The Battle of The Blue Thread

[superman7515]

It's Delaware vs Villanova this Saturday. Delaware looking to lock up the #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout. Villanova looking to cling to their playoff chances. The all-time record shows Villanova now has the lead 22-20-1 with a 4 game winning streak. This time last year, Villanova was looking to lock up #1 and Delaware was 6-4, needing this game at Villanova to cling to their playoff hopes. Now the roles are reversed. Does Villanova continue the streak or does Delaware repay the favor and send them home for Thanksgiving?

[VUCats02]

Pretty remarkable and funny how one year has completely reversed the role of these two teams.

One thing is for sure, the whole possible move to the Big East seems to have brought a huge distraction for this year's team - they are not much different from last year's team talent-wise. Even without Szczur, this team has under-achieved by far. Hopefully they can put everything behind them and realize that they have a whole new season that starts this Saturday.

[Nebuta]

Is Szczur going to play? Thats the 500,000 dollar question.

[superman7515]

Well to get the smack started off on the right foot, it doesn't matter if Matt the Rat plays or not, we're going to win. Haha

[VUCats02]

Chris Whitney is 1-0 against Devlin. That's all I'm gonna say ;-)

[bluehenbillk]

The Hens will drum "Chester U." by double digits. The road to Frisco goes thru the Tub.

[NovaHater]

As long as Keeler is the coach on Sat I like the Cats chances. Keeler will coach to not lose and Talley will coach to win.
Not to take anything away from W&M, but Keeler's conservative play calling cost them that game.
Laycock coached to win, had the guts to take out his starting QB & had Grimes throw his first career pass to a wide open receiver for the go ahead TD.
Keeler on the other hand, Pierce up the middle, Pierce up the middle, Pierce up the middle.
Well that won't get it Sat. Hens had 45 yds rushing last year and it won't be any easier this year.
Nova was able to run effectively last year, Hens appear to have a better set of LB'ers this year meaning Whitney will have to put the ball in the air more, which lately hasn't been his strength due to some nagging injuries.

Best team doesn't always win this game. AT UD means nothing, VU has won the last 2 in Newark

Flacco never beat Villanova and Devlin will be in the same company.

There is a reason Nova has won the last 4 In A Row and he'll be wearing xcoolx

[superman7515]

Conservative play calling would have won us the game because we would have kicked the field goal from 2 yards out instead of trying to score on 4th down. He did play to win the game.

[superman7515]

So you learn something new all the time and last week I learned something that certainly applies here. Did you know that Szczur is actually pronounced SH-CH-UR and not like Caesar as many say? It's actually the Polish word for rat. Szczur (http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szczur)

[VUCats02]

Why on earth would anyone even want to pronounce it like that, even if that's technically correct? Caesar is much more eloquent.

By the way, is it easy to scalp tickets for UD games?

[BlueHenSinfonian]

By the way, is it easy to scalp tickets for UD games?

Depends on the game. This should be an easy sell-out. If Nova manages to bring all of their regular home crowd to this one they should fill up at least half of the north end zone easy.

[superman7515]

Depends on the game. This should be an easy sell-out. If Nova manages to bring all of their regular home crowd to this one they should fill up at least half of the north end zone easy.

LMAO!

[bluehenbillk]

If Whitney has to throw 30+ times the game will get ugly.

[NovaWildcat]

Matt Casaer was on Talley's radio show this week...said he's a game-time decision, he might play.

I think all Nova fans would agree that we hope he doesn't unless he's 100%. I'm sure the staff is taking a similar approach.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make the trip this year - although to be honest I love what they've done with Newark. Was at the Rock for Nova-Fordham basketball last year and think they've done a great job building up the surrounding area.

[bluehenbillk]

I hope Szczur plays - I'd like to beat a fully loaded 'Nova team. Game will be completely sold out.

[henfan]

Chester Rats
http://www.gohens.net/boards/download/file.php?id=105

[superman7515]

Fewer than 500 tickets left...

[bluehenbillk]

Fewer than 500 tickets left...

Wooooohoooo!! They'll be gone before walk-up. No offense to our weaker brethren in Dover but come Saturday the HenHouse will be a Hornet's Nest!

[UNH Fanboi]

Let me preface this post by saying that I think Delaware is the best team in FCS right now and that I was the first person to vote them #1 in the AGS poll earlier in the season.

