Opening games usually have their share of mistakes, and Delaware certainly needed both hands to count those on Thursday night. With a first game under a new coaching staff and operating new offensive and defensive systems that’s gonna happen.
A huge and colorful student turnout celebrated the start of the football season. WILLIAM BRETZGER/THE NEWS JOURNAL
As a result, a 51-35 win over Jacksonville at Delaware Stadium was closer than many expected and the Blue Hens liked. Two early fumbles that led to touchdowns were costly, and Delaware didn’t take its first lead until the third quarter.
But the Blue Hens still showed considerable promise, especially with an offense that piled up 611 yards with plenty of plays that left Delaware Stadium fans saying “wow.”
It was the best total offense output since Delaware had 620 in a 49-14 win over Portland State in the opening round of the 2000 NCAA playoffs when Tubby Raymond was coach, and the 17th best single-game total in UD history.
Three backs exceeded 85 yards: Andrew Pierce (101 on 16 carries), Julian Laing (97/13) and Jalen Randolph (87/16). That last time that occurred was when Leo Hamlett, Kai Hebron and Pat Williams each had more than 100 yards vs. James Madison in a 1995 win.
Delaware played its first game under coach Dave Brock. WILLIAM BRETZGER/THE NEWS JOURNAL
The Hens’ defense also spent much of the night in the Jacksonville backfield. The Dolphins’ minus-37 yards rushing were the fewest Delaware allowed on the ground since C.W. Post had minus-55 in the 1971 Boardwalk Bowl, and the third lowest total in UD history.
Jacksonville is a non-scholarship team that was playing an opponent it could not scout because there was no tape.
Now there will be, and future foes will be better prepared to play Delaware. But it doesn’t appear anyone will have an easy time defending the Hens.