Special Teams Very Problematic

During the first three games of Delaware State Hornets football season, I witnessed the biggest Achilles heal that head coach Kermit Blount will be facing for the remaining nine games of the regular season: Special teams play.

In the football world whether it is high school, college, or the pros, special teams will be the key to whether your team wins or lose the game. Simple right? Not exactly and the reason why is because most football fans kind of ignore special teams plays but often slowly most fans realized that special teams plays can make or break a game or a season.

Here are some of the special teams problems the Hornets are facing so far this season through three games:

1st game: DSU vs Monmouth (8/30/14)
With the Hornets leading 14-7 in the first quarter, Kamau Dumas of Monmouth University return the kickoff 84 yards to the DSU 11 yard line. That set up allowed the Hawks to scored a field goal on a 4 play, 5 yard drive to cut the Hornet lead to 14-10.

Then on the ensuring kickoff, the Hornets Mike Davis fumbled on the kickoff that was recovered by the Hawks at the DSU  that led to another short field for Monmouth that resulted in another field goal on a 5 play, 22 yard scoring drive to cut the Del State lead to 14-13.

In the opening kickoff of the 3rd quarter, the Hawks Lavon Chaney returned 52 yards to the DSU 40 yard line that resulted in a 6 play, 40 yard touchdown scoring as Monmouth climbed up their lead to 35-21.

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2nd Game DSU vs University of Delaware (9/7/14)

On the opening kickoff the Blue Hens Michael Johnson returns it 38 yards to the UD 40 yard line. This set up a 11 play, 60 yard drive that resulted in a Blue Hen touchdown to put Delaware up 7-0.

In the 2nd quarter it was Johnson again with his burst of speed returned a kickoff of 46 yards to the DSU 44 yard line that set up a 2 play, 44 yard drive that resulted in another Blue Hen touchdown to go up 14-3.

With under five minutes left in the 4th quarter, the Hornets Malcolm Williams scored a rushing touchdown to put DSU on the board, however Mitchell Ward's extra point was no good resulting just six points and not seven points.
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3rd game DSU vs Towson (9/13/14)

On the opening kickoff, Jamaal Jackson fumbled the ball on the opening kickoff, resulting in a Towson field goal to take a early 3-0 lead.

Now here's the game changer: With the Hornets holding on to a 7-6 lead, DSU punter Jeremiah McGeough recovered a very high snap from long snapper Anthony Mengoni that sailed over McGeough's head. Jeremiah tried to run and punt it away quickly rugby style, but Towson blocked the punt and the Tigers Fred Overstreet recovered the blocked punt and ran back for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 14-7. Just like that the momentum was gone and so was the lead just like that.

To make matters worse DSU gave up a 81 yard punt return for a touchdown by Derrick Joseph that resulted as the nail in the coffin. In other words Towson's lead was out of reach for the Hornets to catch up losing 21-7 .

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Special teams have really been a problem for Delaware State through three games but they have to clean up as soon as possible because DSU has some tough game ahead like Temple this Saturday, Savannah State next week and then a two game road trip starting with the defending MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State, then a two game home stand with North Carolina A&T at Homecoming followed by their rival Hampton.

As you can see the Hornets can't afford to make mental mistakes on special teams like letting their opponents get into good field position, making turnovers, and missing important kicks like field goals and extra points. If coach Blount and his team don't clean it up by the time MEAC conference play arrives, then DSU will be a in for a very long season.

From Goat to Hero

Throughout most of the season the Delaware State Hornets special teams has been inconstant. From giving up punt/kickoff returns for touchdowns, bad snaps, and bad punts. To blocked punts, blocked field goals, missed field goals, and fumbling the football on the returns.

During Saturday's 22-20 victory over Howard, Delaware State's special teams had to deal with another tough and speedy Bison team that burned you from all angles.

Lets start with the 2nd quarter after the Hornets tied the game at 7-7. Mitchell Ward made a squib bounce kick to Howard's Richard Aiyegoro and Hornets special teams coverage couldn't catch up to Aiyegoro's speed as he went 75 yards for the score. That helped the Bison retake the lead at 14-7.

With less than 65 seconds left before halftime, DSU scored on a 80 yard drive to cut the Bison lead to 14-13 when Ward missed his 1st extra point of the season. He made 43 straight extra point prior to that miss.

