The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (8-3) hosted the Lafayette Leopards (9-3) on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the FCS Playoffs from Delaware Stadium.
Delaware had a disaster first half turning the ball over four times which Lafayette scored 21 points. Lafayette led 28-13 at halftime. Delaware turned it around in the second half scoring 23 points while the Leopards scored six points in the second half as the Fightin’ Blue Hens beat the Leopards by the final score of 36-34.
Delaware had 383 yards on offense. Quarterback Nick Minicucci completed 16 of 25 passes (64%) for 198 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and 10 carries for 46 yards. Running backs Jo’Nathan Silver and Quincy Watson combined with 19 carries for 126 yards, and 1 touchdown.
Delaware wide receiver Joshua Youngblood and tight end Braden Brose combined with 9 catches for 118 yards and 3 touchdowns. Delaware’s defense made 62 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.
Lafayette had 345 yards on offense. Quarterback Dean DeNobile completed 10 of 15 passes (66%) for 164 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 6 carries for 7 yards. Running back Jamar Curtis had 29 carries for 127 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 catches for 24 yards, and 1 touchdown.
Lafayette wide receiver Elijah Steward made 4 catches for 92 yards. Lafayette’s defense made 76 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
Delaware will play the Montana Grizzlies in the FCS second round playoffs next Saturday at 9 pm on ESPN+. Purchase Delaware tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
