Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sauter's new run-n-shoot offense delivered on expectations early as MarQueis Gray hit freshman Marcus Jones for a 62-yard touchdown pass just 52 seconds into the game. While the offense struggled at times, the Gophers put up 479 yards of total offense including 214 on the ground.
The new 4-2-5 defense struggled to stop the high powered Trojan offense giving up 539 yards (414 passing) to USC. However, the Gopher defense was resilient forcing seven Trojan turnovers.
Marcus Jones was the player of the game in his first ever appearance for Minnesota haling in seven passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. Gray and backup Tom Parish combined to go 14-of-24 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Halfback Duane Bennett piled up 160 yards rushing on 19 carries and added a touchdown.
The win did not come without sacrifices however as Gray left the game in the second quarter with a broken tailbone. He is expected to miss 10 weeks.
Next week the Gophers will get a chance to put their new offense, defense, and quarterback on display in front of the home fans as they host New Mexico State at TCF Bank Stadium.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sauter, who had been the head coach at Southwest Minnesota State (Division II), was not considered a candidate for a Division I head coaching position. However, a strong lobbying effort by Sauter at the end of last season after the university fired head coach Tim Brewster put the ex-Gopher on the school's radar.
According to school officials, Sauter brought "fresh ideas" and "innovative concepts" to the table as he outlined his plan to return the U of M to national prominence. One of those "concepts" was bringing back the "Mouse" Davis-style run-n-shoot that was made popular by the record setting Houston Cougars in the late-80's and early-90's.
Mouse Davis was the eccentric head coach of Portland State in the late-70's who refined the concepts taught by Glenn "Tiger" Ellison as a high school coach in Ohio. Davis' RNS differs from the one used today by programs like SMU and Hawai'i in that Davis believed the quarterback should play "under center" as opposed to the more common shotgun formations used by those schools today. Sauter believes he can teach those concepts in a more simple form and create an offense that is almost impossible for defenses to stop.
Sauter began teaching the principles of the run-n-shoot as Southwest Minnesota State where he served as the team's quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator and eventually head coach. As the offensive coordinator in 2009, Sauter turned the Eagles' offense into one of the most prolific in school history. He was promoted to head coach the following year where he led the team to a 4-6 record. The four wins ranked him 8th in school history while the .400 winning percentage ranked him third all-time. Prior to being hired by SMSU, Sauter had coached quarterbacks with the Hamburg Sea Devils (2006) and Berlin Thunder (2007).
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Sauter spent parts of six years on NFL rosters as either a third-string quarterback or practice squad member. Sauter spent time with Arizona, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Chicago. He also played one season with the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe.
As a Gopher, Sauter started 34 games in four seasons as the team's quarterback playing under head coaches Jim Wacker and Glen Mason. It was at Minnesota where the idea's of the run-n-shoot were first born within Sauter. Coach Jim Wacker was a proponent of "spreading the defense" and creating space for the offense to operate. While not a true run-n-shoot, Wacker's offense used many concepts of the RNS and was one of the most prolific in the nation at that time. Sauter would leave the university as the school's career leader in pass attempts, completions, passing yardage and passing touchdowns. He still ranks in the top four in each of those four passing categories on the school's all-time list.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Posted on June 20, 2011 at 02:54 PM.
While a 27-0 win over a then ranked #19 West Virginia looks better on paper, a 34-0 win over a tough 5-2 Navy team is no less impressive.Delaware continued to wreak havoc on the opposition with a thorough dismantling of Navy. The most impressive part? They held the nation's top rushing offense to only 47 yards.
Incredible.
It seems as though this Delaware team is growing more confident with each game. While the fans, media and possibly their opponents may be waiting for the wheels to fall of this locomotive, there are no signs of that within the locker room.
Pat Devlin's heroics against Temple seems to have galvanized this team and there appears to be no looking back.
Analysts that thought this team would win maybe 4-5 games before the season are trying to find reasons why they won't win the Big East. I know, it seems unreasonable that a 6-5 FCS team could walk in and win the Big East in their first season but it is happening.
Devlin is putting up All-American numbers. With the award semi-finalists being announced next weekend, most people feel he should make the cut for the Davey O'Brien trophy if not the the Maxwell and Camp.
Devlin has now thrown for over 300 yards in five-straight games and has 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions in his last four. This kid is definitely looking like a future NFL draft pick.
The defense, on the other hand, has not real star but has been playing like a unit full of stars. Holding Navy to just 47 yards rushing was unbelievable.
Nobody could have predicted a game like that. Its mind blowing.
Add to that the fact that possibly Delaware's two toughest opponents to date (West Virginia and Navy) were held to ZERO trips inside the red zone. In there own house.
Obviously the season is still young and much can happen. The Blue Hens still have games with Rutgers, Louisville and Connecticut left. However, Delaware already has six wins on the season and is bowl eligible in their first FBS season.
The final outcome may not yet be decided but one thing remains clear. This team is for real and they are here to stay in the Big East.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Q: The team seemed to struggle early on even with lower echelon teams, why do you think that was?
A: Honestly, I think we were overconfident coming into this season. Even though we only finished 6-5 in the FCS last year, I think we all expected to come in and compete this year. We knew the Big East would be tough but I think we took our early opponents too lightly. That's part of growing though and we've learned from it and moved on.
Q: You guys just knocked off the #19 team in the country and some people's pick to win the Big East and you did it in front of millions of people on TV. What was that like?
A: Well, we really didn't think we would dominate like we did. West Virginia is an excellent team and we expected a tough game. I think we just came in with momentum and confidence. We knew we could win and maybe they, like the media, expected us to come in and have some nerves and struggle early. We didn't though. It was just another game to us but it was also a chance to prove those that criticized us and the University for moving up (to the FBS) that we belong and we are a really good team. We came out and executed early and I think we caught West Virginia off guard. They never really recovered from the first quarter. It was a good feeling and a great experience but we expect more nights like that in the future.
Q: The Temple game seemed to turn things around for the team and you especially. How did that game change the outlook in the locker room and your mindset on the field?
A: I'm not sure it changed our mindset or our outlook but it definitely confirmed we belonged at this level. We needed a momentum swing. We got off to a poor start and needed to get back on track. That game did that. We've just built off of that win and continued to get better.
Q: You seemed to take that game over. Even when you were behind, you looked like you knew you were going to win. You never looked worried. How were you able to remain so calm, especially after the three interceptions, and continually lead the team from behind and eventually to the win?
A: You know, I'm not sure. Its not like I get rattled or panic in general anyways, but that game, it was just different. I guess its like when guys like Kobe Bryant or Tom Brady haven't played that well but manage to step up when it counts...I guess I was just in the zone that day. I just was not going to accept defeat. It didn't matter what they did I was going get the ball in the endzone. It was kind of surreal because you don't really think about it while its going on but when its over, you look back and are like "wow, that was pretty awesome."
Q: You've thrown for over 300 yards in three straight games now. That game seemed to set you on fire and now your the Big East's leading passer. What did you learn from that game that you are applying to your game now?
A: I try to learn something from every game. Every game is an opportunity to get better. That game was kind of a battle of attrition. I learned to really dig down deep to find that calm and that confidence to succeed. I wouldn't say that I was lacking confidence early in the year but it was frustrating. I was just determined to step up and play to my ability and to have success at this level. Fortunately, the rest of the team dug in then as well and we have all upped our game since then.
Q: Some would say that your performance in that game is what inspired everyone else to step up. How do you look at that and at the role of being a team leader?
