The Villanova Wildcats (9-2) concluded the 2023 FCS regular season on Saturday afternoon against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (8-3) from Delaware Stadium in the annual Battle of the Blue. This was the 57th all-time meeting between these teams.
Villanova dominated this game from start to finish. They beat the Blue Hens by the final score of 35-7. Villanova leads the all-time series 34-22-1 and finishes the season on a six-game winning streak. In addition, they also the CAA title via a tie-breaker over Albany and Richmond.
Villanova had 450 yards on offense. Quarterback Connor Watkins completed 16 of 26 passes (62%) for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and three carries for 14 yards. Running backs Jalen Jackson, DeeWil Barlee, and TD Ayo-Durojaiye combined with 28 carries logging 211 yards, and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jaaron Hayek made six catches for 121 yards, and two touchdowns. Villanova’s defense made 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and four pass breakups.
Delaware had 296 yards on offense. Quarterback Nick Minicucci completed 9 of 21 passes (43%) for 55 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and eight carries for 39 yards.
Delaware running back Marcus Yarns had 18 carries for 97 yards and tight end Braden Brose made two catches for 62 yards and one touchdown. Delaware’s defense made 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups.
Villanova and Delaware have both qualified for the FCS playoffs and will find out where they will be seeded when the FCS bracket is announced on Sunday at 12:30 pm on ESPN.
