Villanova at Delaware, Mr. C's Official Game Thread for the Battle of the Blue

[Mr. C]

It may be only a little after 8 a.m., but Mr. C is preparing to head out the door for one of his favorite rivalry games, the Battle of the Blue between Villanova and Delaware at Tubby Raymond field at 3:30 p.m. Should be a fun day of football. Come along and share the ride. As always, comments and questions are encouraged.

[caribbeanhen]

It may be only a little after 8 a.m., but Mr. C is preparing to head out the door for one of his favorite rivalry games, the Battle of the Blue between Villanova and Delaware at Tubby Raymond field at 3:30 p.m. Should be a fun day of football. Come along and share the ride. As always, comments and questions are encouraged.

great, was hoping you would be "broadcasting" this game - I'll be following from Playa Buye on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico.....
http://www.caborojopr.com/buye-beach-playa-photos-cabo-rojo-puerto-rico.html

[Mr. C]

Mr. C is the house, now that folks at Will Call opened their windows. Bumped into K.C. Keeler in the hallway outside the football offices and exchange pleasantries. K.C. seemed in a good mood. Beautiful day for football, warmer than expected, bright sunshine, not a cloud in the sky. The Delaware security folks are their typical crabby selves, running some little kids off of Tubby Raymond Field where they were having fun playing football THREE HOURS before the game.

[blukeys]

The Delaware security folks are their typical crabby selves, running some little kids off of Tubby Raymond Field where they were having fun playing football THREE HOURS before the game.

This is the new Security folks brought in by Muir. These crews from Philly are total a**holes. The original crews, who were totally local would have let the kids play.

Delaware is paying the price for outsourcing their security. If UD wants more donations then they need to change their attitude. Mr.C, thanks for the heads up.

[Mr. C]

KIckoff time and Delaware's White takes the ball to the 26. Andrew Pierce is in the lineup and runs to the 29 on 1st down.

[Mr. C]

Pierce to the 30. 3rd and 6.

[Mr. C]

Crossing pattern to Michael Johnson and he is crushed by Bridges short of the first down. Punt time.

[Mr. C]

Dorian Wells FC at the VU 30. Robertson is out to QB the Cats.

[Mr. C]

Pass complete to Norman White for 15 even though he was hit well before the pass got there

[Mr. C]

Kevin Monangai breaks loose to the UD 14 on a 40-yard run. Worrilow saved the TD.

[Mr. C]

KM for 1 yard and VU calls time out on second down. 11:38 left in the first.

[Mr. C]

Beautiful post pattern for a 13-yard TD by Norman White and Robertson hits him in the back of the end zone. Villanova 7, Delaware 0 with 11:34 left in the first period.

[Mr. C]

4 plays, 69 yards, 1:30 on the Villanova drive. Sixth TD catch for White this season. He is playing with a labrum tear in his shoulder.

[Mr. C]

Stunning 95-yard kickoff return for Michael Johnson for a TD for the Blue Hens. Villanova 7, Delaware 7. 11:22 left in the first. First kickoff return against VU since 2008, first for Delaware since 2011 against Towson (Hawkins).

[Mr. C]

Johnson had a brilliant fake on Mark Hamilton near midfield. 5th longest in school history.

[Mr. C]

The Cats start at the 21 after the kickoff.

[Mr. C]

Robertson hemmed in for 2 yards on st down, White drops a pass slightly behind him on 2nd down. 3rd and 8.

[Mr. C]

Amazing through the needle pass from Robertson to Joe Price for 13 yards and a first down at the 37.

[Mr. C]

Robertson escapes in the middle heavy pressure to the 40. 2nd and 7.

[Mr. C]

Jet sweep to Wells for minus-3. 3rd and 10.

[Mr. C]

Blitz pressure from Delaware causes a VU false start. 3rd and 15. Ends up being delay of game against Delaware??? 3rd and 5.

[Mr. C]

Jeff Williams tips a Robertson pass at the line on a nice rush to force fourth down.

[Side Judge]

Blitz pressure from Delaware causes a VU false start. 3rd and 15. Ends up being delay of game against Delaware??? 3rd and 5.

Sideline reporter said UD defenders barking out simulated snap counts...

[Mr. C]

Dangerous punt pickup of a bouncing ball by Tunstall to the UD 15.

[CHIP72]

A quick rant - Comcast SportNet Washington AND Comcast Network Washington are carrying the same game (South Florida/Miami, FL). I can't believe the morons who run the two Comcast channels in the DC area are so stupid to do that, especially considering Comcast Network Philadelphia IS carrying Villanova/Delaware. xpissedx

[Side Judge]

A quick rant - Comcast SportNet Washington AND Comcast Network Washington are carrying the same game (South Florida/Miami, FL). I can't believe the morons who run the two Comcast channels in the DC area are so stupid to do that, especially considering Comcast Network Philadelphia IS carrying Villanova/Delaware. xpissedx

Pick up the internet feed at bluehens.com

[Mr. C]

Sideline reporter said UD defenders barking out simulated snap counts...

Nice pickup on that. The official observer sitting two seats away agreed with that.

[Mr. C]

Pierce is stuffed on 1st down and Hurley is pressured out of the pocket and throws the ball away on 2nd.

[Mr. C]

Underneath throw to N. White for his 42nd straight game with a catch, but four yards short of a 1st down. UD punts to the VU 37.

[Side Judge]

Good lord what a move...

[Mr. C]

Robertson is well defended on a QB draw, breaks tackles and almost goes for a TD. 46 yards to the UD 17 with Tunstall on the save.

[Mr. C]

Good lord what a move...

Absolutely. KM on a swing pass for 2. Flags down on 2nd down.

[Mr. C]

Face mask and late hits for Delaware moves the ball to the UD 3.

[Mr. C]

The natives are restless at the Tub.

[Mr. C]

Monangai is hit hard by Jake Giusti near the goal line, fumbles into the end zone and Giusti recovers.

[Mr. C]

From the 20, UD's Lang carries on a sweep to the 19 1/2.

[Side Judge]

Delaware waking up...

[Mr. C]

Hurley to Milburn for an 11-yard first down and the fans give the Hens mock cheers.

[Mr. C]

Lang for 3 on a run to the 34.

[Mr. C]

Lang finds some room on the sweep to the 42 for an 8-yard gain and another 1st down.

[Mr. C]

Julian Lang cuts back on another run to the right side for 4 where he meets Joey Harmon.

[Mr. C]

Heavy pressure inside from NT Antoine Lewis and Hurley's pass to N. WHite is broken up.

[Mr. C]

Another hit on Hurley and a pass is caught short of the first down, punt time and VU takes over at the 9.

[Mr. C]

Runs by KM and JRob to the 14. 3rd and 5.

[Mr. C]

Robertson is hit as he goes out of bounds by Worrilow near a first down.

[Mr. C]

Measurement is short and VU will punt.

[Side Judge]

Nice catch by Milburn...

[Mr. C]

Hurley to Milburn for a first down at the VU 44 on the 12-yard gain. Milburn is down and holding his ribs.

[Mr. C]

Think Milburn had the wind knocked out of him.

[Mr. C]

Lang on a late handoff on the zone read play to the 38. 2nd and 4. Lang sweep right to the 37 on 2nd down. 3rd and 3.

[Mr. C]

Hurley's pass to White into traffic is lucky not to be picked off. 4th down punt.

[Mr. C]

Wells tough FC at the VU 10. 21.7 second left in the first period. This is becoming a field position game.

[Mr. C]

Monangai for 11 out of bounds to the 21 for a VU first down.

[Mr. C]

First Quarter ends

Villanova 7
Delaware 7

[Mr. C]

Nice pass from Robertson to Price for 7 and then a first down run by Medley to the 36.

[Mr. C]

Monangai doesn't look like he is seeing the holes early. Runs to the 37 on the zone read.

[Mr. C]

Robertson on a play fake throws just too soon and misses Wells who was open for a 63-yard score.

[DJnva]

Richmond wins. Nova wins this game and ODU beats JMU then Nova wins the tiebreaker.

[Mr. C]

Robertson drops sidearm and his pass to Livers is almost intercepted by Tunstall. Tunstall FC on the punt at the UD 18.

[Mr. C]

Zach Kerr, the UD RT has an ankle injury, but is expected to return. Lang is running the ball effectively to the 34. 3rd and 4.

[Mr. C]

Hurley is pressured by Lewis who mangled his man and scrambles near a first down.

[Mr. C]

The measurement comes up about a foot short.

[caribbeanhen]

punt punt and punt for Delaware..zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Mr. C]

Punt snap is back on a hop and Zaragoza does a great job to field it and punt it. VU ball at the Cat 25.

[Mr. C]

Robertson makes a great decision to keep the ball and scrambles for 17 to the VU 43, using a key block from an official.

[Mr. C]

Screen pass for 11 to the UD 46 for Wells.

[Mr. C]

KM for 3.

[Mr. C]

JRob runs, Worrilow hits. 3rd and 4 at the UD 40.

