Delaware Looks To Right The Ship Vs. Rhode Island
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- It's been a tough run as of late for the Delaware Blue Hens. Since a 3-1 start, Delaware has dropped 3 of its last 4 games, that includes a 31-17 defeat this past weekend at William and Mary.
The 4-4 (2-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association) Blue Hens will look to turn things around this coming Saturday as they welcome a winless Rhode Island team to Newark.
The game against William and Mary got away from Delaware in the second half. The Blue Hens were only down 10-7 at the break, but over the final 30 minutes the Tribe outscored Delaware 21-10, while holding the ball for 20:28. For the game, William and Mary rushed for 245 yards.
"We felt good about where we were at halftime," Delaware head coach Dave Brock tells KYW Newsradio. "We gave up a blocked punt, which was disappointing, and that really led to their one touchdown in the first half. So we felt like we were playing pretty well and doing the things we needed to do. And really got off to a good start in the third quarter. Kicked it, pinned them deep, got a three-and-out defensively and had a lot of energy. Took a shot, first (Delaware) play of the third quarter and the ball went right off our receiver's fingertips for what would've been either a big, big play or a touchdown. And we came unraveled a little bit there, defensively, in terms of our ability to stop the run. We missed some tackles and so forth. So it was certainly a disappointing second half."
Delaware head coach Dave Brock talks to KYW's Matt Leon:
Now the Blue Hens focus on a Rhode Island team that hasn't had much go right for it in 2014. The Rams are 0-8 (0-4 in the CAA) and they have been outscored by an average of 25 points a game. But Brock says his team can't overlook them.
"For us, our own circumstances should eliminate any possibility of that," Brock says. "At 4-4 and 2-2 in the league, we're fighting for our life right now. I think our players understand that. We've articulated exactly what we need to do."
As for what he expects out of the Rams.
"Very aggressive defensively," Brock says. "And then offensively, they've really had some injuries. Their running back is really by committee, now they are down to a younger guy, who is talented, but young. The quarterback's been in flux most of the year, they've played a couple kids there with some injuries."
Delaware and Rhode Island will kickoff at noon on Saturday.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.
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