That being said...some of the Delaware fans in this thread and others are getting WAAAY too cocky. I know y'all go into hibernation for three year spurts and then come out when your latest FBS transfer QB gets hot, but that's no excuse for ignorance. There is very little separating the top 5-10 teams in FCS and anything can happen in the playoffs, even with home field advantage. Despite Nova's 6-4 record, they are a very dangerous team, and in my opinion, the 2nd best team in the CAA when they are playing their A-game. UNH had to get a little lucky and play their best game of the season in order to beat them. Delaware didn't blow through JMU, W&M and URI, and I don't see them blowing through Nova either.

[VUCats02]

Depends on the game. This should be an easy sell-out. If Nova manages to bring all of their regular home crowd to this one they should fill up at least half of the north end zone easy.

So..........if I went without a ticket, is there a likelihood that I'd find someone outside of the stadium selling extras? I'm trying to decide whether to go or not, but if there usually aren't many scalpers, then it probably wouldn't be worth it.

[superman7515]

Fanboi, it's just good natured ribbing. I doubt anyone is thinking it will be a cakewalk for either side. Clearly each wants his/her side to win, but no one is calling out anyone's mama or anything like that.

VUCats, if you want tickets, I've got an extra two I'm trying to get rid of. My brother is stuck going to a wedding this weekend, so I've now got 2 free ones.

[bluehenbillk]

There haven't been as many people selling outside this year, mainly b/c this will only be the 2nd sellout. There were scalpers outside in the past, but there are more cops up by the ticket office now, changed security now too. My advice would be to secure tix before you come down like Supe7515's pair.

[VUCats02]

Thanks for the offer. I actually just got tickets from a friend so I'm good to go.

[TwoFeathers]

It's Delaware vs Villanova this Saturday. Delaware looking to lock up the #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout. Villanova looking to cling to their playoff chances. The all-time record shows Villanova now has the lead 22-20-1 with a 4 game winning streak. This time last year, Villanova was looking to lock up #1 and Delaware was 6-4, needing this game at Villanova to cling to their playoff hopes. Now the roles are reversed. Does Villanova continue the streak or does Delaware repay the favor and send them home for Thanksgiving?

There's something crazy about streaks. W&M went up to New Hampshire and snapped UNH's 13-game home winning streak. Last team to beat UNH at home... W&M 2 years ago.

[TwoFeathers]

Let me preface this post by saying that I think Delaware is the best team in FCS right now and that I was the first person to vote them #1 in the AGS poll earlier in the season.

That being said...some of the Delaware fans in this thread and others are getting WAAAY too cocky. I know y'all go into hibernation for three year spurts and then come out when your latest FBS transfer QB gets hot, but that's no excuse for ignorance. There is very little separating the top 5-10 teams in FCS and anything can happen in the playoffs, even with home field advantage. Despite Nova's 6-4 record, they are a very dangerous team, and in my opinion, the 2nd best team in the CAA when they are playing their A-game. UNH had to get a little lucky and play their best game of the season in order to beat them. Delaware didn't blow through JMU, W&M and URI, and I don't see them blowing through Nova either.

Just to clarify, Delaware lost to W&M. And agree 100% on "anything can happen". Just look to last week, W&M at JMU. I was afraid it could happen, and it did.

[superman7515]

What is there to clarify? He never said that Delaware beat W&M. He said they didn't blow through them. Clearly, if they lost, they didn't blow through them. And quit hijacking the thread with W&M. UD & Nova don't care this weekend. Just go win your game so you can still make the playoffs.

[VUCats02]

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/With-season-on-the-line-Villanova-cautiously-optimistic-heading-into-showdown-with-Devlin-Delaware-71149484

I'm lovin the confidence. One thing that is worth noting from here is that Nova KNOWS that no team has beat them this year. They have just simply not shown up for 4-5 games this year and have completely underachieved/beat themselves. You can be sure that Nova will be playing close to their best football this week, so if Delaware is going to win, they will have to be the first team this year to beat Nova when they actually have decided to show up.

[GannonFan]

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/With-season-on-the-line-Villanova-cautiously-optimistic-heading-into-showdown-with-Devlin-Delaware-71149484

I'm lovin the confidence. One thing that is worth noting from here is that Nova KNOWS that no team has beat them this year. They have just simply not shown up for 4-5 games this year and have completely underachieved/beat themselves. You can be sure that Nova will be playing close to their best football this week, so if Delaware is going to win, they will have to be the first team this year to beat Nova when they actually have decided to show up.

Man, that's just funny stuff right there - didn't show up! What, is the team playing like the nova fanbase now! xlolx

[bluehenbillk]

I saw the W&M game, and you're right W&M didn't beat them. W&M friggin destroyed 'Nova, the game was over at halftime.....

[caribbeanhen]

Let me preface this post by saying that I think Delaware is the best team in FCS right now and that I was the first person to vote them #1 in the AGS poll earlier in the season.

That being said...some of the Delaware fans in this thread and others are getting WAAAY too cocky. I know y'all go into hibernation for three year spurts and then come out when your latest FBS transfer QB gets hot, but that's no excuse for ignorance. There is very little separating the top 5-10 teams in FCS and anything can happen in the playoffs, even with home field advantage. Despite Nova's 6-4 record, they are a very dangerous team, and in my opinion, the 2nd best team in the CAA when they are playing their A-game. UNH had to get a little lucky and play their best game of the season in order to beat them. Delaware didn't blow through JMU, W&M and URI, and I don't see them blowing through Nova either.

Fanny, this is a message board... people talk... the truth is that true hen fans hat Nova with a passion, and they also know that it won't be easy

[VUCats02]

Nova played about 30-40% of what they're capable of against W&M and still lost by one possession. Pretty good loss in my opinion considering how bad we played.

In every game we have lost, we have gone down fighting - every single game we lost (other than temple), we had horrible starts to games and just couldn't get into any kind of rhythm whatsoever. In the last 7 minutes, they realize the "urgency" of the game and step it up, but at that point it's just too late. Nova will NOT start off slow against Delaware, and yes Delaware, you have the better team this year because you have been more consistent, but if we get into any kind of rhythm whatsoever - home field advantage could fall right in front of you.

[HensRock]

if we get into any kind of rhythm whatsoever - home field advantage could fall right in front of you.

Dude,
You have never SEEN homefield advantage like you're going to see tomorrow!
But I am glad that you acknowledge in advance that we will be beating Nova's best. Don't want no excuses that the real Nova team didn't show up like against W&M.

GO HENS !

[superman7515]

http://www.bluehens.com/teams/football/stories/images/fb10-game-day-villanova_lg.jpg

[Nebuta]

Nova played about 30-40% of what they're capable of against W&M and still lost by one possession. Pretty good loss in my opinion considering how bad we played.

In every game we have lost, we have gone down fighting - every single game we lost (other than temple), we had horrible starts to games and just couldn't get into any kind of rhythm whatsoever. In the last 7 minutes, they realize the "urgency" of the game and step it up, but at that point it's just too late. Nova will NOT start off slow against Delaware, and yes Delaware, you have the better team this year because you have been more consistent, but if we get into any kind of rhythm whatsoever - home field advantage could fall right in front of you.

Stll lost by one possession? Yeah you are right. Anyone who watched the game knew it was over for all intensive purposes when W&M was up 31-10 early 4th quarter. Nova got house'd by W&M. Late garbage time TDs made it closer on paper then it really was.

I didnt see any 30-40% capability on that field, maybe if you count the W&M prevent defense after they were up 3 TDs with just under 9 minutes to play <sarcasm>.

I agree Nova has a sense of urgency and the players shouldnt come out flat as UD will get Nova's best. I picked Nova to win this game but 30-40% capability against W&M. I dont agree.

[superman7515]

http://rlv.zcache.com/marcantonybust_i_have_come_to_bury_caesar_not_tshi rt-p235808613285576149qjx8_210.jpg

[superman7515]

Two hours until kickoff. Time to head out. Go Big Blue!

[Mr. C]

Here is the College Sporting News blog on the game:

http://www.collegesportingnews.com/entry.php?114-Villanova-Delaware

By the way, Matt Szczur was out there revving it up in pregame warmups and is one of the captains heading out for the coin toss. Should be a classic game.

[Ud1Hens]

terrible kickoff....returned for a TD. 7-0 Nova

[JSU02]

Anyone else having trouble with the channelsurfing.net feed?

[Mr. C]

Angelo Babbaro went 85 yards with the opening kickoff for a Villanova touchdown. It just took 13 seconds for Babbaro to record his second career kickoff return for a TD. He went up the middle and cut to the left sideline, untouched for the score. And the game is on.