Then in the 4th quarter, the Hornets cut the Howard to 20-19 when punter Marco Kano couldn't hold on to the high snap and gets tackled in a hurry by Howard's special teams defense.

So whats left for the Hornets to do? This is where Ward became a hero with less than 1:58 left:

Mitchell made a successful onside that went 10 yards when his teammate wide receiver Milton Williams used his six foot, six inch height to out jumped almost the entire the Bison special teams to recover the onside kick and give Delaware State their chance to win the game.

The Hornets started their drive at midfield and drove it all the way to the Bison four yard with one second left. So what they Ward do to make up from his two missed extra points, kicked a game winning 28 yard field goal that send Hornet fans, his family, and their football team into a celebrating frenzy. After making the game winning field goal Ward ran all the way to the other end of the endzone only to be dog piled by his teammates.

You know what, that game winning kick remind me of Peter Gardner back in 2007 when he made two game winning field goals on the road vs South Carolina State and Winston-Salem State. He also made a game tying field goal when time expired in regulation vs Norfolk State at home to forced over and we all know what happened in overtime.

A great win for Delaware State and a great win for special teams that handled pressure with the game on the line.

Morre Out For The Season

As reported on the dsuhornets.com website under the game notes for today's game vs Howard, Hornets safety Devon Morre is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

Morre hurt his knee at practice three weeks ago and since then showed no signs of healing whatsoever. Devon was leading the team in tackles at 7.7 tackles a game and he is also ranked 13th in the MEAC in that same category before the injury occur.

Now the Hornets defense will have to rely on linebacker Ernest Adjel to helped lead the charge. A task he has no problem with leading the Hornets in tackles (7.9) and 15th in the MEAC in that same category.

Lets hope the Hornets defense can kick it into another gear in Morre's absence for the season. The Hornets defense will have to fill in the gaps and make big tackles if they want to have a winning record. So far DSU is 1-1 in Moore's absence.

Back Down to Earth

During the Hornets 30-7 road defeat at the hands of Hampton back on Saturday, DSU was supposed to be in playoff mode. Instead their battleship and their chances of staying in the MEAC Title hunt sunk faster than you say, "Man overboard!!!"

The down hill started when the Hornets rushing attack ran into brick wall early and often. After gaining over 100 plus yards during their two game winning streak, the Hornets finished the game with just 42 yards rushing, a scene we saw all too familiar with throughout most of the season.

Coach Kermit Blount wanted to the played clock game, instead, the clock game lead into unsuccessful drives that ended up in punts and turnovers throughout the game.

Speaking of turnovers quarterback Cory Murphy had another bad game with two interceptions and a lost fumble. The reason why Murphy kept turning the football over was due to the hurried pressure by the Hampton defense that carried throughout most of his snaps forcing him to run out the pocket and make bad throws. A problem we see all too familiar with since the 2nd game of the season. No wonder Murphy was pulled midway through the 3rd quarter by coach Blount after committing his 3rd turnover of the game.

Enter redshirt freshman backup quarterback Osayah Obado, and just like Murphy he didn't do much better going only 5 for 15 for 52 yards and getting sacked four times. Just like his teammate Murphy, Obado was being pressured by the Pirate defense and getting knocked down to the ground before leaving the game in the 4th quarter due to an injury.

The only bright side for the Hornets offense was a perfect two minute drill when the Hornets were down 10-0 with less than 2 minutes to go when DSU used a 15 play 90 yard drive that resulted in a Milton Williams touchdown catch that cut the Pirate lead 10-7.

Second half was all down hill the Hornet defense can't stop the run all 2nd half including giving up 79 touchdown run by Hampton's Jorrian Washington. To add salt to the wound, after two field goals in between the 3rd and 4th quarter, Pirate quarterback Bryan Bailey found Twarn Mixson for a 75 yard scored with 3:20 left in the 4th quarter to make the score even worst than it already is.

The Hornets defense really missed their presence of linebacker Devon Moore who missed his second straight game due to a knee injury. No wonder the Hornet defense left gaps throughout most of the game giving up 225 yards rushing and also giving up big plays that lead to Hampton points. That's something that the Hornets just can't let that continued.

There were some bright spots for the Hornets defense forcing Hampton to commit three turnovers (two interceptions and a lost fumble) and making a couple of sacks. Other than that, the Hornets defense gave up a chunk of big plays that helped Hampton continued their scoring drives.

