DOVER, Delaware -- Despite two weather delays, Delaware State put together a 14-play, 72-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 27-yard rushing touchdown from with :34 remaining in the ballgame to give the Hornets a 37-32 win over Albany on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
The win improved Delaware State's record to 1-1 on the season while the Great Danes fell to 0-2.
Marquis Gillis paced the Hornets rushing attack by accumulating 102 yards over the course of the game, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Kaiden Bennett also added 96 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, averaging 8 yards per carry. Jayden Jenkins chipped in with 70 yards as well, averaging 11.7 yards per carry, in addition to 65 receiving yards.
Delaware State also got a significant contribution from Nathan Stewart, who reeled in three catches for 41 yards.
Quinten Johnson showed out for the Delaware State defense, totaling three tackles and one recovered fumble.
Both teams forced one turnover in Saturday's contest, with Delaware State turning that takeaway into three points. Delaware State also had an outstanding day offensively, racking up 554 total yards, 369 on the ground and 185 through the air, while averaging 6.2 yards per play and out-gaining Albany.
Defensively, Delaware State did an excellent job neutralizing the Albany rushing attack, holding the Great Danes to 78 yards on the ground.
How It Happened
Delaware State responded to a 7-0 lead from Albany with a score to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:15 remaining in the first quarter.Albany scored to go ahead 14-7 before the Hornets got on the scoreboard again to even the game at 14-14.
Albany then grabbed a 20-14 lead, but Delaware State responded at the 12:00 left mark in the third quarter with a 26-yard touchdown run from to jump back in front 21-20.The Hornets continued to build their lead, scoring again to go up 24-20.
Delaware State kept building its lead, scoring again with 9:21 left in the fourth quarter to go ahead 31-20.The Great Danes answered with 12 points to take the lead before the Hornets snatched it back on a 27-yard touchdown run from , which brought the score to 37-32 in favor of Delaware State. Neither team scored again in the game.
Game Highlights
» Delaware State outgained Albany 554-365, including a 369-78 advantage on the ground.
» Delaware State converted 5 of 15 third downs while Albany was successful on 3 of 12.
» Allen Smith led the Hornets with eight tackles.
» Delaware State forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
Up Next...
The Hornets return to action September 13 for a late afternoon showdown. The Hornets will host Bowie State in Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET
