University of Delaware Athletics

Blue Hens Remain Unbeaten in Route 1 Rivalry with 34-14 Victory
4/10/2021 10:10:00 PM | Football
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In front of a national audience on ESPN 2, the Blue Hens continue their trend of takeaways, creating two turnovers on the Hornets' first two possessions of the game.
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Redshirt senior Nijuel Hill intercepted a pass on the first and junior Justis Henley forced a fumble that was recovered by classmate Kedrick Whitehead on the second to set up a redshirt senior Dejoun Lee seven-yard touchdown to break the ice.
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Lee had his second-straight 100-yard rushing performance, going for 109 on 14 carries and two scores.
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After a Delaware State three-and-out the duo of redshirt junior Nolan Henderson and junior Thryrick Pitts connected on back-to-back plays, first for 27 then 28 yards, to help set up sophomore Ryan Coe's first of two field goals of the night.
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Henderson was efficient, completing 11-of-19 for 167 yards and a touchdown, while Pitts hauled in five catches for 87 yards, marking 16-straight games with a reception.
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Delaware got another two late scores in the first half as Lee found the end zone for a second time on a 14-yard carry and a redshirt junior Riah Burton interception helped set up a Pitts touchdown catch in the half's final seconds.
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The Blue Hens came out of the half-time locker room on a tear, as Lee broke off a 53-yard run to help set up a Henderson touchdown on a sneak play from the one-yard line to make it 31-0.
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Delaware State did not go away in the second half, blocking two punts that would set up Hornet touchdowns.
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The Blue Hens' defense made a stand late in the fourth when redshirt junior Jack Dinicola ended a Delaware State drive deep in Delaware territory with an interception to seal the win.
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Redshirt sophomore Noah Plack was all over the field for the defense, making a season-high eight stops while junior Johnny Buchanan and sophomore Liam Trainer each added five. Redshirt junior Colby Reeder returned to the Delaware lineup after missing all of last season, making three tackles and picking up a sack.
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Delaware has now scored in 17-consecutive quarters and start the season 4-0 for the first time since 2012. It is also the first time since 2005 that the Blue Hens have scored 30-plus points in the first four games of the season.
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All eyes turn to the Battle of the Blue as the Blue Hens travel to Villanova next week for a 1 p.m. kickoff and a chance at a CAA North title.
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For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook.
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Team Stats

DELAWARE 7, DSU 0
DELAWARE - Dejoun Lee 7 yd run (Ryan Coe kick), 3 plays, 20 yards, TOP 0:33

DELAWARE 10, DSU 0
DELAWARE - Ryan Coe 38 yd field goal 6 plays, 54 yards, TOP 2:21

DELAWARE 17, DSU 0
DELAWARE - Dejoun Lee 14 yd run (Ryan Coe kick), 10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 5:30

DELAWARE 24, DSU 0
DELAWARE - Thyrick Pitts 9 yd pass from Nolan Henderson (Ryan Coe kick) 6 plays, 35 yards, TOP 1:39

DELAWARE 31, DSU 0
DELAWARE - Nolan Henderson 1 yd run (Ryan Coe kick), 5 plays, 61 yards, TOP 1:45

DELAWARE 31, DSU 7
DSU - TEAM 0 yd blocked punt return (BRIDEL,J. kick)

DELAWARE 34, DSU 7
DELAWARE - Ryan Coe 24 yd field goal 10 plays, 64 yards, TOP 4:38

DELAWARE 34, DSU 14
DSU - LEWIS,J. 7 yd run (BRIDEL,J. kick), 2 plays, 11 yards, TOP 0:37