[caribbeanhen]

close to 20k in the seats I would say

[Mr. C]

Full blitz, JRob is hit as he shovels the ball to Monangai near a first down. Injury to UD's DE Wallschlager. 4th and a half-yard.
Wallschlager looks shaky walking off.

[Mr. C]

Monangai with a hard-nosed run on the zone read for 18, breaking tackles to the UD 19.

[Mr. C]

Roberson gets free outside on a scramble to the 13.

[Mr. C]

Nice play to KM, nicer stop by the UD LBs. 3rd and 3 from the 12.

[Mr. C]

Time out Delaware with 6:53 left in the half.

[Mr. C]

Wallschlager will be back after being "shaken up."

[Mr. C]

Norman White with a great use of his size to shield to earn a first down on the reception and seven-yards on the TD run for Monangai.

[Mr. C]

Villanova 14, Delaware 7

11 plays, 76 yards, 4:49 on the drive.

6:32 left in the half.

[Mr. C]

UD starts at the 24 and after a short run, Johnson catches a Hurley pass on a flag route to the VU 42. 27 yards on the play.

[Side Judge]

Good courage by Hurley there...

[Mr. C]

Lang runs for 8 to the 34.

[Side Judge]

Tough call against Nova - Lang was tight to the sideline when he got popped...

[Mr. C]

Really bad personal foul call on VU takes it to the 12.

[caribbeanhen]

that hit was hard but not a pf

[Mr. C]

Tough call against Nova there.

Bad, bad call when the guy is in bounds on that.

[Mr. C]

Dropped TD pass by Stephen Clark . 3rd and 11.

[Doc QB]

crap call, awesome hit. this isnt f'n soccer

[Side Judge]

Story of Delaware's season - dropped passes, missed tackles, blown blocks - to go along with injuries...

[caribbeanhen]

looked like it was gonna be 6 to #17 as he had his hands on it but knocked away

[Mr. C]

And then Johnson drops a catchable pass in the end zone. Craig James credited with the breakup. Sean Banner on for a field goal which is good from 30 yards. 18th of the season.

Villanova 14, Delaware 10, 4:17 in the half


8 plays, 63 yards, 2:10 on the drive.

[Mr. C]

looked like it was gonna be 6 to #17 as he had his hands on it but knocked away

Hurley puts two passes on the money for TDs and his receivers totally let him down. 1st down for VU at the Cat 28.

[Mr. C]

Robertson to the 32.

[caribbeanhen]

Hurley puts two passes on the money for TDs and his receivers totally let him down. 1st down for VU at the Cat 28.

I thought that pass to #21 might have been tipped, but he did look plenty disgusted with himself afterwards

[Mr. C]

After a first down run, Medley runs to the VU 43. 2nd and 7.

[Mr. C]

I thought that pass to #21 might have been tipped, but he did look plenty disgusted with himself afterwards

It looked just like a drop from the press box.

[Mr. C]

JRob pass to the 48. 3rd and 2 run to KM is stopped at the 49.

[Mr. C]

Tunstall FC of the punt at the UD 10. 56.9 seconds left in the half.

[Mr. C]

Lang run to the 17.

[Mr. C]

Looks like Delaware will run it out, much to the chagrin of its fans.

[Mr. C]

Halftime

Villanova 14
Delaware 10

[Side Judge]

Lang a bit of a find here. Not a bad first half for Delaware, especially with the late drive for the FG. Of course, the TD drops pretty much sum up Delaware's season-long woes...

[superman7515]

Delaware ran the clock out to end the half and the crowd booed. Then they started giving away prizes, they announced the Grand Prize was lunch with KC Keeler and the crowd started booing all over again.

[VUCats02]

Close first half. Typical battle of the blue game. Goal line fumble and kickoff return. Nova has dominated this game but Delaware has hung very tough and is in a good position to win the game right now. I'm very nervous right now.

[Side Judge]

Delaware ran the clock out to end the half and the crowd booed. Then they started giving away prizes, they announced the Grand Prize was lunch with KC Keeler and the crowd started booing all over again.

Was 2nd prize two lunches with Keeler?

[caribbeanhen]

Lang a bit of a find here. Not a bad first half for Delaware, especially with the late drive for the FG. Of course, the TD drops pretty much sum up Delaware's season-long woes...

Laing http://www.gohens.net/player_detail.php?pid=1866

[caribbeanhen]

Delaware ran the clock out to end the half and the crowd booed. Then they started giving away prizes, they announced the Grand Prize was lunch with KC Keeler and the crowd started booing all over again.
oh dear

[superman7515]

Was 2nd prize two lunches with Keeler?

Signed helmet. Might be for the best that you couldn't hear who it was signed by.

[Mr. C]

Onside kick by Delaware to start the second half. Ronnie Akins mishandled it and Tim Braker recovers for UD at the VU 44. First Delaware onside recovery in over 20 YEARS.

[Side Judge]

Very nice!

[Mr. C]

Was 2nd prize two lunches with Keeler?

First prize was lunch with Keeler, which the fans booed.

[Mr. C]

Run for a first down to the VU 28 and Hurley missed a wide-open Johnson for what would have been a TD. 3rd and 9 after a 1-yard pass completion.

[Mr. C]

Low throw at the 15 is dropped and Banner is on for a FGA from 42 yards.

[Side Judge]

Meh

[Mr. C]

Missed just wide right. Onside kick scores nothing for Delaware. Huge stop for Villanova, which starts at the 25.

[Mr. C]

Norman White with another nice run after catch for a 1st down at the 37. Looking like an NFL player today.

[Mr. C]

Monangai busts loose for a big run to the UD 40. First VU player with 5 straight 100-yard games (121 right now) since Brian Westbrook in 2001.

[Mr. C]

3rd and 3 at the UD 33 for Nova.

[Mr. C]

Inside zone to Medley is perfectly timed to the UD 21.

[Mr. C]

Almost a Statue of Liberty play to Monangai goes to the 19.

[Mr. C]

Unbelievable run for Robertson and a great block by Josh Bucci to the 13. 3rd and 2.

[Mr. C]

Robertson 12 carries 103 yards. On 3rd down KM goes to the 10 for a 1st down.

[Mr. C]

Run for 2 yards.

[Mr. C]

VU is milking the clock on this drive. Norman White crossing pattern to the five. Third down. Seven minutes left in the third period.

[VUCats02]

Unbelievable run for Robertson and a great block by Josh Bucci to the 13. 3rd and 2.

Bucci is playing? I thought he was done for the year....he didn't start did he?

[Mr. C]

Shovel pass goes for nothing and holding on VU. Mark Hamilton on for a 23-yard FG. It is good, but a false start on Nova.

[Mr. C]

Hamilton from 28 just inside the right upright.

Villanova 17, Delaware 10. 6:26 left in the third period.

13 plays, 63 yards, 6:24 on the drive.

[Mr. C]

Hitch pass to Nihja White to the VU 37. First down run by Hurley to the UD 39.

[Mr. C]

Harrison catch at the UD 46. 2nd and 3.

[Mr. C]

Bad snap and Hurley fumbles, but barely gets it back at the UD 39. 3rd and 10. UD 0-of-7 on third down.

[Side Judge]

That was pointless - throw past the sticks Trent!

[Mr. C]

Make that 0-for-8 as White catches a pass underneath and is tackled. Fans are not happy with the play calling. Punt to the VU 23 with four minutes left in the third period.

[Mr. C]

That was pointless - throw past the sticks Trent!

It is the K.C. offense (which drives Tubby Raymond and the fans crazy).

[Mr. C]

Monangai goes for minus-one. Worrilow with another tackle on a monster day.

[Mr. C]

Robertson to Price. Nice pattern on the post, nice throw to the VU 39. first down.

[Mr. C]

Monangai rush to the 43. 2nd and 6 after a 4-yard gain.

[Mr. C]

Option run by JRob to the 48. Nice block by TE Earnest Pettway. 3rd and 1.

[Mr. C]

Robertson gives KM a push forward on a late zone read handoff. 1st down at the UD 47. 1:30 left in the third.

[Mr. C]

Great blocking right now for Nova. Wells turned his man out of the way for a 5-yard KM sweep to the UD 42.

[Mr. C]

Austin Medley with a nice lead block on the QB draw for JRob to the UD 34. 1st down. Time out Villanova as the play clock winds down.

[Mr. C]

After three quarters,

Villanova 17
Delaware 10

[VUCats02]

So much on the line with this 4th quarter. Nova can potentially win the CAA or not even make the playoffs depending what happens here.

[Mr. C]

Someone asked about Josh Bucci earlier. He has been playing the whole way and was announced as a starter. He and the whole line have played great.

[Mr. C]

Villanova has a great shot at the auto bid and I think is in with a win, even without it.

[Mr. C]

Robertson can find Wells on a pass on the run. 3rd and 10 from the 34.

[Mr. C]

Robertson with a nice outside shovel pass for 28 yards to FB Underwood. 1st and goal at the 6.

[Mr. C]

KM stacked up for zero. 14-of-19 for 140 for Robertson passing.

[Mr. C]

Robertson to Price on the fade and Price is knocked out of bounds on the catch. 3rd and 6 as Delaware tries to hang on.

[Side Judge]

Rare loss of composure by Nova - could be costly...

[ITmonarch10]

Delaware... despite the score I don't see how you can win. Nova is just enforcing their will on you.

[Mr. C]

Too much happened to explain on the last play. Robertson runs to the 5, Price is called for a penalty to the VU 20. Hamilton on for a 37-yard FG. Perfect.

[Mr. C]

Villanova 20, Delaware 10. 13:30 remaining in this game.

[Side Judge]

Delaware... despite the score I don't see how you can win. Nova is just enforcing their will on you.

Don't you have a monorail to finish?

[VUCats02]

Delaware... despite the score I don't see how you can win. Nova is just enforcing their will on you.

This is the Battle of the Blue. Anything can happen. It is only a 10 point game. Delaware's offense looked like it was picking things up when they had a muffed snap stall their drive. Nova' D needs to step it up here. Still no takeaways.

[Mr. C]

Rare loss of composure by Nova - could be costly...

If you could see the play from here, there was all sorts of wild stuff going on. Josh Bucci with some incredible blocks, Nice decision to run by Robertson, great hit by the Blue Hens and then a loss of composure by Joe Price, which was real uncharacteristic.


19,523 attendance today.

[Mr. C]

UD ball at the 21.

[Mr. C]

A run for 5 and a pass to Nihja White to the 32. 1st down.

[caribbeanhen]

Hens are gonna hit a pass sooner or later

[Mr. C]

Run for 8 and pass to White to the 41. 3rd and 1.

[Mr. C]

Hurley fumbles on the sneak. Hurley is called down on the VU fumble recovery. Fourth and inches.

[VUCats02]

My goodness. Refs are just doing everything they possibly can to keep Delaware in this game! Atrocious!

[Mr. C]

Measurement gives Delaware a first down by a portion of leather.

[caribbeanhen]

Hurley fumbles on the sneak. Hurley is called down on the VU fumble recovery. Fourth and inches.

gutsy call by KC

[Mr. C]

My goodness. Refs are just doing everything they possibly can to keep Delaware in this game! Atrocious!
We think a quick whistle on that one.

[Mr. C]

gutsy call by KC

Fans wanted him to do that earlier in the game. Down by two scores he had to. UD hasn't converted a third down ALL day.

[VUCats02]

We think a quick whistle on that one.

Watching on TV. Replay CLEARLY showed a fumble before any kind of whistle. I am just shocked right now.

[Mr. C]

First down run by Hurley and then a sack to the UD 47.

[Mr. C]

Holding on Delaware. Hens going in full-speed reverse.

[VUCats02]

Ughhh Nova defense cmon!

[Mr. C]

10-yard pass play to the 47 and then Nihja White breaks a tackle for a first down at the Cat 33 on 3rd and 18.

[Mr. C]

NO gain for UD on first down.

[Mr. C]

First pass to Nick Boyle goes for 6 to the 27. 3rd and 4 for the Hens.

[Mr. C]

Hard run for Lang for a first down to the VU 20. Rakim Cox down for VU.

[caribbeanhen]

Watching on TV. Replay CLEARLY showed a fumble before any kind of whistle. I am just shocked right now.

No need for you to worry

[Mr. C]

Cox has some sort of leg injury. Not good for Nova.

[VUCats02]

No need for you to worry

There absolutely is.

[VUCats02]

INTERCEPTION! RONNIEEEEE

[Mr. C]

Hurley play fakes and throws a perfect pass in the end zone to .... Ronnie Akins of Villanova. It looked like Nihja White was the DB on that play. Nova ball at the 20.

[SpiderInTheMixingBowl]

GO Hens!

[Mr. C]

Run for 7 on 1st down. Milking the clock and time out with 6:26 left. Last one for the Wildcats.

[Mr. C]

GO Hens!

You are hurting if you are counting on Delaware today.

[caribbeanhen]

There absolutely is.

well

[Mr. C]

False start on the Cats. 2nd and 8 from the 22.

[Mr. C]

Great run after catch by Poppy Livers for 63 yards. Nice cutback to almost score.

[Mr. C]

1st down at the UD 15. KM run to the 11 on a sweep. Big hit.

[Mr. C]

High snap is turned into an 11-yard TD scamper by the incredible John Robertson. 13th rushing TD this season for JR

4 plays, 80 yards, 2 minutes on the drive.

