For years, one of the biggest sports debates in the First State was, “Why have the University of Delaware and Delaware State University never played each other in football?” The debate was finally put to rest in 2007 when the NCAA pitted Delaware's two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS or I-AA) programs against each other in the national playoffs. That opened the door for the two to meet for the first time in a scheduled regular season match-up two years later, in 2009. This Saturday, the two clash again, beginning a run of six straight years that the teams are slated to meet. The two schools have agreed to play each year through 2016.
The schools themselves have embraced the intrastate rivalry, naming the series the “Route 1 Rivalry” and creating a trophy “The First State Cup” to award the winner each year. But is premature to call this match-up a true rivalry? Delaware won the first two meetings, scoring a 44-7 win in the 2007 playoff game and a 27-17 victory two years ago. And Delaware has the stronger football pedigree. Overall, the Hens have won 6 national championships in football. Since joining the FCS/I-AA ranks in 1981, UD has made the playoffs 15 times, advanced to the championship game four times and won the title in 2003. Delaware State has reached the playoffs just once, in 2007, when they met and lost to Delaware in that historic first meeting between the two programs.
For the Blue Hens, who are off to a 1-1 start this year after a loss at Navy and a win over Division II West Chester, the rivalry is still in an embryonic stage.
“Rivalries don't happen overnight,” observed UD head coach K.C. Keeler.
“It will take a few years,” said UD wide receiver Mark Schenauer, who added that the Hens don't have a “hatred” for DSU as strong as they do for their biggest rival, Villanova, but says “it will get there.”
Keeler agrees, citing the energy surrounding the first two encounters, especially the 2007 playoff showdown.
“I think the '07 game did a lot to boost what this game can be,” said Keeler. “I think it helped that we were both in the playoffs in '07. Having that game [at Delaware Stadium] and on national television, that was pretty cool. If [the Hornets] keep on getting better, like they are, there will be some great battles going on here.”
UD-DSU Football: Ready to be a rivalry?
University of Delaware perspectives on the Route I Rivalry
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For Delaware State, which is 2-0 to start 2011 following wins over Virginia Military Academy and Division II Shaw, the sense of a rivalry with Delaware has developed more quickly. DSU is expected to fall to UD this year—an expectation reinforced by the first two meetings. Delaware State quarterback Nick Elko says that has fostered a desire among the Hornets to prove they can beat the Blue Hens.
“They're definitely the team to beat for us,” said Elko this week. “If we get a win versus them, it will definitely be a stepping stone for this university.”
Like UD's coaches and players, first year Hornet head coach Kermit Blount believes the more the two teams play “the more intense it will become.” But Blount says there is more at stake in this game for Delaware State than bragging rights. He sees a practical benefit for DSU should it defeat UD.
“In the recruiting game, it's big for us,” said Blount. “If we could go into the University of Delaware and steal a win there, it would certainly help us in the recruiting game. We want to recruit the state of Delaware first.”
UD-DSU Football: Ready to be a rivalry?
Delaware State University perspectives on the Route 1 Rivalry
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A DSU win would certainly help fuel a more heated rivalry not only among the players - but also the two school's fans, according to Hornet play-by-play announcer and University of Delaware alum Scott Klatzkin. As of Wednesday afternoon, 15 thousand tickets for the game have been sold. Delaware Stadium hold 22 thousand fans.
“For this game to be a rivalry game, there need to be wins on both sides,” said Klatzkin. “Delaware dominated that first game. It got a little closer last time around [in 2009]. I think because it was only a 10-point game the second time around, I think it surprised the Delaware Blue Hen faithful. I think [Hen fans] thought they were so far above and beyond where Delaware State is. I think that DSU played well the last time helps [the Hornets'] confidence and maybe is a step in the right direction [for a competitive rivalry].”
Keeler suggests the best step in the right direction was the first one - finally scheduling games between the Hens and Hornets.
“It seems totally ridiculous [that UD did not play DSU before]. There's two great institutions in this small state that play this level of football. Why wouldn't we play each other?” said Keeler. “I'm not afraid to lose to Delaware State and they're good enough to beat us.”