A: Being a quarterback, obviously, you have to be a leader. You have to lead the offense and keep everyone moving in the same direction. That's a role I take seriously and being a team captain that's a role that everyone on the team looks to me to fill. I'm not sure that I, individually, inspired the team to play better in that game or since. But I do think it helped everyone believe we can do this. Its funny. You read about teams that turn things around and most of the time its related to one game that got them believing they could win. We all believe we can win and succeed but sometimes it gets difficult and you wonder if its just not your time or your year. All of those thoughts go away when you have a game like that.
Q: The first half of the season was no picnic but the second half features five good Big East teams and a tough Navy team. What are the team's and your goals for the second half?
A: Just to keep getting better. We know the second half of the Syracuse game and the West Virginia game have looked easy on paper. There's a threat of becoming overconfident. We have to just stay focused and take it one play at a time. We learned what happens when your get too confident earlier this year. The Big East is no joke. It is a tough conference. That's why the University made the jump (from the FCS). We just have to keep focused on the game in front of us and our individual assignments each play. If we all execute like we are capable of we will have a great season.
Q: Any predictions? A Big East title? Being an All-American? The Heisman?
A: (Laughs) Heisman? Man, I'm just trying to win games. There are great quarterbacks in this league. Andrew Luck, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker. Cam Newton at Auburn. There are way too many good players and only a couple of awards. You can't focus on things like that. All you can do is go out and try to execute every play. Try to be as close to perfect as you can every time you step on the field and hope for the best. We would like to win a Big East title but there are tough teams like Louisville and UConn and Rutgers. We have no idea what the rest of the season will hold. We're just going to go out and play the way we are capable of playing and let the rest of that stuff work itself out.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Not quite.
Delaware came out and pounded Cincinnati in the second-half outscoring the Bearcats 35-7. There should be no more questions. This team is for real.
Pat Devlin continued his impressive pace by throwing for a season high 477 yards and three touchdowns. He is now the NCAA's 8th leading passer in terms of yardage. He also leads the Big East in every possible passing statistic.
The Blue Hens even established their running game. Even though starting halfback Philip Thaxton only managed four yards on six caries, Delaware ran for a season high 120 yards on 31 carries.
Josh Baker continued to be Devlin's go-to receiver since returning from injury by tying for the team lead with Nihja White with six receptions. Mark Mackey contributed a tremendous game with a team season-high 154 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns.
Defensively the team struggles to get pressure and has not recorded a sack in five of the seven games this year. However, the secondary is playing exceptionally well and getting teams off the field on third down despite the lack of pressure.
There are still some concerns about the running game and the pass rush but this team definitely looks like a contender for the Big East title.
Next week the Blue Hens will get a break from Big East play as they travel to face Navy in their third straight road game. Navy comes into the game at 5-2 as well and will provide a unique challenge with their option running attack.
A win over Navy could have Delaware sniffing an appearance in the polls. A loss...well, that would just means more questions need to be answered.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Blue Hens dominated the Mountaineers in one of the most impressive showings of an unranked team against a ranked foe in recent memory.
The Hens' defense has been getting better every week and they showcased their talent by holding the potent WVU offense to just 158 yards. West Virginia could muster just 63 yards passing and preseason Heisman hopeful Noel Devine was held to just 46 yards on 11 carries.
Devlin continued on his torrid pace completing 30-of-47 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns. This was Devlin's third straight 300 yard passing performance and he is now the Big East's top rated and most prolific passer.
If there was a downside to the game it was that, for the second straight game, Delaware could not muster any sort of ground attack. The Hens ran for less than 20 yards for the third straight game and have not ran for more than 59 yards all season.
The running game is the one question mark for the team going forward. If they cannot establish their running game, teams will begin to load up against the pass and this new-found success could be gone in a flash.
Delaware will try to get another shot at establishing the run next Friday in Cincinnati. The Bearcats are off to a slow start at 2-4 and have the nation's 87th ranked run defense. If UD could manage a 100 hundred yard rushing game all question could finally be answered.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Friday, June 17, 2011
However, the light bulb seemed to click at halftime and the Blue Hens came out in the second half and dominated Syracuse defensively.
Delaware repeated stalled Orange drives on third down and forced punts. The Hens' D even managed a couple of interceptions for the first time since the opening game against Western Kentucky.
All-in-all it was a tremendous effort for Delaware in their first Big East game.
Pat Devlin continued to adapt at an FBS quarterback as he threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns. The coaches and fans are finally seeing the potential NFL QB play up to expectations as he adjusts to the higher level of competition.
Josh Baker returned from an injury and lead the team with six catches while Fritz Stueber continued to excel in the slot adding five catches for 81 yards.
While the fans and coaches definitely have something to be excited about with the performance, things do not get any easier in the Big East.
The Hens' next two games are on the road against #19 West Virginia and Cincinnati (the 2008 and 2009 Big East champs). Each of those games will be weeknight games (Thursday vs WVU and Friday vs Cincy) and will feature the Hens' on regional TV.
The games will be a chance to showcase one of the better FCS teams over the past 20 years but it was also be a huge test for the team. Playing at night under the lights with potentially millions of people watching will be new for the players on this team and a big indicator as to how ready they are to compete at this level this season.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Temple quickly marched down the field following Devlin's 4-yard touchdown pass to Fritz Stueber and quickly pulled within 4. Two plays later Justin Gildea returned a Devlin pass 41 yards for a score. Just like that a game that the Blue Hens appeared to be dominating saw them behind on the scoreboard.
The next drive said something about the senior quarterback, however. With just 34 seconds on the clock, Devlin took over and swiftly lead his team down the field and into field goal position. Jason Bilotti drilled a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the half to send the teams into the half deadlocked at 17.
That drive was a sign of how this game would transpire. Devlin, after struggling in his first three games and hearing constant criticism about his play, seemed determined to will his team to victory. Even on defensive series' it seemed like Devlin was orchestrating the events on the field.
After swapping punts in the third quarter, Temple pulled back ahead on a 1-yard run by Bernard Pierce. Devlin responded by leading Delware on a methodical drive that put the Blue Hens back on top 24-23 (Temple missed their PAT attempt in the 3rd). Following a Temple turnover, Delaware was able to score again when Devlin hit Colin Naugle on a miraculous 3rd down completion for a 45-yard TD.
Most folks thought the game was over at that point with just 1:49 remaining on the clock. However, as if Devlin was the maestro and Temple was his orchestra, the Owls flew down the field and scored just 34 seconds later. A two-point conversion set Devlin up for what could be his season defining performance.
The senior QB moved the Hens effortlessly down the field and inside the 30-yard line. However, the maestro didn't want it to be that easy. A clipping call and a sack saw the Hens facing a 3rd and 25 with less than 30 seconds remaining from nearly midfield.
Knowing that Temple would likely bring the heat, head coach KC Keeler decided to run backup halfback Leon Jackson into the flat as a check-down receiver. Temple indeed brought the heat, including the weak-side corner, and Devlin hit Jackson for a 27-yard pickup and a first down.
The ball was at the 11-yard line with 18 seconds left. Devlin took a knee and Temple decided to let the time tick down and save their timeouts to try and "ice" Bilotti. With three seconds left Devlin signaled for a timeout and after successive timeouts by Delaware Bilotti marched onto the field for a game-winning 31-yard field goal attempt.
The snap was perfect and so was the kick as it split the uprights and the Delaware players stormed the field. Devlin, however, just fist bumped his head coach and looked on with a wry smile on his face. This was the plan all along.
Or so it seemed.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Maryland ran the ball 37 times for 196 yards and two scores and completed 15 of 18 passes for another 219 yards en route to a 27-9 win that was not nearly as close as the score indicated.
Delaware was moving the ball effectively on the ground early in the game but would stall on a crucial third down. Then Maryland adjusted and shut the run game down almost the entire second half.