5:13 left

Villanova 27
Delaware 10

[caribbeanhen]

let 43 run this one back

[Mr. C]

4th time in last five games that VU is over 300 yards in rushing as a team. Fifth time this season. 498 total yards. With two more yards, it will be the most given up by Delaware this season. ODU snagged the Hens for 499.

[Mr. C]

Since the kickoff return touchdown, VU has been sharp on kick coverage.

Only third time ever VU has had two runners with over 130 yards in a game.

[Mr. C]

Villanova has really tackled well today. Crossing route to Nihja White to the 16 and then a pass for a first down at the UD 23.

[VUCats02]

This is the first time all day I have felt comfortable about this game. Does Andy Talley get CAA coach of the year award? A team that was projected to come in 8th in the CAA could win the whole conference.

[Mr. C]

Defensive holding on Eric Loper after he was beaten on a pass play. 1st down at the 33.

[Mr. C]

Pass for 7 and then Akins takes an interception to the house.

[VUCats02]

RONNIE AGAIN! PICK 6!!

[Mr. C]

Villanova 34, Delaware 10 on the 45-yard return for Ronnie Akins. 3:47 left.

[VUCats02]

Running up the score helps that Sagarin rating.

[Mr. C]

RONNIE AGAIN! PICK 6!!

Trying to be the national defensive player of the week.

[CHIP72]

Running up the score helps that Sagarin rating.

As long as it helps the Wildcats make the Division I-AA playoffs, I don't care.

[caribbeanhen]

enough

[Mr. C]

Desperation time for Delaware.

[CHIP72]

This is the first time all day I have felt comfortable about this game. Does Andy Talley get CAA coach of the year award? A team that was projected to come in 8th in the CAA could win the whole conference.

Andy Talley has long been a heck of a coach, but if there was ever a season in which he deserved a conference coach of the year award, this would be the season.

[ITmonarch10]

WoW another pick 6

[VUCats02]

Pick 6 Eric Loper!!

[Mr. C]

Eric Loper with a pick six on an incredible 42-yard return.

[Mr. C]

Villanova 41
Delaware 10

1:14 left

[Mr. C]

Never seen a butt whipping in this rivalry game.

[Mr. C]

Andy Talley has long been a heck of a coach, but if there was ever a season in which he deserved a conference coach of the year award, this would be the season.

He didn't even think this team would make the playoffs this season. He would have been happy with 6 or 7 wins.

[VUCats02]

Sets up for a nice potential matchup vs. Lehigh in the first round of the playoffs.

[Mr. C]

And our exit polls are predicting Villanova will win a share of the CAA championship.

[Mr. C]

Almost another pick six for Matt McCann, but Johnson makes the catch.

[Mr. C]

Final

Villanova 41, Delaware 10. 3 offensive points for the Hens. Impressive performance by the Cats.

[CHIP72]

Sets up for a nice potential matchup vs. Lehigh in the first round of the playoffs.

I'd love to see it happen (especially at Lehigh because I'd probably attend while visiting the parents in the Lehigh Valley for Thanksgiving) except for the fact either Lehigh or Villanova would have to lose. I'd pick Villanova to win that game if it happens (though I'd be rooting for Lehigh).

Not Villanova-related, but a Lehigh/Towson playoff rematch is another possibility in the first round.

[HailSzczur]

Just got back to campus from the game. Here are my thoughts on a wild one:

First off thanks to the Delaware fans. You guys have a great game day atmosphere, Delaware is probably my favorite place to watch a game. Fans were very nice and welcoming as they always have been.

On another Delaware note, very impressed with your band. I watched their practice while waiting to meet up with a friend in the band and boy was I impressed.

Question to those watching on TV, Monongai was in the endzone before he fumbled wasn't he? I was sitting in the 5th row in the endzone right there and it looked like atleast half the ball crossed the line before it came lose.

Ballsy call by Keeler with that onside kick out of halftime. Luckily it didn't matter.

I'm curious to know if Andy told the guys in the locker room at half time that a perfect storm was brewing in the CAA with Towson and Richmond winning.

What happened to Pierce? I only heard his name on the first drive.

Lastly, lets go ODU, watching NBCSN very nervously right now with them down 21-10

\\V// for Villanova, \\V// for Victory!!!

[VUCats02]

Just got back to campus from the game. Here are my thoughts on a wild one:

First off thanks to the Delaware fans. You guys have a great game day atmosphere, Delaware is probably my favorite place to watch a game. Fans were very nice and welcoming as they always have been.

On another Delaware note, very impressed with your band. I watched their practice while waiting to meet up with a friend in the band and boy was I impressed.

Question to those watching on TV, Monongai was in the endzone before he fumbled wasn't he? I was sitting in the 5th row in the endzone right there and it looked like atleast half the ball crossed the line before it came lose.

Ballsy call by Keeler with that onside kick out of halftime. Luckily it didn't matter.

I'm curious to know if Andy told the guys in the locker room at half time that a perfect storm was brewing in the CAA with Towson and Richmond winning.

What happened to Pierce? I only heard his name on the first drive.

Lastly, lets go ODU, watching NBCSN very nervously right now with them down 21-10

\\V// for Villanova, \\V// for Victory!!!

The Monangai play on the goal line wasn't even clear from replay. They did not have very many camera angles.

What was clear on replay, when Delaware had a 3rd and short qb sneak, and the QB fumbled it, but the refs called him down - it was an obvious fumble that Delaware got away with.

Pierce just wasn't very healthy from the beginning. I don't think he suffered any set backs in the game.

[caribbeanhen]

Bumped into K.C. Keeler in the hallway outside the football offices and exchange pleasantries. K.C. seemed in a good mood.

they say K.C. gives the best handshake in the CAA..... Well Mr C, What is the bigger problem in Newark, the coaching or the talent level?

[Mr. C]

K.C. gave me a nice handshake after we talked one-on-one on the field after the game, too. He has always been extremely cordial and has always given me everything I need, time-wise and access-wise.

My criticisms of the Delaware program are minor, actually. I could almost quote my conversation with K.C. verbatim in that matter. Delaware has won more games than any CAA team since Keeler has been there, is the only team with multiple trips to the championship game (three times in the past 10 years) and has that 2003 national title from a GREAT team (one of the best one-year runs in FCS history, IMO). The Hens had a title stolen from them (though they left it on the table to be stolen and didn't look the back door) in 2010-11, blowing a 19-0 fourth-quarter lead.

I think the biggest problem has been how the staff has dealt with the quarterback situation. Villanova has developed TWO gems that a lot of other schools would have overlooked, Chris Whitney and now John Robertson. Whitney won a national title and could have easily won two more. Robertson, at this stage, is much better than Whitney was. Andy Talley says Robertson is his best-ever freshman QB and I agree. That being said, Delaware would have never developed kids like these, but has gambled with transfers. They've rolled to title games with Andy Hall, Joe Flacco and Pat Devlin, but have taken other transfers that they should have let pass. Hurley looks to be talented, if the coaching staff can put enough around him. The defense has been pretty good, year-in and year-out in a tough league.

This season, injuries really hurt what a lot of us thought would be a good Delaware team. Delaware hasn't developed enough depth on the offensive line and the loss of Andrew Pierce, an elite FCS back, really hurt. Andy Talley said he thought the Hens had top-two talent of all of the teams Villanova played this season in the CAA before beating them on Saturday. Towson is probably the only team more talented. K.C. said he is optimistic that Delaware has the talent coming back to be very good next year, particularly his young talent. He made a comparison between the 2011 Villanova team and the 2012 Blue Hens and I kind of agree.

[Mr. C]

Here is my quick take on Villanova's win. My breakdown of the playoff picture will follow in a little while. Check College Sports Journal for it.

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/ncaa-division-i-sports/fcs-football/602-villanova-s-closing-statement-earns-wildcats-caa-auto-bid

[Mr. C]

The Monangai play on the goal line wasn't even clear from replay. They did not have very many camera angles.

What was clear on replay, when Delaware had a 3rd and short qb sneak, and the QB fumbled it, but the refs called him down - it was an obvious fumble that Delaware got away with.

Pierce just wasn't very healthy from the beginning. I don't think he suffered any set backs in the game.

The official observer was sitting two seats away from me and said that the QB sneak fumble was almost certainly a quick whistle. It reminded those of us in the booth immediately of the infamous fumble-strip of McNeese State QB Scott Pendarvis that should have been a Cat TD in the 2002 national semifinals. The Monangai fumble appeared to be a correct call from our angle, watching it live. Reminded me of Andrew Pierce's fumble at the goal line that ended Villanova's 2010 OT victory over Delaware in the same area of Tubby Raymond Field. I thought (and so did the observer) that this was a very well officiated game.

[Mr. C]

Just got back to campus from the game. Here are my thoughts on a wild one:

First off thanks to the Delaware fans. You guys have a great game day atmosphere, Delaware is probably my favorite place to watch a game. Fans were very nice and welcoming as they always have been.

On another Delaware note, very impressed with your band. I watched their practice while waiting to meet up with a friend in the band and boy was I impressed.