[NovaWildcat]

Channelsurfing isn't working for me either

any other links?

[NovaWildcat]

channelsurfing isn't working for me either...any other links??

[Mr. C]

A nervous first series for the Delaware offense. A dropped pass by the tight end, a pressured incompletion on a screen from Pat Devlin and a sack of Devlin by a blitzing linebacker Marquis Kirkland and the Blue Hens were forced to punt.

[Ud1Hens]

I hate helping a nova fan...

http://www.ums.udel.edu/udlive/bluehens/

[NovaWildcat]

I hate helping a nova fan...

http://www.ums.udel.edu/udlive/bluehens/

Thank you!!!

[JSU02]

channelsurfing isn't working for me either...any other links??

works for me now

[Mr. C]

Matt Szczur went 19 yards on a sweep for a first down on his first carry to the Delaware 32.

[Mr. C]

A little razzle-dazzle for the Wildcats makes it 14-0. Villanova ran a reverse, with Chris Whitney finally throwing a four-yard TD pass to Lawrence Doss. It's Delaware's largest deficit of the season.

[Mr. C]

Norman White had a couple of key receptions for the Wildcats after Szczur's first down. Seven plays, 53 yards in a little over four minutes.

[Mr. C]

A double pass from Whitney to Norman White to Aaron Ball gave the Wildcats a completion to the Delaware 29, but the Wildcats were called for an illegal block on center Dan Shirey.

[Mr. C]

On a punt, Angelo Babbaro recovered a Rob Jones fumble after a Craig James hit to give the Wildcats the ball at the Delaware 32.

[Squealofthepig]

The Hens hold as Nova goes for it on 4th and 1; Delaware ball and first down at about their own 35 now, end of the first.

[paward]

This game has the potential to get "Butt Ugly"

[Wildcat80]

Blue Hens sleepwalking so far....

[Ud1Hens]

TD BLUE HENS! Nihja the Ninja with the TD catch. We got a ballgame. 14-7

[Nebuta]

14-14. Tied up. Nova stunned UD in the early beginning. UD shaked it off. Nova driving late in the 1st half.

[paward]

Turned into a typical CAA match up in second quarter

[Aho_Old_Guy]

*Doink*

Place-kicking has killed Nova all year

All tied at half

[Nebuta]

14-14 half. Nova hits the upright. No good. Mighty mo is on UDs side.

[Wildcat80]

Come on Blue Hens...bounce nova!!!

[Aho_Old_Guy]

Was that ref a UD graduate ??

xlolx

[Nebuta]

That was a horrid call.

[Nebuta]

14-14 end of 3rd. Nova driving.

[Nebuta]

21 Nova - 14 UD with 11:35 left in the game.. Whitney scrambles for TD

[Nebuta]

21-21 with 18 secs left. UD scores with pass to AP in the flats. Fitting.

[CaliHen]

great game

[Nebuta]

OT 21 - 21. Nova lost the toss. Nova gets the ball 1st

[Nebuta]

1st in goal Nova.

[Nebuta]

28 Nova - 21 UD. Ball TD. UD chance to answer in OT

[paward]

WOW WHAT A GAME, SORRY FOR UD

[Nebuta]

AP fumbles on the 1 yard line. Nova recovers. Nova wins 28-21. A fitting end.

[MacThor]

Fumble Hens. Game over.

[theasushow]

somebody from the CAA is gonna be ticked off this time tomorrow.....

[CaliHen]

turnovers turnovers turnovers

bad loss hens

[Sam Adams]

Congrats to the Cats on a big win !

[Nebuta]

Looked like AP dived and might have been down according to the replay. Maybe a make up call for the horrid forward progress call. Grats Nova on a ticket to the dance!

[Wildcat80]

I'm sorry but UDEL sux.

[Ud1Hens]

UD always finds a unique way to lose to Villanova...this one just takes the cake

[caribbeanhen]

Pierce got a gift earlier on the fumble at the 15 yard line that was called a no fumble, looked like a fumble from here, as for the last one in OT, hard to say as the camera angle was bad but I didnt see to many Hens arguing the call

See ya in the playoffs Nova

[superman7515]

Well, no excuses from me, Nova beat us. They made fewer mistakes, didn't turn it over, and kept the penalties down. Us Hens fans have been saying all year that the special teams failures would come back to bite us one game, and this one certainly didn't help, although that clearly wasn't the only reason for the loss. Good luck to both teams in the playoffs and congrats Nova on the win.

