Lafayette at Delaware in FCS playoffs: How to follow
Delaware football players have practice Thursday morning before gathering for a Thanksgiving lunch.
What they most have an appetite for, however, is feasting on their first-round playoff foe.
Lafayette (9-2) visits Delaware (8-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision begins the process of living up to its name and crowning a national champion.
The 11th-ranked Blue Hens will be trying to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing 35-7 loss to Villanova, which joins them in the 24-team FCS bracket.
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While their classmates head home for the holiday, Blue Hens players relish the chance to stay and begin pursuit of a prize that is annually six-time national champ Delaware’s ultimate ambition.
“That’s something that regardless of what level of football you’re playing – high school, college, NFL – there’s something about playing Thanksgiving time that really resonates with everybody,” Delaware linebacker Dillon Trainer said, “and it’s just exciting to be with your brothers during that time.’’
How to follow
Delawareonline.com will have live coverage of the game, with frequent updates beginning before kickoff through to its conclusion with postgame reaction.
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How to watch
The pay streaming service ESPN+ is carrying the game.
How to listen
WDSD (94.7) is airing the game with Scott Klatzin calling the action, Bill Harman offering analysis and Nick Alessandrini reporting from the sidelines. The broadcast begins an hour before kickoff at 1 p.m.
Student radio station WVUD (91.3) is also broadcasting the game with Konner Metz and Jared Wasserman detailing the action.
Why is this an important game for Delaware?
As a program with national title aspirations and the resources to compete for one, this is a challenge Delaware must be able to handle.
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What are interesting facts?
Lafayette and Delaware are former Middle Atlantic Conference rivals who met most seasons from 1949 through 1972. Delaware has won the last 14 meetings, however, starting in 1961. And Lafayette is 0-4 all-time in NCAA playoffs.
Also, Leopards offensive coordinator T.J. DiMuzio was a teammate and fellow quarterback with Delaware coach Ryan Carty, coached on K.C. Keeler’s UD staff and is the son of former Hens quarterback standout Tom DiMuzio.
What may determine the outcome?
Pass protection. That's especially important as Nick Minicucci could be the first true freshman starting quarterback for Delaware since Mike Connor in 2001 with Ryan O’Connor likely sidelined. Lafayette is fifth in FCS with 35 sacks.
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Who is a player to watch for Lafayette?
Linebacker Billy Shaeffer has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. He is third in FCS with 20½ tackles for lost yardage and tied for fifth with 10 sacks.
Who is a player to watch for Delaware?
Lafayette is 25th in rushing defense nationally in FCS, allowing 115.7 yards per game. Marcus Yarns returned from an injury against Villanova for Delaware and gained 97 yards. He has four 100-yard games and is fourth in FCS with 7.17 yards per carry.
What does Lafayette coach John Troxell say?
“It’s good to be back in the playoffs. We've waited a long time for this. Our alumni are excited. Our kids are really excited to get to play against a good opponent that has a lot of history and tradition in their program. We get to see what we’re made of.”
What does UD coach Ryan Carty say?
“They don't turn the ball over on offense. Very few interceptions, very few fumbles. T.J. does such a nice job of being sound, having a plan. Everything is for a reason. They're gonna get in the right call on every play and it's not going to be ‘Let's line up, run something and hope it works.’ They're gonna get the right call versus that right defense, make you think on your feet formationally and [in run-pass option]. Then they're gonna take their shots when they have them. I think he also does a nice job, similar to us, with their trick plays and gadgets and such. They always have one or two dialed up ready to go. So we gotta be on our toes and ready for those.”
Have an idea for a compelling local sports story or is there an issue that needs public scrutiny? 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: Lafayette Leopards visit Delaware Blue Hens in FCS playoffs
