Strong Second Half Keys Win Over Syracuse - majesty95's Dynasty

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Strong Second Half Keys Win Over Syracuse

Posted on June 17, 2011 at 06:11 PM.

The first half was a struggle for Delaware as they could not move the ball effectively and had essentially zero run game. They went into the half trailing Syracuse 10-7 and once again looked over-matched by a mid-level FBS team.

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.

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