THE GAME
Delaware State takes on nationally ranked Towson University in a FCS non-conference game. The Hornets (0-1) opened their 2013 season with a 42-21 loss to Delaware last Saturday. For the second year in a row, DSU racked up big yardage but fell way short on the scoreboard against their state rival.
The Hornets outgained Delaware 341-to-328 in passing yardage and held the advantage in first downs (25-21) and time of possession (36:10-to-23:50); but were plagued by several big plays by the Hens, three turnovers and special teams mistakes. DSU quarterback Cory Murphy (sr.; Santa Clara, Cal.) was impressive in his first Division I start, completing 30-of-45 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Murphy also led the Hornets with 44 yards rushing. Wide receiver Milton Williams III (jr.; Washington, D.C.) led all players with 10 catches for 112 yards, each a career high. Fellow receiver Malik Golson (r-fr.; Dover, Del.) had nine receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate contest.
Linebacker Ernest Adjei (sr.; Woodbridge, Va.) led Delaware State's defenders with nine tackles, while safety Joe Boyd (sr.; Ft. Washington, Md.) had eight.
Towson (2-0) is No. 4 in the latest SportsNetwork poll of Top 25 FCS teams. The Tigers are coming off a 49-7 win at Holy Cross last Saturday. TU racked up 525 yards of total offense in the contest. Running back Terrence West, an All-America candidate, rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries (7.1 ypc), while quarterback Peter Athens completed 17-of-23 passes for 231 yards and two scores. Towson opened the season with a 33-18 road upset of FBS Connecticut on Aug. 29.
Towson is Delaware State's highest ranked opponent since the Hornets hosted No. 1 Southern Illinois in 2004.
THE SERIES (Towson leads 9-6)
The Hornets and Tigers are renewing a rivalry that featured 15 meetings between 1980 and 1994. The teams met each year during the period. Towson won the last two meetings between the teams (1993 & '94) to open up a 9-6 series lead. Delaware State won the three previous contests from 1990 to 92. The Hornets are 2-5 all-time in meetings at Towson. The Tigers won the last time they hosted the Hornets 31-14 in 1993.
