Blue Hens football 5 takeaways: Win over Duquesne features Bermudez' big day
Delaware erased an 18-point deficit in its previous win over New Hampshire.
This Saturday, Delaware trailed twice early before dominating Duquesne in a 43-17 nonconference win at sold-out Delaware Stadium.
“Apparently, we’re a second-half team,” coach Ryan Carty said as he began his postgame comments.
More apparently, the Blue Hens have become quite adept at figuring out their foe and taking control of a game.
Against Duquesne, Delaware limited the visitors to 58 second-half yards and gave the Dukes fits with its passing game, which produced the three second-half touchdowns that proved decisive.
Five takeaways from No. 9-ranked Delaware’s win:
The JoJo show
Kym Wimberly’s knee injury opened the door for other receivers to take on a larger role. Jojo Bermudez seized it Saturday.
The redshirt freshman transfer from Cincinnati led Delaware with seven catches for 83 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown fling from Ryan O’Connor.
Bermudez was limited in spring practice by a leg injury and was still rounding into form in preseason camp. He appears set to be a valuable target.
“JoJo had a very good day,” Carty said. “… Proud of his progression. He’s really doing a great job of picking up the offense and it’s sometimes hard for young [players].
“We forget, just because he’s a transfer, doesn’t mean he’s not a freshman. So he’s young in an offense that’s fairly intricate as far as formations and movements and motions. Proud that he’s been able to progress into his role now. Obviously, he’s very dynamic.”
O’Connor’s comfort grows
The first-year starting quarterback had his third straight strong start at home, completing 28 of 40 passes for 347 yards and a career-best four TDs.
“Another nice performance,” Carty said. “What I think is really fun to watch him progress at is his confidence and his comfort in the pocket. The second [touchdown pass], in particular, there were blitzers off the edge and he had to stay in there and hit it.
“When he’s on, he’s slinging it.”
Run game limited
Marcus Yarns, who entered the game averaging 109.2 yards per game (12th in FCS) and 9.71 yards per carry (second in FCS), was limited to 42 yards on 11 carries.
Yarns still did his damage, scoring on a pair of 1-yard runs and also catching three passes for 83 yards.
Kyron Cumby did gain 38 yards on just five runs.
“We didn’t pop as many explosives as we have been,” Carty said, “but that’s just a credit to those guys. They were playing sound defense. They were tough. They run to the ball. … Those guys had skill back there.”
Not to be forgotten
Linebacker Jackson Taylor continues to man the inside linebacker position quite adeptly after his transfer from West Chester.
His game-high 13 tackles Saturday included 2½ for lost yardage.
Duquesne quarterback Darius Perrantes was just 9-for-17 passing for 128 yards with Ty Davis, Nick Ware and Steven Rose Jr. picking off passes for Delaware.
CAA STANDINGS: Tight at the top
Leaders lose
First-place Elon’s 34-23 loss at home to the MEAC’s North Carolina Central a week after the Phoenix won at William & Mary was another reminder that teams must come to play every Saturday and nothing is inevitable.
Delaware hosts new CAA foe North Carolina A&T this Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Hens’ annual homecoming game with the Aggies (1-4, 0-2) coming off a 37-14 loss to Villanova, which scored the last 24 points.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Five takeaways Delaware Blue Hens football beat Duquesne Dukes
