Villanova’s domination of Delaware continues in the 58th and maybe final Battle of the Blue
Written by David Szczepanski on November 24, 2024
VILLANOVA, PA—On Saturday afternoon, #14/15 Villanova and Delaware met for the 58th time since their first matchup in 1895. More than 125 years of history came down to one final battle at Villanova Stadium as the Blue Hens will move to the FBS in 2025. Like the previous “Battle of the Blue” games between these two CAA foes, this game was physical, and emotions were high from kickoff.
On Saturday, Villanova defeated Delaware, 38-28, for the 18th time in the last 20 matchups. The Wildcats forced four turnovers on their way to their 15th consecutive win at Villanova Stadium.
Villanova defeated Delaware, 38-28, on Saturday to win the 2024 Battle of the Blue.
Villanova’s sixth-year QB Connor Watkins finished the game with 13 completions in 30 attempts. He had 203 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Watkins led Villanova’s rushing attack with 79 yards in eight attempts, including an explosive, full-speed 38-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Battle of the Blue: Villanova keeps the trophy on Lancaster Avenue
Watkins highlighted the significance of this year’s “Battle of the Blue” to the players and the program.
“A lot of the older guys spoke this week,” Watkins said. “Talked about what this game meant to them, talked about what this game means to the program. It’s a tradition here.”
Isaiah Ragland was the team leader in rushing attempts for Villanova, with 14 attempts and 39 yards on the ground. David Avit was a little banged up at the end of the game. He ran for 29 yards and a touchdown in six attempts. Avit’s one-yard touchdown on the Wildcats’ first drive set the tone for the rest of the game.
Bell’s Historic Day
Brendan Bell, a senior linebacker for the Wildcats, scored his second rushing touchdown of the season on a six-yard run in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Bell is the first player in Villanova program history to score an offensive and defensive touchdown in the same game. Bell recorded a pick-six on a Nick Minicucci interception in the first quarter.
Jaylan Sanchez, a junior from North Bergen, NJ, finished the game with two receptions for 46 yards. Lucas Kopecky accumulated three catches for 37 yards. He had eight targets against the Blue Hens.
Villanova’s Defense Forces Four Turnovers
The Wildcats’ defense forced four turnovers: two fumbles and two interceptions. Delaware’s offense found some success, especially in the second quarter, but Villanova’s defense stepped up in the biggest moments. The Blue Hens were six-for-15 on third downs and just one-for-three on fourth down situations. Delaware entered the game by converting 65% of their fourth down plays.
Delaware’s third-string QB and reigning CAA Co-Offensive Player of the Week, Nick Minicucci was 18-for-33 for 198 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw two costly interceptions at Villanova Stadium.
Despite the Blue Hens’ loss, Delaware’s top rusher, Marcus Yarns, probably played the best game of any player on the field. He finished the game with 20 rushing attempts for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Phil Lutz, who entered the game with 11 touchdown receptions this season, had four catches for 47 yards against Villanova. He was targeted eight times by Minicucci.
The Wildcats led 21-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first half. After a bad punt from Ethan Gettman, Delaware used their good field position to gather momentum and eventually score 21 unanswered points to tie the game at halftime.
The kick was originally called an onside kick attempt, but Coach Ferrante cleared the confusion in his postgame press conference.
“That wasn’t supposed to be an onside kick,” Coach Ferrante said. “He [Gettman] missed it.”
Gettman redeemed himself by kicking the game-winning 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Regardless of the intention, Villanova bounced back after the huge momentum shift in Delaware’s favor at the end of the first half. Villanova outscored the Blue Hens, 17-7, in the second half.
The End of the Regular Season + Up Next…FCS Playoffs
With their win, Villanova improved to 9-3 overall in 2024. They finished the season with a 6-2 record in conference play. The Wildcats will make the FCS Playoffs. More information on their seeding and opponent will be announced later today.
