Preview - UD Football vs. UMass

Big victory for the Hens last weekend over the Tribe.  Now the Minutemen come in with a similar offense.  Will the game go the same way for the Hens this week or will UMass come to play and challenge the Hens this week?  Here are the quick hits for both teams and some of the facts about what is probably the last time these two teams ever face each other.


For the Blue Hens:

• Stick to the Game Plan - Last week's defensive game plan worked perfectly vs. William & Mary. Earlier this week, Keeler described this UMass offense as very similar to that of the Tribe, with a few scheme changes.  UMass is considered the better ground team, and could cause the Hens problems, but the experience of playing a similar team the previous week should pay off for Delaware.
• Posession & Position - Against the Tribe, turnovers and poor drives often led to chances for William & Mary to get back into the game.  UMass will capitalize on those situations if they arise this week.  Long drives, not turning the ball over, and winning the field position battle will all be key details to look for if Delaware is to be victorious.

For the Minutemen:

• Brandon Hill - ...was not the top choice of UMass at quarterback, but an has Kellen Pagel out for another week.  This is the second straight week the Hens will face a run-heavy offense with a replacement quarterback.  In Hill's case, he has started games this year and has not thrown a pick in 36 pass attempts.  If Pagel is ruled eligible to play, he is the better passer, but also has 6 interceptions on the year.
• Jonathan Hernandez - W&M's running back, Grimes, is very similar to Hernandez.  Both teams run similar offenses, with the differences in the details, but UMass' O-line appears to be better than the Tribes and the offense will run through the senior RB.  The Minutemen are 7-2 when he reaches 100 yards.

Delaware-UMass Series Facts:

• The Hens lead the series 25-6 over the Minutemen, with a 12-3 record at Delaware Stadium
• UMass' Chad Hunte is the twin brother of Delaware's Kyle Hunte.  Both players transfered from Northeastern after the Huskies cut their football program.

My Over/Under for UD vs. UMass

• Total Points: 37.5 points
• UMass Passing Yards: 189.5 yards
• Delaware Rushing Yards: 174.5 yards

Bold Prediction:  Nihja White scores two or more touchdowns.
(Just a hunch.  I have zero idea about
this game besides a general score, so
I'm willing to reach out far here.)

Projected Score: Delaware 24, UMass 14
(Another strong defensive effort by
the Hens against a running team with
QB issues.  Delaware by 10 in a low
scoring affair.)

The game is available on BlueHens.com,
on TCN and CSN-NE (DirecTV Ch 630), and

the Blue Hens radio broadcast is on WDSD.

(Just click on "Listen Live" in the top left corner)

Keywords: University of Delaware Blue Hens, UD, University of Massachusettes Minutemen, UMass, Football, Colonial Athletic Association, CAA, NCAA