Delaware Bounces Back With 17-10 Win Over Dixie State

Saturday, October 30

Newark, Del.

1 p.m.

University of Delaware

4-4

Dixie State

0-8

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Dixie State

Delaware

Photo by: Mark Campbell

Delaware Bounces Back With 17-10 Win Over Dixie State

10/30/2021 5:26:00 PM | Football

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NEWARK, DEL. – The University of Delaware football team jumped out to an early lead on Saturday afternoon and held on for a 17-10 victory over Dixie State in a nonconference matchup at Delaware Stadium. With the win, the Blue Hens improve to 4-4 on the season.

"Obviously, we're happy to win," said Head Coach Danny Rocco. "It was a lot more competitive of a game than I think we anticipated. I give Dixie State a lot of credit for how hard they played.

"[Our] defense and special teams were pretty solid; obviously kept the points down and the field position in our favor. We're 4-4 and going to have to play a heck of a lot better here next week when we get back into conference play."

The Blue Hens wasted no time on offense. receiving the opening kickoff and driving 75 yards on nine plays to take a 7-0 lead. It was a balanced drive as Zach Gwynn had completions to three different receivers, including passes of 20 and 21 yards to Bryce De Maille and Gene Coleman II, respectively. The rushing attack also had 32 yards on the ground, capped by a three-yard scoring run by Anthony Paoletti.

Dixie State looked to respond, but on the 11th play of the Trailblazers' first possession, Andrew Pawlowski came down with an interception on Delaware's 8-yard line to keep the visitors off the board. Delaware continued to move the ball on offense, twice driving deep into Dixie State territory. However, a turnover and missed field goal kept it at a 7-0 game.

A 41-yard pass from Gwynn to Brett Buckman again moved the Blue Hens across midfield late in the second quarter. Dejoun Lee used a 16-yard rush to bring the ball down to the 1-yard line before plunging in on the next play to give UD a 14-0 lead.

Dixie State went 75 yards in 1:43, using eight plays to cut the lead in half with 1:04 left before halftime. Delaware had an immediate response as Gwynn marched the Blue Hens right back down the field, completing passes of 11 and six yards to Lee before connecting on a 30-yard pass to Thyrick Pitts. The quick drive set up a 43-yard field goal by Ryan Coe as time expired to send Delaware into the locker room with a 17-7 advantage.

A 33-yard field goal for the Trailblazers on the first drive of the second half made it a 17-10 game. From there it became a defensive battle as neither team would put another point on the board. The Delaware defense forced a turnover on downs and Tyler Pastula averaged 45 yards on three second-half punts, twice pinning the Trailblazers inside their own 10-yard line. Chase McGowan had two sacks in the fourth quarter.

Dixie State drove to Delaware's 32-yard line with just five seconds remaining in the game, but a Hail Mary pass into the endzone fell incomplete, sealing the victory.

Gwynn finished 19-of-28 passing for 215 yards. Pitts led the receiving corps with four catches for 81 yards. He became the 21st player in program history to reach 100 career receptions. Lee rushed for 100 yards, marking his fourth 100-yard game of the season. He totaled 118 all-purpose yards, giving him 4,058 for his career to become just the ninth player in Delaware history to reach that milestone.

Kedrick Whitehead led the defense with 10 tackles, while Johnny Buchanan added nine. Each added 0.5 TFL and Whitehead had one of Delaware's six pass breakups. Liam Trainer also had eight tackles and 1.5 TFL, while McGowan had the two sacks which totaled 23 yards. As a whole, the defense held Dixie State to -4 rushing yards on the day.

The Blue Hens return to CAA play next weekend when they welcome William & Mary to Delaware Stadium to wrap up a three-game homestand. Kickoff on Saturday, November 6 is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tickets for that contest, and both of Delaware's remaining home games can be purchased HERE.

For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook.