Some FCS programs would rather not be on the playoff bubble, while several are just happy to be in the discussion. Delaware is one of those programs that would love to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 … so being on the bubble is just fine. The Blue Hens want to punch their ticket.
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So let's take a look at what Delaware needs to do next week, and how it helped itself today:
DELAWARE (7-3) IN A NUTSHELL
TODAY'S RESULT: An impressive home win over Albany, 22-3.
TODAY'S STAR?: LB Jalen Kindle (9 tackles, 1 PBU), DT Blaine Woodson (7 tackles, 1 INT); RB Khory Spruill (2 TDs, 86 yards).
HOW DID TODAY HELP/HURT?: It helped tremendously, and that defense the Blue Hens is playing is just flat out incredible. Only two teams now have scored more than 20 points on Delaware's defense — Richmond with one of the top passing attacks in the nation, and Power Five opponent Virginia Tech (27 points). That's it folks. Another big one for the Blue Hens.
WHAT'S NEXT?: At injury plagued Villanova.
THE SKINNY?: With Villanova really struggling with injuries and a young quarterback, don't be surprised when Delaware finishes with 8 wins and is hosting a first-round playoff game. And there's an outside shot — if Stony Brook falls at Maine next week and goes to 2 CAA losses — that Delaware might be on the cusp of nabbing a seed and a first-round bye. The Blue Hens have definitely taken a major step forward in recent weeks. If they hadn't lost to Towson, there's no question today that they'd be seeded.
IF IT MAKES PLAYOFFS, WHO COULD IT FACE?: With the more northeastern CAA teams likely looking at hosting the NEC and Patriot League champs, I'd bet that Delaware may host (thanks to having a nice venue to host/bid) one of the teams from the Southern Conference. Could it be a team like Furman, if the Paladins aren't hosting? Or maybe Western Carolina if it gets in by bouncing back after this week?
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