Instant analysis as Delaware's offense shines, defense clamps down
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Instant analysis as Delaware's offense shines, defense clamps down
Kevin Tresolini, Delaware News Journal
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3 min read
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The outcome of the Delaware's final game of October ensured November will matter for the Blue Hens.
Delaware prevailed 35-21at Western Kentucky in their Conference USA matchup Oct. 27, which enhanced its chances to be bowl-eligible when the regular season concludes.
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Four November games, beginning with Delaware's first game against Kennesaw State on the road Nov. 7, will determine that.
The Blue Hens will go there with 4-4 overall and 2-2 CUSA records, hoping to carry momentum from a rewarding win over the Hilltoppers (3-5, 2-2).
Why Delaware should relish those upcoming opportunities and carry confidence into them was clear in their victory at WKU. Delaware hadn't won on the road since last Sept. 20 at Florida International, ending a seven-game skid in away games.
"We took care of the ball," coach Ryan Carty told Blue Hens Radio afterward. "We took care of each other. Played hard. Played fast. Created some havoc and, again, on the road, you got to play clean, you got to play together. We did that.
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"It's great to get a road win. It's been so long and hopefully this is the start of a little bit of a run for us because I think we're all coming together right now. I think we understand who we are as a team."
Offensive firepower and defensive improvement were at the root of it.
Nick Minicucci rewrites UD record book
Delaware has become quite familiar with quarterback Nick Minicucci's exploits.
He was among the nation's leading passers last year, was second-team All-CUSA in 2025 and the league's preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2026.
If his value wasn't already obvious, Minicucci missing losses to Liberty and Middle Tennessee with a knee injury made it quite clear.
Delaware dance team members perforrn as the Delaware cheerleaders and band get set for kickoff in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
A Delaware marching band member looks to the crowd in pregame performance in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware takes the field before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware captains head for the coin toss before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Honorary captain Dr. Bob Thompson wears a hat making a colorful declaration of his allegiance before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s James Steel rushes Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Kaderris Roberts pushes past would-be Missouri State tacklers and scores the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Jaquise Alexander (8) breaks up a pass intended for Missouri State’s Jmariyae Robinson in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Baby Blue takes flight in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Fans in the student section enjoy “Sweet Caroline” in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
A student stands for “Sweet Caroline” in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Sean Wilson (right) can’t pull in a pass against Missouri State’s Joel Boamah in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware cheerleaders perform a stunt in a break in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
The Delaware offense gets set for a second quarter play against Missouri State in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws a touchdown pass in the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Bryson Graves makes a second quarter touchdown reception over Missouri State’s Malik Gannaway in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Gavin Moul (left) and Blake Matthews make a tackle on Missouri State’s Connor Lair in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Jamarion Kolagbodi (right) cuts down a Missouri State ball carrier in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware cornerback Jamarion Kolagbodi celebrates a stop In the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware tight end Scott Moore makes a catch before slipping into the end zone for touchdown reception in the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware banners fly after a second quarter score in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware head coach Ryan Carty looks to the scoreboard after a Missouri State touchdown in the second quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws in the second quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Bryson Graves returns a kickoff deep into Missouri State territory in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware tight end Elijah Sessoms gets a touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware tight end Elijah Sessoms rejoices in his touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware defensive end Noah Matthews pressures Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Brandon Gorham (3) sets up a Delaware touchdown with a long kickoff return against Missouri State in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026. Delaware’s Jawarren Corbin (11) and Blake Matthews follow.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci takes the ball into the end zone on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci celebrates his touchdown on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware tight end Jackson Whitacre (left) joins in as quarterback Nick Minicucci celebrates his touchdown on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s George Mullins (right) is escorted by Kshawn Cox Jr. as the pair celebrate Mullins’ interception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware tight end Scott Moore fights off Missouri State defenders on a fourth down catch in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware cheerleaders hail a score in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Sean Wilson is stymied by Missouri State’s Joel Boamah n the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Donovan Lewis celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware’s Donovan Lewis (center) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Fans cheer a Delaware fourth-quarter touchdown in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci enjoys the post-game celebration with his teammates after the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
1/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware dance team members perforrn as the Delaware cheerleaders and band get set for kickoff in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
1/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware dance team members perforrn as the Delaware cheerleaders and band get set for kickoff in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
2/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
A Delaware marching band member looks to the crowd in pregame performance in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
3/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware takes the field before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
4/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware captains head for the coin toss before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
5/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Honorary captain Dr. Bob Thompson wears a hat making a colorful declaration of his allegiance before the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
6/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s James Steel rushes Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
7/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
