeler for what he has done for our football program and athletic department. I am so proud of all the successes our program has achieved on the field, in the classroom, and community under his leadership. He has worked hard to embrace and enhance our environment for student-athletes in the football program. I believe we have worked very well together through all the changes we have faced over the years and have developed a strong professional leadership group and personal friendship. I am very happy for K.C. and Janice to have the opportunity to be closer to family and their home."
-Bobby Williams, Director of Athletics, Sam Houston
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