Delaware State takes on Southern University (La.) in the Sixth Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando this Sunday (Sep. 5). This is the first MEAC/SWAC Challenge contest for the Hornets, while Southern is making its second appearance (2007). The game will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN HD and ESPN3.com.
Delaware State will be the home team in the contest.
DSU posted a 4-7 overall record and 3-5 mark in the MEAC in 2009. The '09 Hornet losses included contests at major college Michigan, MEAC champion South Carolina State, perennial FCS power Delaware and a forfeit to North Carolina A&T.
The Hornets will feature a number of new starters this season, especially on defense. Just two starters from last season, tackle Andre Caroll and cornerback Francis Adjei, return to the defense. Caroll, a 2010 preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, led the Hornets with 56 total tackles and seven tackles-for loss in 2009. Adjei, who missed spring drills and part of preseason camp while eligibility issues were resolved, was second on the team with three interceptions and tied for fifth with 44 tackles last season. The remaining defensive starters were either back-ups last year, or new to the team.
The Delaware State offense returns six starters, including senior quarterback Anthony Glaud, a 2010 preseason All-MEAC Second Team pick. Glaud enters his second season as the Hornets' starting signal-caller. He was fourth in the MEAC in passing average (143.8 ypg), sixth in passing efficiency (108.3 rating) and sixth in total offense (153.4 ypg) in 2009. The Sicklerville, N.J., native completed 127 of 220 passes (57.7%) for 1,294 yards last season.
The offense also returns top running back Jaashawn Jones, who rushed for 632 yards (4.2 ypc) and five touchdowns in 2009. He ran for at least 100 yards in four of the last five games in '09.
Speedy receivers Darius Jackson and Larrone Moore lead the group. Jackson topped the Hornets with 41 catches for 476 yards to rank fifth in the MEAC in receptions per-game and 10th in receiving yards per contest. He tied the team record with 11 catches for a career-high 123 yards in the 2009 season finale. Moore made his mark as a receiver and kick returner last season. He was second on the team with 33 receptions for 315 yards.
The starting offensive line features three newcomers. The returning starters are left tackle Nail Muradymov and right guard Darryl Hicks.
Special teams, normally a team strength, is big question mark this season. The Hornets will feature freshmen at punter and placekicker. However, the kickoff and punt returners are among the top in the MEAC.
THE SERIES
The Hornets and Jaguars are meeting for the first time in 24 years, and just the third time overall. Delaware State won the two previous meetings between the teams, routing Southern 46-8 in 1985 in Baton Rouge, La., and coming out on top 21-14 the following year at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La.
In the 1985 contest, Delaware State's John Taylor, who later starred for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers scored three touchdowns (two receiving; one rushing) to lead the Hornets, who led 39-0 at the half. One of the Taylor's TD catches covered 93 yards, the second- longest in team history.
In the 1986 match up, Delaware State's Wing-T attack posted 318 yards rushing, including 156 by sophomore fullback Reggie Barnes.
Delaware State, under head coach Bill Collick, was 9-2 in 1985 and 9-1 during the '86 season.
