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.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, August 26, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, August 5, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, July 29, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Hornets MEAC Tournament Preview
Well today is the day, its time for the Delaware State Men's and Women's basketball team to showcase their skills during the 2013 Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament here in the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. This morning at 11am the the ninth seed DSU lady hornets will play in the 1st round for the fourth straight year as they take on the number eight seed Bethune-Cookman.
In their 1st and only meeting of the season at Daytona Beach, Florida, the lady hornets blew a nine point lead but prevail in overtime 62-57 in overtime back on January 26 thanks to Jade Washington's game winning lay up with 34 seconds left and Taisha Bristow's four clutch free throws.
The lady hornets finished ninth in the MEAC at 6-10 in Tamika Louis' first year as Delaware State. She knows that her team will have their hands full especially after growing pains the Lady Hornets went through this season. Now the Lady Hornets will have dig deep in order to get to the quarter-finals to face Hampton with their best offense they can.
Think about it the lady hornets are ninth in the MEAC in scoring but their turnovers is hard to watch everytime they play by averaging almost 21 turnovers a game. Also their defense has been pretty rough this season finishing third to last in the MEAC in scoring defense. Ever heard of hands up defense? Tierra hawkins and Bristow is going to need a third and fourth scorer in order to help DSU and that has to be Deanna Harmon and Keyanna Tate.
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As for the DSU men's basketball team, they play a night cap as the sixth seed when they play the 11th seed Howard University.
Howard is still having nightmares after getting swept in the season series but the biggest nightmare came back on January 23 when Tahj Tate made two highlighted poster dunks that had Hornet fans going crazy. Howard will never forget and never forgive what happen on that very day. Expect the Bison to give the Hornets a fight like no other and I'm pretty sure Alphonso Leary has a defensive mind set on Tate after being on the wrong end of a poster dunk.
The Hornet men better take Howard lightly, (remember UMES and South Carolina?) or else they will be in for early elimination.
I'm pretty sure coach Greg Jackson Sr. has some new ideas on how the Hornets run this offense because trust me the slow down game will not work with Howard or any other team in the tournament if they advance that far. Also the Hornets biggest weakness is their three point shooting especially when they shoot 27% as a team during the regular season. The hornets has got to attack the paint more due to the fact that other MEAC opponents are turning DSU into a jump shooting team with no balanced scoring due to their opponents height. So what that means is this, Tate has to step up (sixth man or not), Casey Walker has to step up, Maques Oliver has to step up, Kendall Gray has to step up, Miles Bowman, has to step and the point guard of A.J. Thomas, Jabari Joyner, Khali Thomas, and Amere May has to play point guard not shooting guard in order for Delaware State to move to the quarterfinals. The winner of this game will play the third seed Hampton on Thursday night.
Good luck Delaware State, even though I won't be there in Norfolk to support in person, rest assured I will wear my Columbia blue and red today in Newark, Delaware to watch the game online on meachoops.com.
In their 1st and only meeting of the season at Daytona Beach, Florida, the lady hornets blew a nine point lead but prevail in overtime 62-57 in overtime back on January 26 thanks to Jade Washington's game winning lay up with 34 seconds left and Taisha Bristow's four clutch free throws.
The lady hornets finished ninth in the MEAC at 6-10 in Tamika Louis' first year as Delaware State. She knows that her team will have their hands full especially after growing pains the Lady Hornets went through this season. Now the Lady Hornets will have dig deep in order to get to the quarter-finals to face Hampton with their best offense they can.
Think about it the lady hornets are ninth in the MEAC in scoring but their turnovers is hard to watch everytime they play by averaging almost 21 turnovers a game. Also their defense has been pretty rough this season finishing third to last in the MEAC in scoring defense. Ever heard of hands up defense? Tierra hawkins and Bristow is going to need a third and fourth scorer in order to help DSU and that has to be Deanna Harmon and Keyanna Tate.
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As for the DSU men's basketball team, they play a night cap as the sixth seed when they play the 11th seed Howard University.
Howard is still having nightmares after getting swept in the season series but the biggest nightmare came back on January 23 when Tahj Tate made two highlighted poster dunks that had Hornet fans going crazy. Howard will never forget and never forgive what happen on that very day. Expect the Bison to give the Hornets a fight like no other and I'm pretty sure Alphonso Leary has a defensive mind set on Tate after being on the wrong end of a poster dunk.
The Hornet men better take Howard lightly, (remember UMES and South Carolina?) or else they will be in for early elimination.
I'm pretty sure coach Greg Jackson Sr. has some new ideas on how the Hornets run this offense because trust me the slow down game will not work with Howard or any other team in the tournament if they advance that far. Also the Hornets biggest weakness is their three point shooting especially when they shoot 27% as a team during the regular season. The hornets has got to attack the paint more due to the fact that other MEAC opponents are turning DSU into a jump shooting team with no balanced scoring due to their opponents height. So what that means is this, Tate has to step up (sixth man or not), Casey Walker has to step up, Maques Oliver has to step up, Kendall Gray has to step up, Miles Bowman, has to step and the point guard of A.J. Thomas, Jabari Joyner, Khali Thomas, and Amere May has to play point guard not shooting guard in order for Delaware State to move to the quarterfinals. The winner of this game will play the third seed Hampton on Thursday night.
Good luck Delaware State, even though I won't be there in Norfolk to support in person, rest assured I will wear my Columbia blue and red today in Newark, Delaware to watch the game online on meachoops.com.
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