Question to those watching on TV, Monongai was in the endzone before he fumbled wasn't he? I was sitting in the 5th row in the endzone right there and it looked like atleast half the ball crossed the line before it came lose.

Ballsy call by Keeler with that onside kick out of halftime. Luckily it didn't matter.

I'm curious to know if Andy told the guys in the locker room at half time that a perfect storm was brewing in the CAA with Towson and Richmond winning.

What happened to Pierce? I only heard his name on the first drive.

Lastly, lets go ODU, watching NBCSN very nervously right now with them down 21-10

\\V// for Villanova, \\V// for Victory!!!

Andrew Pierce got injured against, I believe, ODU and was questionable heading into the game. He played on the first series with his sore ankle, didn't look good and was replaced by Lang, who had a very effective day until VU pulled away and Delaware was forced to pass.

The onside kick was the key moment of the game from the standpoint of Delaware getting a huge momentum burst and then not capitalizing on it. K.C. thought that is where things slipped away, along with the back-to-back dropped TD passes in the second quarter, and I agree.

[VUCats02]

The official observer was sitting two seats away from me and said that the QB sneak fumble was almost certainly a quick whistle. It reminded those of us in the booth immediately of the infamous fumble-strip of McNeese State QB Scott Pendarvis that should have been a Cat TD in the 2002 national semifinals. The Monangai fumble appeared to be a correct call from our angle, watching it live. Reminded me of Andrew Pierce's fumble at the goal line that ended Villanova's 2010 OT victory over Delaware in the same area of Tubby Raymond Field. I thought (and so did the observer) that this was a very well officiated game.


I agree. Other than the fumble I thought it was very well officiated. The refs kept their flags in their pocket for the most part, which I like to see. There was a weird call on Delaware in the first half (5 yard penalty - can't remember what it was but I've never heard of it before - something about a delay of game on the defense), but that didn't end up having any impact because Nova didn't convert on 3rd down anyway.

[HailSzczur]

I agree. Other than the fumble I thought it was very well officiated. The refs kept their flags in their pocket for the most part, which I like to see. There was a weird call on Delaware in the first half (5 yard penalty - can't remember what it was but I've never heard of it before - something about a delay of game on the defense), but that didn't end up having any impact because Nova didn't convert on 3rd down anyway.

You must be talking about the defensive delay of game. Never heard of that one.

[Mr. C]

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/ncaa-division-i-sports/fcs-football/604-why-not-expand-to-24-playoff-teams-this-year

Here is my take on the playoffs:

CSJ: Why Not Expand To 24 Playoff Teams? This Year

[Mr. C]

You must be talking about the defensive delay of game. Never heard of that one.

The Delaware defense was shouting something out at the line of scrimmage on that play that was deemed illegal.

[caribbeanhen]

K.C. gave me a nice handshake after we talked one-on-one on the field after the game, too. He has always been extremely cordial and has always given me everything I need, time-wise and access-wise.

My criticisms of the Delaware program are minor, actually. I could almost quote my conversation with K.C. verbatim in that matter. Delaware has won more games than any CAA team since Keeler has been there, is the only team with multiple trips to the championship game (three times in the past 10 years) and has that 2003 national title from a GREAT team (one of the best one-year runs in FCS history, IMO). The Hens had a title stolen from them (though they left it on the table to be stolen and didn't look the back door) in 2010-11, blowing a 19-0 fourth-quarter lead.

I think the biggest problem has been how the staff has dealt with the quarterback situation. Villanova has developed TWO gems that a lot of other schools would have overlooked, Chris Whitney and now John Robertson. Whitney won a national title and could have easily won two more. Robertson, at this stage, is much better than Whitney was. Andy Talley says Robertson is his best-ever freshman QB and I agree. That being said, Delaware would have never developed kids like these, but has gambled with transfers. They've rolled to title games with Andy Hall, Joe Flacco and Pat Devlin, but have taken other transfers that they should have let pass. Hurley looks to be talented, if the coaching staff can put enough around him. The defense has been pretty good, year-in and year-out in a tough league.

This season, injuries really hurt what a lot of us thought would be a good Delaware team. Delaware hasn't developed enough depth on the offensive line and the loss of Andrew Pierce, an elite FCS back, really hurt. Andy Talley said he thought the Hens had top-two talent of all of the teams Villanova played this season in the CAA before beating them on Saturday. Towson is probably the only team more talented. K.C. said he is optimistic that Delaware has the talent coming back to be very good next year, particularly his young talent. He made a comparison between the 2011 Villanova team and the 2012 Blue Hens and I kind of agree.

appreciate the write up