2008 Woodie Awards
It comes down to one day, one game
With a win Saturday, the Hens are guaranteed a playoff spot
by Greg Arent
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports
Delaware's football team has placed its heartbreaking 62-56, five-overtime loss to No. 7 Richmond in the past as they focus on its next tough opponent and long-time rival Villanova. The Hens come into their final regular-season match-up Saturday with fate in their hands, as a win would guarantee a Football Championship Subdivision Tournament berth.
Since the two teams' first game in 1895, Delaware and Villanova have met 40 times, with Delaware holding a slight series advantage, with a 20-19-1 record. Whether the game is in Newark or Villanova, there are always thousands of visiting fans because of the schools' heated rivalry and close proximity, Hens' head coach K.C. Keeler said. The rivalry has become so big that it has been dubbed "The Battle of the Blue." This year, a trophy will be awarded to the winner and it will be displayed on campus until next year's game.
If Delaware defeats the Wildcats at Villanova Stadium on Saturday, the Hens will improve to 9-2 - a win total Keeler said has been the team's goal since the beginning of the season.
"[When the season began] on the dry erase board, that's what I put up there, '9-2= playoffs,' " Keeler said. "That's what we could do this week."
Keeler said he is sure his team will come out and perform well against the Wildcats this weekend. He also said he respects what Villanova has done and the Wildcats are an impressive team that has kept games close. Villanova took Colonial Athletic Association powerhouse Massachusetts into four overtimes before losing 34-32 and played a tight game against Richmond, losing by one touchdown two weeks ago.
Keeler said anything less than a playoff berth this year would be a major disappointment. This game will be senior day for the Wildcats, adding to the excitement of the longtime rivalry.
Delaware is led by Walter Payton award candidates senior running back Omar Cuff and quarterback Joe Flacco. Cuff leads the CAA in rushing touchdowns (29), is second in the CAA in total rushing yards (1,294) and yards per game (129.4). Flacco leads the CAA in completions (234), total passing yards (3,040) and yards per game (304.0) and is also second in the conference in completion percentage (70.3).
Since the two teams' first game in 1895, Delaware and Villanova have met 40 times, with Delaware holding a slight series advantage, with a 20-19-1 record. Whether the game is in Newark or Villanova, there are always thousands of visiting fans because of the schools' heated rivalry and close proximity, Hens' head coach K.C. Keeler said. The rivalry has become so big that it has been dubbed "The Battle of the Blue." This year, a trophy will be awarded to the winner and it will be displayed on campus until next year's game.
If Delaware defeats the Wildcats at Villanova Stadium on Saturday, the Hens will improve to 9-2 - a win total Keeler said has been the team's goal since the beginning of the season.
"[When the season began] on the dry erase board, that's what I put up there, '9-2= playoffs,' " Keeler said. "That's what we could do this week."
Keeler said he is sure his team will come out and perform well against the Wildcats this weekend. He also said he respects what Villanova has done and the Wildcats are an impressive team that has kept games close. Villanova took Colonial Athletic Association powerhouse Massachusetts into four overtimes before losing 34-32 and played a tight game against Richmond, losing by one touchdown two weeks ago.
Keeler said anything less than a playoff berth this year would be a major disappointment. This game will be senior day for the Wildcats, adding to the excitement of the longtime rivalry.
Delaware is led by Walter Payton award candidates senior running back Omar Cuff and quarterback Joe Flacco. Cuff leads the CAA in rushing touchdowns (29), is second in the CAA in total rushing yards (1,294) and yards per game (129.4). Flacco leads the CAA in completions (234), total passing yards (3,040) and yards per game (304.0) and is also second in the conference in completion percentage (70.3).
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