FCS playoffs Round 1: Blue Hens engineer a 21-point comeback to pull off 36-34 victory over Lafayette

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

The University of Delaware’s football team earned their first victory of the 2023 FCS playoffs by pulling off a 21-point comeback victory (36-34) over the Lafayette College Leopards on Saturday.

What a comeback Blue Hens 🐔@Delaware_FB defeats Lafayette, 36-34, to advance to the 2nd round of the NCAA FCS Football Playoffs. #FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RcVh49VHT4

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) November 25, 2023

The offensive standouts in the game for Delaware were freshman quarterback Nick Minicucci, Graduate student running back Quincy Watson, senior running back Marcus Yarns, Graduate student wide receiver Joshua Youngblood, and Graduate student tight end Braden Brose.

Minicucci completed 16 of his 25 passes for 198 yards for three touchdowns and three interceptions in the win.

Watson rushed for 50 yards on 12 carries for one touchdown in the victory.

Yarns rushed for 26 yards on 10 carries for one touchdown in the game.

Youngblood had six receptions for 79 yards with one touchdown in the win.

Brose had three receptions for 39 yards with two touchdowns in the victory.

On the defensive side,  Graduate student linebacker  Jackson Taylor was flying all over the field in the playoff win, as he had eight tackles, one forced fumble, and recovered a fumble.  Senior defensive lineman Jack Hall also had a big day as he had six tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in the game. Graduate student defensive end Chase McGowan was also one of the key playmakers on the team’s defense in the win, as he had four tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Senior linebacker Dillon Trainer and Senior defensive back Christian Pierce would each recover a fumble in the game.

Related:

O’Connor & Dawsey’s big day helps Blue Hens rout Campbell 45-7

Let’s get into all four quarters: click below for the full recap.