Second Half Route Lifts Delaware to 5-2 - majesty95's Dynasty

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Second Half Route Lifts Delaware to 5-2

Posted on June 19, 2011 at 08:34 PM.

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Delaware had a 14-3 lead with just under five minutes to go in the second quarter. However, a quick drive culminating in a three-yard touchdown run and a last second interception return for a TD put Cincinnati up 17-14 at the half. Fans and media members began wondering if this was the end of the Cinderella run the Blue Hens had been on.

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.

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