THE CAVS CRUSH THE HENS TO WRAP UP NON CONFERENCE PLAY FOR DELAWARE
Following a tough loss to West Virginia last week to pair with an emotional UVA Strong Day, remembering the lives lost in the tragedy that struck the Virginia football program in 2022. The Delaware Blue Hens were caught in a perfect storm against a spirited Virginia Cavilliers team who dominated UD in a 42-3 Wahoo win in Charlottesville Saturday night.
Delawares offense was held by Virginia to 160 total yards, with 2 turnovers and only converting 12 first downs. Much of that was without Quarterback Nick Minicucci who left the game in the 2nd quarter with a non contact leg injury and did not return. He was last seen leaving the field using crutches, but did give a thumbs up to hens fans that made the 4 hour trip before exiting.
Virginia was led by transfer QB Beau Pribula who was 24/28 for 279 yards and 4 passing touchdowns to go along with a rushing touchdown. Pribulas first touchdown came on the Hoos opening drive when he found Deshawn Martin for an 11 yard strike with 7:34 left in the first to cap a 13 play 75 yard drive lasting 7 minutes and 26 seconds.
The Hens would force a missed field goal on the next Wahoo drive with 3:12 remaining in the first frame. But from there Virginia would finish 4 of their next 5 drives with touchdowns to Rico Flores with 14:56 left in the first half, an then Kameron Courtney twice in the second quarter at the 3:32 mark and then another right before half time. Pribula himself would punch in a 14 yard rushing touchdown with 6:44 left in the third.
The Hoos would tack on a final score in the 4th when the second team would come on and Eli Holstein would connect with Joshua Abdullah for a 74 yard score with 11:11 left in regulation. On the day the Virgina offense racked up 556 total yards, 437 through the air and 119 on the ground.
The lone Hens score came off the leg of Tucker Smack who converted a 39 yard field goal with 7:39 left in the first half. Despite the difficult day, Delawares defense recorded a season high 5 sacks against the Wahoos, and were paced by Colin Gallagher, whom lead the team with 13 tackles, 1.5 for loss and a half sack, as well as Blake Matthews, who racked up 11 tackles 2 TFLs and a career high 2 sacks, in today's contest.
Delaware will finish their non conference schedule 2-2 alternating wins over Merrimack and Coastal Carolina with losses to Vanderbilt and now Virginia. The Hens will turn their attention to conference play when they face the Liberty Flames on Friday October 2nd at 7pm in front of a sold out Family and Parents weekend crowd at the tub.
Last year, Delaware suffered a loss to Liberty in Lynchburg 59-30. The Hens have revenge on their mind against the Flames, but they'll need a healthy Nick Minicucci not just for Fridays game but the rest of the season against a solid Conference USA schedule.
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