University of Delaware Athletics
University of Delaware
Navy
Football Preview: Navy
8/31/2022 6:30:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. –The University of Delaware football team opens the 2022 season on Saturday afternoon when the Blue Hens make the short trip south to Annapolis, Md. for a matchup against FBS opponent Navy. Kickoff at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadiums is slated for 12 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
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About the Blue Hens
- The Blue Hens open the Ryan Carty era, who will be making his head coaching debut at his alma mater.
- Delaware enters the season ranked No. 19 in both the Stats Perform and AFCA Coaches National FCS Polls.
- Saturday's contest will be Delaware's 34th all-time matchup as an FCS program against an FBS opponent.
- The UD offense returns seven starters from 2021, led by quarterback Nolan Henderson and wide receiver Thyrick Pitts, who are both in their sixth years with the program.
- The Delaware defense, which will again be led by defensive coordinator Manny Rojas, brings back eight starters from a year ago, including five 2021 All-CAA selections and 72-percent of the squad's total tackles.
- The Blue Hens, along with an almost entirely new coaching staff, also have a total of 31 newcomers on the roster including 19 freshmen and 12 transfers.
- The Blue & Gold was picked to finish second in the CAA Preseason Poll and a league-high five Blue Hens were selected to the All-CAA Preseason Team with three more earned honorable mention nods.
Scouting Navy
- Navy is 7-7 in season openers under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, including a 5-2 mark when opening the year at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Mids have lost three of their last four season openers.
- The Midshipmen return three players who were named All-East by the East Coast Athletic Conference in 2021, led by tackle and team captain Kip Frankland, kicker Bijan Nichols and kick returner Maquel Haywood.
- In 2021, Navy ranked ninth in the country with an average of 225.5 rushing yards per game. The Mids totaled 282.2 total yards of offense per game while opponents averaged 348.6 ypg.
- The team was also among the FBS national leaders in time of possession (5th, 34:48) turnovers lost (3rd, 8) and fewest penalties (6th, 53).
Up Next
Following Saturday's season opener, the Blue Hens will return to Newark for their 2022 home opener on Saturday, September 10 in a renewal of the Route 1 Rivalry. Kickoff at Delaware Stadium is set for 6 p.m. Single-game tickets, as well as partial plans and individual game parking, for the home opener and all six of Delaware's home games are currently on sale.
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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. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
