Underpreview: Delaware vs. Delaware State
Published: Monday, September 3, 2012
Updated: Monday, September 3, 2012 18:09
Football
Time: Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Location: Delaware Stadium
About the teams:
About Delaware: The Hens are coming off Thursday’s 41-21 victory over Division II West Chester University. They are led by junior running back Andrew Pierce, a preseason All-CAA pick. Quarterback Trent Hurley, a sophomore transfer from Bowling Green, made his first start against the Golden Rams, throwing three touchdowns but also three interceptions. Delaware defeated Delaware State 45-0 last season.
About Del. State: The Hornets defeated Virginia Military Institute 17-10 on Saturday in their first game of the year. They had a 3-8 record in 2011 and were picked to finish 10th in the 11-team Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in a preseason poll. Senior wideout and preseason All-MEAC selection Travis Tarpley caught a touchdown in the season opener.
Why the Hens can win:
Delaware has dominated this rivalry thus far, winning by a combined score of 116-24 over three games. Last year, Andrew Pierce rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns as the Hens outgained Delaware State by 400 yards.
Why the Hens could lose:
The Hornets are playing for pride, and in a rivalry game such as this one, anything can happen. Furthermore, Delaware State has two solid wide receivers in Travis Tarpley and Justin Wilson, a preseason All-MEAC second-team player. The Hornets will hope to get after Trent Hurley, who will be making just his second career start as quarterback.
The numbers:
30.67: The average margin of victory for the Hens in this rivalry.
310: The number of yards Trent Hurley passed for in his Delaware debut, a team record.
224: The number of yards rushing the Golden Rams had Thursday against the Hens, compared to 177 for Delaware.
The prediction:
The Hens are the more talented team, but they will have to play their best against a Delaware State squad that ready to play. Still, Delaware is simply better. Andrew Pierce had three touchdowns last year against the Hornets. He and the defense carries the Hens to victory.
Delaware 31
Delaware State 10
is a member of the 
