HBCU Football: Delaware State football dominated in Route 1 Rivalry

The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens dominate Delaware State football 34-14 in the Route 1 Rivalry over the HBCU football program. 

The Delaware Blue Hens dominated the tenth installment of the Route 1 Rivalry from start to finish defeating the Delaware State football team 34-14 in Dover at Alumni Stadium. The Hornets could not find any offense against a stalwart Hens defense totaling a meager 186 total yards. Delaware State did not score an offensive touchdown until the fourth quarter, with its first touchdown from a blocked punt.

Delaware, on the other hand, had no issues moving the ball. The Hornets played well defensively early in the game in spots but were gassed by the second quarter. The Hens took advantage of two first-quarter turnovers by Delaware State starting quarterback Jared Lewis. The Hens dictated the pace of play all game controlling the ball on the ground and eating the clock.

A clear talent advantage

It was clear from the beginning of the game the Hens had a talent advantage in this game. The advantage began in the trenches. The Hornets could not block Delaware’s defensive line; thus, the Hornets could not run the football, and Lewis had no time to throw the football. Delaware State running back Sy’Veon Wilkerson ran well in spots, but the Hens dominated the line of scrimmage.

The Hens had no issues moving and blocking the Hornets’ smallish, less athletic defensive line. Hens running back Dejoun Lee showed his all-purpose running skills with 109 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards. Though Delaware’s running game was not dynamic (4 yards per rush),  it shortened the game in the second half.

Though the Hens scored just 34 points, it could have been much worse.

Takeaways

For the Hornets, they have a talented young nucleus. Lews and Wilkerson are a good one-two punch in the backfield offensively with some big, physical wide receivers on the perimeter. However, Delaware State football is young, and it showed today against the Hens.

Delaware State plays its season finale against South Carolina State next Saturday.

The Blue Hens proved why they are the eighth-ranked team in FCS.  Delaware’s defense was physical and fast, flying around the football all game. The Hornets’ offense could do nothing all game long. Offensively, the Hens offensive balance and skill on the offensive line gave them an advantage the Hornets could do nothing with.

Delaware plays Villanova before getting ready for the FCS postseason.