It’s week one of the college football season and both Delaware State University and the University of Delaware will begin the year away from home.
DSU travels to Monmouth for its 2015 opener.
The Hornets are coming off a 5-6 season, but finished strong, winning four of their last six games and head coach Kermit Blount is optimistic about this season now that his roster has some experience.
“You know, we certainly feel good that a lot of these young players that are still on this team had a chance to play last year. So, they got that game day experience. That’s something we can’t simulate in practice," said Blount. "But at the same time, we gotta make sure that the chemistry is there. And those are the kind of things we’re working on right now, making sure the chemistry is good."
Blount adds he will be watching closely how his team handles any hiccups in its first outing.
“Our response to any adversity we have is going to be very important to how we gauge our team for the rest of the year," said Blount. Certainly if we can overcome any adversity there, playing in their stadium, commit to taking care of the football and commit to not giving up the big play, I think we’ll be OK."
Oddly, Saturday’s 1pm kick-off is DSU’s first game in the neighboring state of New Jersey since a 21-16 loss to North Carolina Central at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in 1996. .
UD heads to western PA for its opener, calling on the University of Pittsburgh of the ACC.
Blue Hen head coach Dave Brock says while Pitt is extremely talented, he doesn’t isn’t worried abut his team being overmatched.
"I really see this as an opportunity for our players to step up a level and for three hours have and opportunity to compete and show who they are and what they can do.“ said Brock.
UD is listed as a 22-point underdog by oddsmakers against the Panthers.
Senior defensive end Derrick Saulsberry realizes Pitt may have more size and talent on paper, but says the Hens will attempt to remain aggressive.
“I mean, that’s how you have to every game. It doesn’t matter if its Alabama, Pitt or Richmond. You’ve just got to let loose. If you play tight, that’s when bad things happen," said Saulsberry. "You just have to go out and have fun."
Saturday’s noon kick-off is the first ever meeting between UD and Pitt in football.
Delaware and Delaware State face off against each other next Saturday in Newark. Division III Wesley College, ranked fifth nationally, opens its season a week from now at home against #22 Thomas More.
