Blue Hens Make Big Plays but Fall Short at Rutgers

Saturday, September 18

Piscataway, NJ

3:30 p.m.

University of Delaware

Rutgers

Photo by: Mark Campbell

9/18/2021 9:02:00 PM | Football

Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Delaware football team had the longest rush of the game and the longest made field goal by either team, but it wasn't enough to take down FBS opponent Rutgers on the road Saturday afternoon as it fell 45-13.

"I expected us to play better, I don't think there's any doubt that I'm disappointed in the way the game played out," said head coach Danny Rocco. "I did tell the team at the end that there's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't hang your head. Don't walk out of here feeling ashamed in any way. They were a really good team and they played a really good game. We had opportunities to hang around. We didn't take advantage of those."

Amongst the red in the stands at SHI Stadium was a healthy dose of blue and gold, in addition to having YoUDee and the Delaware spirit squad on the sidelines bringing extra Blue Hen energy.

Rutgers (2-1) scored first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Noah Vedral to Bo Melton, as the Scarlet Knights took a 7-0 lead at the 9:34 mark in the first quarter.

The Scarlet Knights jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the Blue Hens found the end zone.

A 71-yard run by Dejoun Lee as he high kneed it down the left sideline led to a one-yard touchdown pass from Nolan Henderson to Thyrick Pitts. It was the third straight game that Henderson has found Pitts in the end zone, as the Blue Hens chopped Rutgers lead to 14-7 with 11:46 remaining in the second quarter.

The Scarlet Knights quickly responded with a touchdown of their own on the first play of the next drive to go up 21-7.

Ryan Coe showed off for the crowd when he tied his career-long touchdown of 53 yards to chip away at the Rutgers' lead and make it a 21-10 game.

Rutgers managed to score 17 consecutive points, including a pair of touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first half.

In the second half, Delaware was able to slow down Rutgers. The Blue Hens added a trio of points in the third quarter when Coe nailed a 41-yard field goal to improve to 6-of-6 in made field goal attempts this season.

Rutgers was able to add one more score in the fourth quarter to register the 45-13 win over Delaware. Today was the first matchup between Delaware and Rutgers since 1973.
Lee finished with 121 rushing yards, his fourth career 100-plus rushing yard game.

"I think today showed how well our offensive line can block when we are healthy," said Lee. "We've been practicing all week. Bradly (Anyanwu) did exactly what I told him to do, so all credit to him. It wouldn't have happened (the 71-yard rush) if it wasn't for him."

Colby Reeder had seven tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Joe Zubilaga and Kedrick Whitehead added eight tackles apiece.

"In the first half, a lot of their points were self-inflicted. We have to tighten and wrap things up, and make our tackles," said Whitehead.
Lee added, "This is a humbling experience and something that our team is going to grow from. We always want to play the best competition possible and put our skills to the test."

The loss is the first of the season for Delaware as the Blue Hens fall to 2-1 on the season. Delaware has a bye next week but will return to the field on Oct. 2 for its Parents and Families Weekend game against UAlbany. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. at Delaware Stadium.

Today's captains: David Kroll, Nijuel Hill, Gene Coleman II

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

Gallery: (9-18-2021) Football at Rutgers