Following their defeat, the Hornets football team realized that mistakes like that does not only make you lose games but also loses their chances to stay in the MEAC title hunt. I hope the Hornets can learn from this game and move forward from there.

Hornets needs to focus on building a new winning streak if they want to have a winning record in tact for next year starting with Howard at home this week.

Offense Playing the Clock Game

Has anyone noticed anything different about the Hornets offense during the past two games? Anyone? Give up? Well I'll tell you what happened.

It appears the Delaware State Hornets football team were playing the clock game when it comes to scoring drives. The reason for this so that their opponents don't get a chance to scored a lot point especially in the 2nd half.

Lets recap the clock game so far:

On October 12, DSU and Norfolk State were tied at 7-7 with 14:09 left in the 4th quarter at Homecoming. The Hornets started their drive at their own 39 yard line and drove down the field by getting five 1st downs, including converting on two 4th down plays deep inside Spartan territory. The result of the play a 1 yard scored by quarterback Cory Murphy. That scoring drive took 18 plays, 61 yards in eight minutes and 42 seconds. You can also thank the rain for helping the Hornets running game in a 14-7 victory.

Lets go to the next game October 19 when DSU went on the road to play North Carolina A&T. Lets fast forward to the 3rd quarter with the Hornets leading 6-0 with 13:22 left. DSU started their drive at their own 35 yard line and used a 15 play, 79 yard touchdown drive in six minutes and 39 seconds to helped the Hornets take a 12-0 lead and held on to a 12-7 victory. 11 of those 15 plays were running plays that resulted in 58 yards rushing on that touchdown drive.

The Hornets rushing game is improving a lot in scoring drives thanks to 125 yards vs Norfolk State and 130 vs North Carolina A&T. That way the pressure will off of Murphy because he was throwing a lot passes during the 1st five games of the season.

If the Hornets can keep this running on track during the final four games of the season (at Hampton, at home vs Howard, at Florida A&M, and at home vs Morgan State) then this Hornets team could have more than four wins doing the season. That way the Hornet fans criticism will be at a very small minimum, but then again I could be wrong.

Hornets Offense Unbalanced

During the Hornets 21-7 lost at the hands of defending MEAC Champion Bethune-Cookman in their home opener, the Hornets offense rely on the air once again and just like Delaware, Towson, and North Dakota State, DSU couldn't get the running game going.

Hornets finished the game with only 10 yards rushing, yes I said it 10 yards rushing. To me it's very disappointing the way the Hornets coaching staff have three very good running backs of Nagee Jackson, Dae-Hon Chenug, and Malcolm Williams and either of them can't help take the pressure off of quarterback Cory Murphy.

Speaking of Murphy, he threw an interception for the fifth straight game. He finished with two picks for the game including a turning point late in the 3rd quarter when the Hornets were driving in Bethune-Cookman territory. I don't remember a Hornet quarterback who can throw one or more interception in  five consecutive games. Wait, I know who threw one or more interceptions in five straight games: Anthony Glaud back in 2009, Vashon Winton in 2008, and Bryan Botts in 2004.  

I understand Murphy is learning the system but Coach Bluntt and his coaching staff need to realized in order to have a great offense you have to run the football in until the defense gets tired. I know the offensive line is thin with one experience lineman and four inexperience lineman but at least tried running the football when its 1st down or 2nd/3rd down and short.

If this method continues throughout the rest of the season, rest assured the Hornets will managed only three or four wins this season. To me and every other Hornet fan its not a good thing, its a bad thing.

Balanced Offense Helped Hornets Get Their 1st Win

Back on Saturday night during the Hornets 24-22 victory over Savannah State, Delaware State offense was not one dimensional unlike the previous three games. Instead in their MEAC opener, they gained 134 yards rushing and 198 yards throwing.

The best highlights of the game was a 61 yard touchdown run by Dae Hon Cheung back in the 2nd quarter. That's something the Hornets running game needs to continue throughout the rest of the season.

In the 3rd quarter Quarterback Cory Murphy found Malik Goldson for a 53 yard scored and in the 4th quarter Murphy found Aries Scott for an insurance touchdown before Savannah State made a furious rally that was two points short.

If the Hornets can continue their balanced offensive attack for the rest of the season then the Hornets might have a winning record. Their best test is yet to come as the Hornets take on the defending MEAC champion Bethun-Cookman in Dover this Saturday.

