Time: Thursday, September 2 at 7pm
Location: Delaware Stadium
About the Teams:
The Hens:
Delaware (6-5, 4-4 CAA in 2009), coming off an injury-filled season, is heading into 2010 with high expectations. The Hens are led by 17 returning seniors including quarterback Pat Devlin and the powerful defensive quartet of linebacker Matt Marcorelle and defensive backs Anthony Walters, Anthony Bratton and Tyrone Grant. The team enters the season ranked 19th in the FCS Coaches Pre-Season Poll.
The Golden Rams:
The Golden Rams (7-4, 5-2 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in 2009) are anchored by a strong offensive line that is entering its its third season unchanged. Sophomore Mike Mattei playing his first season as starting quarterback and senior running back D'Andre Webb is expected to get the majority of carries. West Chester is typically one of the best teams in Division II and enters the season as the coaches' pick to win the Eastern Division of the PSAC.
Why the Hens can win:
There is a large gap in skill between FCS and Division II football. The Hens will be bigger, stronger and faster at every position and are expected to easily defeat West Chester. Devlin is one of the best quarterbacks in the CAA and should have no problem throwing the ball against the opposing secondary. The defense, who did not allow a first down until about halfway into the second quarter last year against West Chester, should shut down the opposition.
Why the Hens could lose:
Food poisoning? But seriously, if the Hens walk into the stadium thinking that they've already won the game they could be in for a surprise. In college football, upsets happen every week. Take for instance the Appalachian State upset over Michigan in 2007. However, K.C. Keeler has never lost to West Chester in his career as head coach for the team.
The Numbers:
1992: The Last year the Hens lost to West Chester
44-6-1: The Hens record against West Chester
2,664: The number of yards Devlin threw for in 2009.
The Prediction:
Unless the Hens run into serious problems, they should easily run away with this game especially with Pat Devlin looking sharper than ever,
Hens 41, Golden Rams 6
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