3 Blue Hens to watch for in Route 1 Rivalry matchup

Can the Blue Hens defense continue their streak of silencing the Hornets’ offense?

University of Delaware’s defense was a key reason why the team walked away with an upset victory over the Midshipmen in Week One of the college football season.

The defense may have not recorded any sacks in last week’s win, but they were able to bring the pressure enough for Navy’s quarterback to cough it up two times in the game. Navy’s offense could not get comfortable as 13 of their 14 possessions ended in either a fumble, missed field goal attempt, turnover of downs, or punt.

After a monster game last week, Graduate student linebacker Johnny Buchanan looks to repeat his performance of 23 tackles and one forced fumble this week versus DSU.

There is no reason to believe that Buchanan and the rest of Delaware cannot have a solid day against a Hornets offense who have struggled to hold on to the ball in the last two meetings.

In the last two matchups, the Blue Hens defense made it hard for the DSU offense to get any momentum on their side, as 24 of the 29 possessions ended with either a turnover or punt.

The Hens’ defenders are usually swarming around the backfield of the DSU offense in their meetings, as they have recorded five tackles for a loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble in the last two matchups.

There are definitely a couple of questions for the Blue Hens defense heading into rivalry week.

Can they stop the Hornets’ rushing attack as they gave up 184 yards in the 14-7 win over Navy?

Delaware State has quite a few talented running backs on their roster, leading off with Marquis Gillis, who had a game-high 86 rushing yards in last week’s win over Lincoln (PA).

Plus, their starting quarterback Jared Lewis, can escape out of the pocket and use his legs to get yards that DSU needs to extend the drive.

Delaware definitely has the momentum after last week’s big win and holding a 10-0 record in this series, but will all the pieces come together on Saturday to keep the Route One Rivalry trophy in Newark?