Hornets Has Faced a #1 Team Before

Later on today at 3:30 pm on ESPN3.com, the Delaware State Hornets football team will take on the #1 team in Division I-AA, North Dakota State, the defending two time FCS (Football Championship Sub-division) National Champions.

This is not the first time that the Hornets has faced a team ranked #1 in the nation.

Lets go back nine years ago, September 25, 2004 during Al Lavan's first year as the Hornets football coach. It was a nice day for football at Alumni Stadium in Dover as Delaware State was hosting the #1 team in the nation Southern Illinois. It was a exposure for Delaware State to faced a #1 ranked team in the country.

However, when the game started, the Hornets were completely outmatched from start to finish in 49-0 defeat. This game was so bad that I almost fell asleep on the bleachers during the 4th quarter in that hot sun. Besides the Hornets were 0-3 entering that game.

Today the Hornets are entering today's game vs #1 North Dakota State winless at 0-2 to start the season. At least the Hornets don't have to play outdoors they will be playing indoors but the Bison crowd will be very loud all game long. For coach Kermitt Blount and his team, it will be a barn burner like no other just like their 42 point lost at the lands of #4 Towson last week in Maryland.

Special Teams Fail to Make the Grade

After the first two games of the 2013 football season, the Delaware State Hornets special teams can't seem to find answers on their production performance.

On September 7 versus University of Delaware, the Hornets gave up a 65 yard punt return for a touchdown not to mention giving the Blue Hens good field position several times that led to touchdown scoring drives.

Then back on Saturday vs #4 Towson, the Hornet's special teams gave up a 95 kick off return return for a touchdown to start the 3rd quarter. What poor coverage by Delaware State.

Also the kicking game didn't help the Hornets scoring at all. So far place kicker Mitchell Ward is 0 for 2 so far in field goals this season. During the UD game, Ward missed a 30 yard field goal chip shot and his 39 field goal in the 3rd quarter got blocked thanks to a low snap. You know the old saying, never trust kickers in college football.

I can tell special teams coach Curtis Thomas must be fuming inside and he should be due to the fact that the Hornets needs to do a better job at covering very fast punt/kick returners this season. If they don't, they will be in a whole lot of trouble this season.

Hornets Defense Exposed

During the Hornets 42-21 lost to University of Delaware back on September 7, the hornets defense gave up some huge gaps on the gridiron that allowed the Blue Hens to piled up over 400 yards of offense.

In the 1st quarter of UD's second drive, Blue Hen quarter back Trent Hurley found wide receiver Michael Johnson for a long 55 yard touchdown pass. Hornets linebacker Devon Morre blew his assignment to cover Johnson not to mention the secondary to help him out. Then in the same quarter,the Hornets defense gave up 72 yards on UD's 12 plays that resulted in a 14-0 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.

During the 2nd quarter the Hornets gave up a 33 yard touchdown pass when Hurley found Rob Jones again in the endzone to make the score more difficult to catch up at 21-7. Right before halftime, the Hornets gave up a 83 yard drive that result in another touchdown to make it 35-7.

In the 2nd half the Hornets defense calm only to give up 7 points for the entire half.

Other stuff I notice from the Hornets defense is their inability to cover receivers that made hug chunk of yards for 1st downs. Also I did not see not one blitzing scheme from their defensive backs all game in order to pressure the quarter. No wonder DSU had no sacks in the game. They have go clean that up quickly. I figured out why because DSU is worried about the running game that UD will produce than the passing game.

Also during the game, UD was playing the hurry up offense. Kind like the Oregon Ducks or the 2 minute drill to throw off the defense.

If the Hornets defense thinks the Blue Hens was tough wait till Saturday night when DSU plays #5 Towson and the two time defending FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) National Champion North Dakota State next Saturday.

Hornets Football Camp Wrap-Up

Ever since football camp started back on August 7th, the Delaware State Hornets football team was gearing up for the upcoming 2013 season. There were some ups and downs during the three week training camp.

First, the Hornets were picked to finished 8th in MEAC Conference while other sports magazines picked DSU to finished 6th in conference. Coach Kermit Blount wasn't surprised about it due to the fact that Delaware State had a very tough schedule coming in front of them with four straight road games to start the season (Delaware, Towson, North Dakota State, and Savannah State). Trust me that is no easy task because after those road games in September, they will played their home opener vs defending MEAC Champion Bethune-Cookman on October 5th. Yikes!!! Talk about a barn burner.

During the two full contact scrimmages, the Hornets defense were tougher, stronger, and probality faster than last year. They were forcing turnovers left and right and halting almost everydrive the offense can mustard at them. Think about it almost most of the starters returned last year with one goal in mind for the upcoming season: to become the best defensive team in the MEAC Conference. Only time will tell on that predicament.

The biggest problem of all of training camp during those three weeks is the offense. So far through August 26, coach Blount has still not named a starting quarterback. All throughout camp, four quarterbacks have combined for only one touchdown. The bright lone spot was Milton Williams who is  working hard to become the Hornets number one wide receiver. The question is who is Hornets number two wide reciever? That answer is up for grabs and so is quarterback position. This will be coach Blount toughest decision he will ever make and this is only his third year Delaware State.

Also the Hornets offensive line is very thin with only one starter and the rest of the offensive line who only played reserved last season, will get more time at starting line. How are they going to protect their quarter from getting pressured and not to mention create a gap for the running backs to run routes? So far they kept getting run down from left to right in almost every aspect.

Speaking of running backs, Malcolm Williams, Dae Hon Chueng, and Najee Jackson have been quiet during this summer's camp but those three should be top shape form come September 7.

Now that summer training camp has come to a close, are the Hornets football ready for the real deal and win football games. To me I doubt because they still some issues to addressed and fixed between now and before September 7th or DSU will be in for very very long season.

Home Football Times Changed Again

If you did or didn't see the 2013 Delaware State Hornets football schedule several weeks ago on dsuhornets.com, then look very closely.

We all know that the Hornets first home game of the season is not until October 5th vs Bethune-Cookman but I noticed the times of the football home games have changed.

From 2008-2012 DSU home football games were changed from 12pm to 1pm. Back then during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 2000s Hornet home football games usually kicked off at 12pm. I wonder why the sudden changes?

Maybe because of time conflicts, or something else I don't know. One thing I do know is that its all about time management and balance.

Will these times stay the way it is for next year and for the foreseeable future is yet to be seen but I hope Hornet fans will get to the game early and get their seats. That way we will not have low attendance numbers like we had the last several years.

No Surprise Here

Back on Friday during MEAC Media Luncheon Conference, the Delaware State Hornets football team is predicted to finished 8th in the MEAC Conference.

Now don't get me wrong, last year the Hornets were picked to finished 10th in the standings instead they finished tied for third at 5-3. Will this happen again this season?

To me I doubt it for two good reasons: offense and a tough schedule.

On offense, quarterback Nick Elko, and wide receivers Justin Wilson and Travis Tarplay have graduated and moved on to future endeavors in life. Now with two new quarterbacks, new wide receivers and returning running backs in Dae Hon Chenug, Malcolm Williams, and Nagee Jackson I said this Hornets offense is in for a real struggle. I have no concern about the Hornets defense yet that will be in a future blog later.

The Hornets schedule looks pretty tough just like 2009-2012. All September the Hornets will play four road games straight  starting with University of Delaware, Towson, North Dakota State and Savannah State. Their first home game is not until October 5 vs defending MEAC Champion Bethune-Cookman not to mention the Homecoming game vs Norfolk State October 12. The Hornets are going to be in a tough six game stretch that will determine their season.

Then again who knows anything can happen this season but that's up to coach Kermit Blount and his coaching staff to make all the right plays this season. That will put to the test start with training camp next Wednesday in Dover.

Hornets Can Put The Term "Moral Victories" To Bed For Now

Back on Saturday the Delaware State Hornets football made big plays where it matter the most in a 20-17 victory over the defending MEAC (Mid Eastern Athletic Conference) Champions Norfolk State.

In the 1st half, I thought it was going to be a back and forth game because think about it both teams really want to take their frustrations out on each other for good reasons.

For DSU after their first win of the season vs VMI at home, the Hornets were place with the term "Moral Victories" stamped on their foreheads even though they played hard to stay in the game. With 3 straight losses to in-state Rival University of Delaware, Cincinnati, and Florida A&M, DSU had a bye week to figure out a way get the victories with a W instead of losses.

For Norfolk State they are coming off some tough losses, October 6 a 14-0 shutout loss at the hands of South Carolina State, and September 15th 37-36 heartbreaking overtime lost at the hands of Howard University at home not to mention a 44-10 beatdown at the hands of Ohio University in September 22 (not Ohio State).

After a good 1st half, the Hornets were only down four 17-13 at halftime but when the 2nd half began Both teams were playing a very good defense as both teams could not connect points on offense in the 3rd quarter.

When the 4th quarter started Norfolk State was marching down the field trying to chew up as much time as they can so they scored an insurance touchdown. There was one big penalty that changed the whole game around: A Norfolk Unsportsmanlike penalty while skipping towards the endzone forces Norfolk not only 15 yards from the previous spot but the touchdown was wiped off.

Hornets did get the ball off the fumble and went on to scored the game winning touchdown by Justin Brewton with under 10 minutes left. Hornets defense kept the Spartans at bay for the rest of the game especially in the final minutes of the game when Devon Moore caught an interception to seal the deal. In all the Hornets defense force four turnovers

Now the Hornets can put the term "moral victories" to rest and concentrate on building a new winning streak. In fact that bye week helped the Hornets greatly and ready to improve their winning ways vs South Carolina State. A tough test indeed but that game will prove to tell who the Hornets are really are, a moral victory team or a team to be reckon with.

Chenug Gave Hornets Running Game A Spark

Remember last year when the Delaware State Hornets football team almost had no running game all season? Remember that same football team that was in the bottom three of the FCS (Football Championship Sub-Division) when it comes to rushing yards?

Well during the past two games the Hornets running game is getting so good so far. Back on September 15, Malcolm Williams ran for 120 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort vs Cincinnati before hurting his ankle.

Now fast forward to Saturday night when Dae-Hon Chenug made his 1st ever start in a Hornet uniform in place of the injured Williams and man did he made a big impact rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort vs Florida A&M.

In the 1st half, Chenug was making first down after first down finding holes through the defense with help from his offensive line and helping the Hornets keep their drive alive by scoring on the opening drive of the game from 10 yards out. He finished with 100 yards in the 1st half, and it was impressive. In the 2nd half though Cheung was held to 38 yards in the 2nd half due to Nick Elko's passing attack because DSU was down by 11 points early in the 3rd quarter. However Chenug did scored another touchdown from 22 yards out to help out the scoring can cut the rattler lead down to a one score game.

Chenug wasn't the only Hornet running back that contribute rushing yards, Nagee Jackson scored a 5 yard touchdown run to help cut the FAMU lead to two in the fourth quarter and Quadir Bryant had 3 carries for 15, Elko had an extra eight yards rushing respectively.

If the Hornets running game continues to improve for the rest of the season then this Hornets team will be the real deal.

Hornets Defense Gave Cincinnati Problems

Even in a losing effort vs the University of Cincinnati on ESPN3.com Saturday night, I applaud the Delaware State Hornets defense throughout the entire.

Sure once again the Hornets defense gave up 467 yards and allowed a 100 yard runner for the second time this season, but this Hornets defense is improving a lot compared to last year especially in a tough non-conference schedule through the first three games.

The Hornets defense forced not one, not two, not threw, but six turnovers. Let me say that again six turnovers.

In the first half , Bearcat quarterback Muchie Legaux threw his first interception to Cameron Judge for Cincinnati's first turnover of the game. The other two were fumbles, one by Anthony McClung who was running into the endzone before Joe Boyd knocked the football away from McCluung as it rolls into the back of the endzone for a touchback. Finally Travis Kelce fumbled the ball by Olusegun Ayanbiola inside the DSU 35 yard line.

In the 2nd half, inside the redzone, Legaux threw another interception this time at the hands of Devon Morre, then as the Bearcats were driving again, Legaux fumbles the football after the sack inside the redzone, and finally Legaux gets sacked again by Ayanbiola again at the DSU 34 and lost the football at the progress.

Speaking of sacks, the Hornets swarming defense added two sacks to grow more frustration from the Cincinnati coaches, players, and fans who assume that this game was a cake walk. One things for sure that this was not the same Cincinnati Bearcats team that destroyed Pittsburgh back on September 6.

The only bad news I can say about this game is that Delaware State couldn't capitalize those six turnovers into points. DSU had chances don't get me wrong but the Hornets offense were quiet for most of the game but there was a bright spot by Malcolm Williams' 60 yard touchdown run to cut the lead 20-7 before the Bearcats seal the game with a field goal late in the 4th quarter.

Coach Kermitt Blount was proud of his team for fighting hard and keeping the game close as possible. Now the Hornets will have dig deep because they begin their MEAC schedule with Florida A&M on September 22 at home.

The Hit That Will Be Talk About

Even though the Hornets lost the Route 1 rivalry vs the University of Delaware back on Saturday on the NBC Sports Network, the Hornets wanted to send a message to the Blue Hens that will make them something to remember by.

Back in the 2nd quarter, the Blue Hens was in DSU territory when the Hornets' Davon Morre put a "hit stick" on UD's wide receiver Rob Jones. I know me and other Hornet fans that were watching this was like, "Whoa he hit him in the mustache uh-oh!!!!"

To me and other Hornet fans that was a clean hit, but the refrees and UD fans see it other wise as Morre was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

After that penalty, UD took serveal more plays to scored another touchdown to take a 28-7 lead.

Some of the Blue Hen fans says that DSU is a dirty team after that hit. Dirty team? Don't make me laugh. The officials made a bailout call to have UD give time to have an extra set of downs. I mean come on how you can tackle player, play touch/flag football.

I know safety is the main issue for football players but some times you will get beaten, battered, and bruised. That's the way a football game goes and besides what a better way to play defense? Hmmm answer that question.

That Moore hit reminds me of other linebackers that can make opponents in the mustache  like Russell "the hitman" Reeves, Jamal Trout, and Kelly "Spade" Rouse to name a few.

With that hit that Devon made, DSU made their message loud and clear that DSU are not pushovers and will play you tough and will be here to stay for the Route 1 Rivalry whether if its a one side affair or not.

Super Nick Saves The Day

(In my Mikey Day voice) Ayo Nick, Ayo Nick, Ayo Nick, Ayo Nick.

That was the expression I was using during the Hornets 17-10 home victory over Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in which Nick Elko scored the game winning touchdown with less than 45 seconds left in the 4th quarter.

Elko was calm cool and collected throughout the whole game despite getting sacked three times and making a few mistakes. So what did Elko do to make up for those few mistakes and three sacks? Here's what Elko did before putting on the Superman cape:

• With 42 seconds left before halftime, Elko lead the Hornets to a eight play 80 yard drive including a 26 yard touchdown pass to Travis Tarplay to give the Hornets a 10-0 halftime lead. Elko was six-for-seven for 79 yards during that drive.
• After VMI tied the game at 10-10 with a 22 yard field goal by John Sexton with 2:32 left in the 4th quarter, Nick Elko once again delivered completing a five yard pass to Justin Wilson to the VMI 39.
• After a VMI penalty, the Hornets moved closer to the Keydets' 26. Two plays later Elki found Tarplay for 14 yards to the VMI 12.
• It was second and goal and DSU is at the VMI 4 yard line, Elko took the snap, fake the hand off  and went to the right side of the field untouched for the game winning touchdown.

It was bootleg play design by Coach Kermitt Blount and Elko, a play that proved effective in order for the hornets to win their 1st game of the season. I hope Elko can make more bootleg plays throughout most of the season so that way their opponents will get dazed and confused.

Hornets Football on TV and Online

Even though 1290AM The Ticket (WTXX) will not be broadcasting any Hornet football games this season, you can catch three Hornet games on your television sets and on the worldwide web.

Last year  Hornets Football  were not on TV or any website for Hornet fans to watch.

Hornet fans mark your calenders for:

September 8: DSU vs University of Delaware game starts at 3:30pm on the NBC Sports Network

September 15: DSU vs Cincinnati game starts at 7pm online on ESPN3.com

October 25: DSU vs Morgan State game starts at 7:30pm on ESPNU

With those three games it is very hard to tell if the Hornets can perform well in front a national television/internet audience.

Hornets Training Camp Day 1

Earlier today, the Delaware State Hornets football team begin their 1st day of training camp and the theme for this training camp according to head coach Kermit Blount is to develop strong team chemistry.

About 30 new players came to Hornets training camp today and they very excited to get started and ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Highlight from day 1 of training camp included station to station drills, 7-on-7, and special teams activities.

Coach Blount told dsuhornets.com that each practice will be very critical to everyone because they have a very tough schedule to deal with starting with the 1st game of the year vs Virgina Military Institute September 1 at home.