8/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Kaderris Roberts pushes past would-be Missouri State tacklers and scores the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
9/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware’s Jaquise Alexander (8) breaks up a pass intended for Missouri State’s Jmariyae Robinson in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
10/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Baby Blue takes flight in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
11/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Fans in the student section enjoy “Sweet Caroline” in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
12/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
A student stands for “Sweet Caroline” in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
13/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Sean Wilson (right) can’t pull in a pass against Missouri State’s Joel Boamah in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
14/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware cheerleaders perform a stunt in a break in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri Stateat Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
15/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
The Delaware offense gets set for a second quarter play against Missouri State in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
16/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws a touchdown pass in the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
17/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware’s Bryson Graves makes a second quarter touchdown reception over Missouri State’s Malik Gannaway in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
18/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Gavin Moul (left) and Blake Matthews make a tackle on Missouri State’s Connor Lair in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
19/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware’s Jamarion Kolagbodi (right) cuts down a Missouri State ball carrier in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
20/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware cornerback Jamarion Kolagbodi celebrates a stop In the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
21/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware tight end Scott Moore makes a catch before slipping into the end zone for touchdown reception in the second quarter against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
22/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware banners fly after a second quarter score in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
23/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware head coach Ryan Carty looks to the scoreboard after a Missouri State touchdown in the second quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
24/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci throws in the second quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
25/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Bryson Graves returns a kickoff deep into Missouri State territory in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
26/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware tight end Elijah Sessoms gets a touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
27/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware tight end Elijah Sessoms rejoices in his touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
28/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware defensive end Noah Matthews pressures Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
29/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware’s Brandon Gorham (3) sets up a Delaware touchdown with a long kickoff return against Missouri State in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026. Delaware’s Jawarren Corbin (11) and Blake Matthews follow.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
30/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci takes the ball into the end zone on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
31/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci celebrates his touchdown on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
32/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware tight end Jackson Whitacre (left) joins in as quarterback Nick Minicucci celebrates his touchdown on a keeper in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
33/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s George Mullins (right) is escorted by Kshawn Cox Jr. as the pair celebrate Mullins’ interception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
34/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware tight end Scott Moore fights off Missouri State defenders on a fourth down catch in the third quarter of the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
35/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware cheerleaders hail a score in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
36/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Sean Wilson is stymied by Missouri State’s Joel Boamah n the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
37/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Delaware’s Donovan Lewis celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
38/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware’s Donovan Lewis (center) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown reception in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
39/40
Delaware Online photos of the week. Capturing the moment
Fans cheer a Delaware fourth-quarter touchdown in the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win against Missouri State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
40/40
Blue Hen quarterback returns, leads Delaware in scoring spree
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci enjoys the post-game celebration with his teammates after the Blue Hens’ 61-38 win at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 20, 2026.
(William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal)
Minicucci returned last week and tied a school record with five touchdown passes in a 61-38 win over Missouri State.
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He then outdid himself at WKU.
Minicucci set two Delaware single-game records by completing his first 18 passes to give Delaware a 28-21 halftime lead. Nolan Henderson had completed 17 in a row in 2022 over two games against Hampton and Towson and Zach Marker had completed 16 straight to start a win over Towson in 2023.
He finished 32-for-38 for 414 yards with two TDs to Sean Wilson, who had 183 yards on nine catches. Minicucci was sacked just once.
Defense can't be overshadowed
Western Kentucky scored on its first three possessions, which certainly instilled some doubt in Delaware's ability to prevail.
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The Hilltoppers never scored again.
It wasn't the first time Delaware's defense had adjusted and risen to the occasion this year.
Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) runs with the ball as Delaware Blue Hens defensive back AJ Graham (27) attempts a tackle during the first half at Scott Stadium.
The Hens shut out Coastal Carolina in the second half of a 22-14 win Sept. 19 and Missouri State for the final 25 minutes, except for a late, meaningless field goal, in the 61-38 win Oct. 20.
Interceptions by safeties Kevin Moore and A.J. Graham were critical, as were back-to-back sacks by Trace Scott III that forced WKU to punt on its fourth possession. Delaware also stopped WKU on downs on its last three possessions.
While the Hens allowed 477 yards, including 129 rushing and 224 passing to quarterback Brock Glenn, they made the right plays at the right times, which will be a necessity during those decisive November games.
