NEWARK, Delaware -- Delaware State put together an explosive 200-yard performance on the ground, including 123 yards from Marquis Gillis,, but fell 35-17 to Delaware Thursday night on the road at Delaware Stadium.
The Fightin' Blue Hens improved to 1-0 on the season while the Hornets dropped to 0-1.
Gillis led all Hornets rushers with 123 yards in the contest, picking up 7.2 yards per carry. Gillis also added 46 receiving yards and one touchdown. Kaiden Bennett also added 30 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Delaware State also got a significant contribution from Samuel Scaife IV, who caught two passes for 23 yards.
Dasheen Jackson showed out for the Delaware State defense, collecting four tackles and one recovered fumble. Emerson Martin III added 1.0 TFL and one sack and had six tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack in the loss.
Delaware State recorded a stellar showing on the ground, totaling 200 rushing yards while averaging 4.9 yards per carry and out-rushing Delaware by 63 yards. Delaware State converted on 42.9 percent of third-down attempts on the day. The Hornets also went 2-for-2 on fourth down.
Defensively, Delaware State held up fairly well against the Delaware rushing attack, holding the Fightin' Blue Hens to 137 yards on the ground.
How It Happened
Delaware State got on the scoreboard first and took a 3-0 lead with 6:46 left in the second quarter.Delaware then scored to take a 14-3 lead before the Hornets put a touchdown on the board to close the gap and make it a 14-10 game.
After Delaware scored to increase its lead to 28-10, Delaware State responded with a touchdown with 8:10 left in the fourth quarter lead to cut the deficit to 28-17. Delaware State didn't score again in the game and Delaware added seven more points to finish off the game.
Game Highlights
» Delaware State went 2-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
» Delaware State forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
» Delaware State won the time of possession battle 31:53 to 28:07.
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Up Next...
The Hornets return to action September 6 for their home opener. The Hornets will host Albany in Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET
