Opportunistic Hens down Hornets, 38-14

Opportunistic Hens down Hornets, 38-14

By D. Henry

Action from the first ever football game between the University of Delaware (in blue) and Delaware State University (in white).

   NEWARK, DEL.–Delaware State outgained host Delaware by 71 yards and won the time of possession battle by nearly 11 minutes, but was undone by key mistakes in a 38-14 loss to the #15 Hens in the First State Rivalry Tubby Raymond Field today. The Hens, 2-0 this season, improved to 4-0 all-time in the battle between the state’s two Division I football programs.

     The Hornets (1-1) were plagued by two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, a blocked field goal attempt and several costly penalties. Delaware State racked up 353 total yards in the contest, its best showing in four meetings against the Hens. The Hornets had 298 yards passing, but were held to 55 yards on the ground. Delaware recorded 282 total yards, its fewest in the series with DSU. The Hens posted 155 yards passing and 127 rushing. Delaware State appeared headed for a score on the opening drive of the game, but was denied due to a special teams’ mistake. The Hornets drove 63 yards on 12 plays to the UD 12-yard line, but Mitchell Ward’s 29-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Delaware’s Marcus Burley.

     The Hornets had four first downs on the opening drive, two on third down completions from Nick Elko to Justin Wilson (seven yards) and Justin Brewton (nine yards). After Delaware went three-and-out on its first possession, the Hornets embarked on another long drive into Blue Hen territory. DSU marched 54 yards on 11 plays to the Delaware 26 when another miscue resulted in the game’s first score. Elko’s third down pass to Wilson was tipped into the hands of Delaware’s Ricky Tunstall, who avoided several would-be tacklers on a 91-yard return for a touchdown on the interception with 3:39 left in the first quarter. Sean Baner’s extra point kick gave the Hens a 7-0 lead.