Instant analysis as Delaware's offense shines, defense clamps down

The outcome of the Delaware’s final game of October ensured November will matter for the Blue Hens.

Delaware prevailed 35-21 at Western Kentucky in their Conference USA matchup Oct. 27, which enhanced its chances to be bowl-eligible when the regular season concludes.

Four November games, beginning with Delaware’s first game against Kennesaw State on the road Nov. 7, will determine that.

 The Blue Hens will go there with 4-4 overall and 2-2 CUSA records, hoping to carry momentum from a rewarding win over the Hilltoppers (3-5, 2-2).

Why Delaware should relish those upcoming opportunities and carry confidence into them was clear in their victory at WKU. Delaware hadn’t won on the road since last Sept. 20 at Florida International, ending a seven-game skid in away games.

“We took care of the ball,” coach Ryan Carty told Blue Hens Radio afterward. “We took care of each other. Played hard. Played fast. Created some havoc and, again, on the road, you got to play clean, you got to play together. We did that.

“It’s great to get a road win. It’s been so long and hopefully this is the start of a little bit of a run for us because I think we’re all coming together right now. I think we understand who we are as a team.”

Offensive firepower and defensive improvement were at the root of it.

Nick Minicucci rewrites UD record book

Delaware has become quite familiar with quarterback Nick Minicucci’s exploits.

He was among the nation’s leading passers last year, was second-team All-CUSA in 2025 and the league’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2026.

If his value wasn’t already obvious, Minicucci missing losses to Liberty and Middle Tennessee with a knee injury made it quite clear.

Minicucci returned last week and tied a school record with five touchdown passes in a 61-38 win over Missouri State.

He then outdid himself at WKU.

Minicucci set two Delaware single-game records by completing his first 18 passes to give Delaware a 28-21 halftime lead. Nolan Henderson had completed 17 in a row in 2022 over two games against Hampton and Towson and Zach Marker had completed 16 straight to start a win over Towson in 2023.

He finished 32-for-38 for 414 yards with two TDs to Sean Wilson, who had 183 yards on nine catches. Minicucci was sacked just once.

Defense can’t be overshadowed

Western Kentucky scored on its first three possessions, which certainly instilled some doubt in Delaware’s ability to prevail.

The Hilltoppers never scored again.

It wasn’t the first time Delaware’s defense had adjusted and risen to the occasion this year.

The Hens shut out Coastal Carolina in the second half of a 22-14 win Sept. 19 and Missouri State for the final 25 minutes, except for a late, meaningless field goal, in the 61-38 win Oct. 20.

Interceptions by safeties Kevin Moore and A.J. Graham were critical, as were back-to-back sacks by Trace Scott III that forced WKU to punt on its fourth possession. Delaware also stopped WKU on downs on its last three possessions.

While the Hens allowed 477 yards, including 129 rushing and 224 passing to quarterback Brock Glenn, they made the right plays at the right times, which will be a necessity during those decisive November games.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Instant analysis as Delaware’s offense shines, defense clamps down