Hens' QB Pat Devlin had a rough game getting sacked three times and hit several others. He finished the game with 214 yards passing including a late touchdown to Nihja White but the game was out of reach at that point.
Phillip Thaxton continued to run the ball well gaining 50 yards on 11 carries. However, with the team falling behind big in the third quarter they had to all but abandon the running game.
Jay Pena lead the team with 12 tackles, a sign things are not going well when a safety leads the team in tackles.
The Blue Hens travel to Philly next Saturday to take on a 2-1 Temple team. Temple is an up-and-coming program and is playing well defensively.
Delaware desperately needs to rebound with a big game or this season could start to snowball quickly.
Game Stats | Player Stats
Pat Devlin completed only 36% of his passes and threw a pick-6 in the first half. He struggled with the wet ball and could not connect regularly with his receivers in the second half leading to several three-and-outs offensively.
Ball State, on the other hand, used the sloppy weather to their advantage and ran the ball effectively with Mikhail Lewis scoring three times and the team combining for 140 yards rushing.
Delaware drops to 1-1 in the inaugural FBS season and faces a tough Maryland team at home next Saturday. Considering the struggles the team has had offensively and a quality program like Maryland coming to Newark it is hard not to imagine the Hens falling to 1-2 after next week.
Team Stats | Player Stats
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pat Devlin struggled in the pouring rain and several receivers had problems holding onto the ball but the defense played well and a pick-6 by Josh Ulrich pr0ved to be the game winning score.
Devlin finished with 197 yards on 13 of 28 passing and threw one interception. His highlight offensively was in the second quarter when he read the WKU blitz and hot routed backup tight end Colin Naugle on a go route which he completed for an 88-yard score.
Matt Marcorelle led the defensive charge with a game-high 13 tackles.
Delaware heads to Ball State next Saturday for their first FBS road game. While Ball State will be at home and should be slightly better than Western Kentucky the Blue Hens are expected to leave Indiana with a victory.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The most notable change announced was that New Mexico State was disbanding its football program and that perennial Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse Delaware was making the jump to the FBS.
New Mexico State has had difficulty fielding a competitive team since an 11-0 season in 1960. That was the last bowl appearance for the program and they had managed only three winning seasons in the past 30 years.
The decision prompted Delaware to make the jump to the FBS. Delaware won six Division I-AA (now FCS) national championships (the last in 2003) and finished as the runner-up as recently as 2007.
Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler indicated that the school had not considered moving up to the FBS but that the opening created by NMSU was an opportunity they could not pass up.
"You don't get many opportunities to move up a level with an NFL quality senior quarterback and jump into an elite conference." said Keeler.
Senior quarterback Pat Devlin transferred to Delaware from FCS powerhouse Penn State in 2009. His talent is expected to allow the Blue Hens to compete offensively in the Bowl Championship qualifying Big East in 2010.
To make room for Delaware in the Big East, the University of South Florida was moved to Conference USA replacing the University of Texas-El Paso which replaced NMSU in the Western Athletic Conference.
Following the addition of USF to the East Division, C-USA officials were worried that they East division would be far superior, competitively, to the West division. C-USA officials then contacted perennial Sun Belt power Troy and offered them a spot in the West opposite their rival Alabama-Birmingham who was in the East.
Troy decided they could not pass up the opportunity to increase their exposure from the larger conference and accepted the offer. Immediately upon hearing of Troy's defection, Middle Tennessee State officials contacted C-USA to inquire about joining the conference as well.
C-USA officials decided that taking the top two programs from the Sun Belt would give them increased credibility as a conference and invited MTSU to join.
The new additions left two too many teams in the conference. C-USA officials then deliberated as to which programs should be cut. Finally coming to an agreement, C-USA officials contacted the Sun Belt and asked if they would be willing to accept Rice and Tulane to the conference.
Sun Belt officials, having few options with a depleted conference, agreed to take the two underachieving C-USA schools.
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