The University of Delaware and second year head coach Dave Brock kick-off their 2015 football season this weekend with one of the program's youngest squads in years.
UD opens on the road Saturday afternoon at noon, playing up a level when it travels to the University of Pittsburgh out of the ACC.
The Blue Hens hope to end a three-year playoff drought in 2014 despite a roster that features 57 players that have never played a down in college, including 23 true freshmen. There are 12 true or redshirt freshman in the two deep roster and as many as eight players could make their first collegiate start in Saturday's opener.
But Brock says that doesn’t mean this team can’t win.
“We brought in some talented guys and we hope they lack in experience they make up for in energy, enthusiasm, [and] talent. And then you put together a plan that gives you the best possible chance [to win] and then you move forward," said Brock. "I’m not willing to say that were not going to be competitive this year because I don’t believe that. If I did believe it, I’d say it, but I don’t believe it.”
Senior defensive end Derrick Saulsberry also believes in the youngsters.
“This is the most talented freshman class I’ve seen since I’ve been here and it’s a huge class. And I trust the freshman that are going to play and trust them to get the job done I called into that situation," said Saulsberry. "I’m excited to see what they have.”
In their first season under Brock, the Hens went 7-5, losing their last three games to fall out of post-season contention.
Saturday's game with Pitt is the first ever meeting between the two schools in football.
DSU also opens its season Saturday visiting Monmouth at 1pm.
