The First State reveled in its first nationally televised broadcast since its flagship team rose to FBS status. With 19,176 fans flocking into the “The Tub,” the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens welcomed their
largest crowd in seven years on Friday night. All eyes were on how Delaware would fare against one of the Conference USA’s premier contenders in Western Kentucky.
The first-year FBS newcomer proved it absolutely belonged on the stage, participating in a back-and-forth contest with the Hilltoppers. With everything on the line, Delaware lined up for a game-tying 42-yard field goal with four seconds left. Just three weeks prior, Nate Reed sunk a nearly-identical 43-yard kick as regulation expired vs. UConn. But this time, he was unable to replicate his heroics. The field goal diverted to the right of the uprights, commencing a celebration on the WKU sideline in recognition of a 27-24 victory.
The final four minutes featured a slew of twists and turns. Trailing 27-24, Delaware faced a 4th and 1 from the WKU 22 with an opportunity to tie or take the lead. The Blue Hens pitched it out to starting tailback Jo Silver, who attempted to win a footrace to the left sideline. Similar to the 2021 Big 12 Championship ending, Silver missed the mark by inches as WKU safety Jaylen Lewis pulled him down on the boundary.
However, Lewis’ stop didn’t assure the Hilltoppers a win. With roughly a minute remaining, WKU punter Cole Maynard pinned Delaware inside the 5 on a spectacular boot. Given 54 seconds to work their magic, the Blue Hens then produced gains of 4, 28, and 23 — with a 15-yard pass interference mixed in — moving them to the 25-yard line for a game-tying field goal attempt.
The field goal was the ultimate decider, but WKU essentially won this CUSA matchup in the third quarter. The Hilltoppers trailed heading into break as Delaware rolled the dice on a 4th and goal from the 1 on the first half’s final play. Nick Minicucci pushed his way into the end zone on a QB power to hand the Blue Hens a 17-10 lead. But the Hilltoppers changed the tone after the break, winning the third quarter 17-0.
Seventh-year senior quarterback Maverick McIvor, who entered the contest with -20 rushing yards, assisted the offense with one of his best rushing performances of his career — generating a team-high 36 yards. McIvor’s mobility set WKU up for a bankshot field goal from John Cannon to trail 17-13. Less than a minute later, WKU’s defense crafted the Hilltoppers’ first lead of the game. Edge rusher Koron Hayward snatched an interception for a 34-yard return. The defense then forced its second and final takeaway of the game with a fumble recovery. McIvor and the offense capitalized as the quarterback found George Hart III on a swing pass to claim a 27-17 advantage.
Delaware scored the only points of the fourth quarter on a Minicucci touchdown run with 9:54 remaining. The quarterback secured a hat trick of rushing touchdowns despite the loss, contributing 314 passing yards and a game-high 55 rushing yards in the tightly-contested game. Meanwhile McIvor produced an efficient 230 yards through the air, connecting with K.D. Hutchinson nine times in the victory. While it wasn’t the usual stat-sheet stuffer from the nation’s fifth-leading passer, McIvor connected on 74.2 percent of attempts and remained turnover free in Newark.
Another standout performer for the Hilltoppers was defensive end Harper Holloman who logged four quarterback pressures, a share of a sack, and four tackles in a commendable defensive effort. WKU’s defense limited Delaware — which averaged 31 points per game heading into Friday — to just seven second half points. The Hilltoppers improved to 5-0 on the season when limiting their opponent to 24 points or fewer.
WKU (5-1, 3-0 CUSA) is now on the doorstep of a bowl game for the seventh time in head coach Tyson Helton’s seven seasons. The Hilltoppers enjoy a commanding lead atop the conference standings, and they’ll enjoy that 3-0 mark for 11 days before resuming action Tuesday, Oct. 14 vs. FIU.
Delaware (3-2, 1-1 CUSA) experienced its first-ever CUSA loss in front of an excellent Newark crowd. The Fighting’ Blue Hens are ineligible for CUSA Championship Game and bowl appearances due to restrictions placed upon FBS newcomers. However, Ryan Carty’s team proved to be competitive against one of the classes of the conference. Knowing it can compete with anyone in the league, Delaware aims to rebound on the road Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Jacksonville State.