[Mattymc727]

I'm sorry but UDEL sux.

dude, whats your deal? I keep reading your posts around AGS and you have been a jackass everytime. Clearly UD is one of the better teams in the country and this statement is nonsense. Im glad you support UNH but you are going to give us a bad rap as fans, be supportive and humble about our success.

[VUCats02]

somebody from the CAA is gonna be ticked off this time tomorrow.....

That might not be true. I wouldn't be surprised if Richmond, Nova, and UNH all got in. We'll see tomorrow.

So glad at this outcome. Game could have gone either way. Hopefully we'll see ya in the playoffs Delaware!

[VUCats02]

Well, no excuses from me, Nova beat us. They made fewer mistakes, didn't turn it over, and kept the penalties down. Us Hens fans have been saying all year that the special teams failures would come back to bite us one game, and this one certainly didn't help, although that clearly wasn't the only reason for the loss. Good luck to both teams in the playoffs and congrats Nova on the win.

Actually, Delaware didn't commit one single penalty the whole game. They were very more disciplined than Nova in this game.

[superman7515]

Yeah, I was saying the Villanova kept their penalties down. I was at VU for the game against Richmond and even though they won, they had quite a few penalties including some costly pass interference calls. Not today. Good job.

[tandemlax]

somebody from the CAA is gonna be ticked off this time tomorrow.....

With UMass going down to URI, I have to think the CAA gets 5 in with a Richmond victory over W&M, or 4 with a Tribe win

[BlueHenSinfonian]

Although I can taste the bile in the back of my throat when I say it, good game 'Nova. I hope we end up in the same playoff bracket so that we don't have to wait another year for the rematch.

[NovaHater]

5 IN A Row !!

As I stated days ago, as long as it's Keeler vs Talley, I liked Nova's chances to win. Keeler is always overmatched, he had the better team but AGAIN, he is just so conservative. Talley definitely coached to win this game.

How did the Hen fans like Andy's playcalling.

How do you have 2nd and less than a yard and run two plays in row out of the shotgun formation. Pierce up the middle, 3-4 yd passes, Keeler is overmatched by just about any coach in the CAA.

Joe Flacco couldn't beat Nova xnonox
Pat Devlin couldn't beat Nova xnonox

Great sellout crowd at Nova House today, hope we end up there again during the playoffs

6 IN A ROW

[theasushow]

With UMass going down to URI, I have to think the CAA gets 5 in with a Richmond victory over W&M, or 4 with a Tribe win

yeah...when I posted that UMASS appeared to have the game in hand and I thought they would pull it out. guess that's what i get for speculating......looking like 4 teams will get in.

[VUCats02]

Pat Devlin couldn't beat Nova

Let's be careful before we say this. He might just get another shot at us this year.

I think that it would be VERY hard for the committee to keep Nova out of the playoff field after just beating the number 1 team in the country at their house.

One question regarding the first round of the playoffs. Can there, or can there not be rematches from the regular season in the first round? If Nova makes it do you think they will play Lehigh?

[VUCats02]

Pat Devlin couldn't beat Nova

Let's be careful before we say this. He might just get another shot at us this year.

I think that it would be VERY hard for the committee to keep Nova out of the playoff field after just beating the number 1 team in the country at their house.

One question regarding the first round of the playoffs. Can there, or can there not be rematches from the regular season in the first round? If Nova makes it do you think they will play Lehigh?

[Nebuta]

Well, no excuses from me, Nova beat us. They made fewer mistakes, didn't turn it over, and kept the penalties down. Us Hens fans have been saying all year that the special teams failures would come back to bite us one game, and this one certainly didn't help, although that clearly wasn't the only reason for the loss. Good luck to both teams in the playoffs and congrats Nova on the win.

Yeah what is up with UDs special teams. A KR return of a touchdown and muffed punt return. (7 pts and an extra possession ouch) Looks like UDs special teams is their downfall, even in UMass game their coverage was awful. They need to clean that up cause it cost them today and may again down the road.

[NovaHater]

No need to be careful, Whitney was by far the best QB today and will be again if they should meet. Talley was by far the best Coach today and will be again if they meet.

There's a reason Nova has won the last 5 in a row and if they should meet again in the playoffs the man with the sunglasses will be there again, advantage NOVA