![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0EyevE_0vDtA4VD00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=0EyevE_0vDtA4VD00)
WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Delaware Stadium (18,000), Newark.
RADIO: WDSD 94.7-FM (Scott Klatzkin, Bill Harmon).
TV: FloSports (fee required).
SOCIAL MEDIA (X): DSNSports.
COACHES : Delaware — Ryan Carty (17-9, 3rd season); Bryant — Chris Merritt (23-26, 6th season).
NATIONAL RANKING: Delaware is No. 5 in FCS by Congrove computer rankings, No. 10 by HeroSports.
SERIES: First meeting.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I think we are as close and bought-in as we’ve been in three years. From top to bottom, I think we’re really understanding culturally what we’re trying to accomplish. .... If anything, I think we’re a tight team. I hope that shows when the bullets are flying and when we get into situations that might be disadvantageous. Hopefully we can continue to stay tight, stay close, believe in each other and prove that that’s what’s going to help us come out on top,” - Delaware coach Ryan Carty .
KEYS TO THE GAME : The Blue Hens open the season having to replace much of itheir production at wide receiver from a year ago. Of their top six wideouts, five are first or second-year transfers. That includes starters Nicholas Laboy (Cornell), Jojo Bermudez (Cincinnati) and Phil Lutz (Tufts). Delaware hopes it won’t take them long to develop chemistry with QB Ryan O’Connor. ... On defense, Delaware will have to deal with Bryant QB Jarrett Guest , a grad transfer who saw action in 21 games over four seasons at FBS Coastal Carolina. He threw for 10 TDs with six interceptions. The Hens have some new starters in the secondary which can make for some growing pains. ... Delaware has some high hopes for this season, including trying to go undefeated. Bryant, which is joining the CAA this fall, is trying to show it can be a contender in the league. Both squads have plenty of motivation in this one.
NOTES: Dover High grad Bradly Anyanwu and offensive linemate Fintan Brose are playing in their 39th career games. UD’s offensive front, which returns all five starters, has played in 177 games as a group.... Delaware has won five straight season openers. ... This is the first time the Hens have played a home game in August since 2019. ... Delaware has won its last eight games against FCS non-conference opponents in the regular season. ... Sophomore Nick Minicucci is listed as the backup to O’Connor at quarterback. ... Bryant went 6-5 last season and lost twice by just one point in OT. ... Merritt was a high school coach in Florida for 18 seasons before being hired as Bryant’s coach six years ago. ... Delaware next plays on Sept. 14 with a 1 p.m. game at North Carolina A&T.
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