Football at the FBS level is particularly harsh, which was the disappointing reality thatDelawaresuffered through the night of October 3.

The Blue Hens demonstrated they could match Western Kentucky at home in their first Conference USA game.

But the Hilltoppersexecuted the key plays that the Hens were unable to and secured a rewarding 27-24 victory in front of 19,716 fans at Delaware Stadium and a national television viewership.

Nate Reed’s attempt at a game-tying field goal missed to the right as the clock expired, failing to replicate the successful kick he made earlier in Delaware’s 13th September victory against UConn that sent the game into overtime.

Delaware dropped to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 within CUSA matches. WKU (5-1) leads the conference with a 3-0 record.

Delaware accumulated 435 yards compared to WKU’s 338 in total offense.

However, two UD turnovers allowed WKU to lead 27-17 with 38 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Nick Minicucci’s third touchdown run of the game brought Delaware within 27-24 with 9 minutes and 54 seconds left.

A later Blue Hens possession ended on downs at the WKU 22, with Jo Silver’s catch and the following fourth-and-1 run both falling just short of the necessary yardage for a first down, surprisingly without triggering any replay reviews.

As it often did, Delaware’s defense stopped the Hilltoppers’ powerful offense and caused a punt. Delaware took possession at its 5-yard line and set up for Reed’s missed attempt.

Delaware is still in the game

The Blue Hens have narrowed Western Kentucky’s advantage to 27-24 with 9:54 remaining, following Nick Minicucci’s 2-yard touchdown run.

It concluded a 13-play, 75-yard drive that included Minicucci’s 11-yard third-and-4 pass to Kyree Duplessis.

Turnovers undermine Blue Hens

Two turnovers have unexpectedly damaged Delaware’s chances of securing a major Conference USA victory at Delaware Stadium, where the Blue Hens are down 27-17 heading into the final quarter.

They were down 20-17 with 7:20 remaining in the third quarter following Koron Hayward’s 25-yard interception return for a touchdown. The play occurred on a third-and-7 from the UD 28.

Later, when the Hens appeared ready to respond swiftly, Minicucci was tackled forcefully and lost the ball on a second-and-goal play from WKU’s 4-yard line, with the Hilltoppers recovering the football in the end zone.

Minicucci’s 29-yard run and a 33-yard pass to Donovan Lewis, along with a pass interference penalty, placed the Hens in a favorable position.

WKU advanced 80 yards over nine plays, culminating in Maverick McIvor throwing a 5-yard pass to George Hart III for a touchdown.

Biggest audience at home in 7 years

This game was considered a significant draw as Delaware competed in its initial Conference USA home match during Parents and Family Weekend.

Indeed, the crowd of 19,176 at Delaware Stadium is the Blue Hens’ biggest attendance since their 2018 game against Elon.

The local supporters have had a lot to celebrate.

John Cannon kicked a 43-yard field goal that struck the upright but cleared the crossbar, giving WKU some points with 8:01 remaining in the third quarter, although Delaware continued to lead 17-13.

Blue Hens leading at halftime

Delaware is leading 17-10 at halftime during its first Conference USA home game against Western Kentucky.

Quarterback Nick Miniucci completed a 1-yard fourth-and-goal play in the final moments of the first half.

It concluded an 8-play, 46-yard drive that included his passes of 18 yards to Ja’Carree Kelly and 23 yards to Kyre Duplessis along with a Hilltoppers pass interference penalty.

Delaware leads with 189-184 in total yards.

WKU ties it up

This time, it was Western Kentucky that executed the crucial third-down plays.

The Hilltoppers are tied with Delaware at 10-10 with 1:55 remaining in the second quarter at Delaware Stadium.

A 13-play, 75-yard possession concluded with K.D. Hutchinson’s 5-yard touchdown run. The drive included Maverick McIvor’s 15-yard pass on third-and-5 and his 23-yard reception on third-and-15.

Matthews make big stop

Delaware required a significant defensive action, and bandit linebacker Blake Matthews delivered.

His defensive play and tackle resulted in a 3-yard loss for UD 23 on a WKU third-down pass, forcing the Hilltoppers to attempt a field goal.

John Cannon kicked a 41-yard field goal on the opening play of the second quarter, bringing WKU to within 7-3.

A 38-yard pass from Maverick McIvor to Matthew Henry showcased the 8-play, 55-yard drive.

However, Delaware increased its advantage to 10-3 with a 14-play, 69-yard drive, during which they took Nate Reed’s 23-yard field goal after Nick Miniucci’s third-down pass was almost intercepted.

Thaw returns, third-down conversions crucial for Hens early

Jake Thaw’s comeback to the field following a two-game absence due to a knee injury has already lifted the Blue Hens.

Thaw caught a 33-yard pass, marking the first of five successful third-down plays, with the final one being quarterback Nick Miniucci’s 2-yard touchdown.

It concluded the initial series at Delaware Stadium, where the Blue Hens were ahead 7-0 during their home Conference USA debut against Western Kentucky.

Minicucci also completed an 11-yard pass to Ja’Carree Kelly, an 8-yard throw to Connor Witthoft, and rushed for 5 yards himself — all on third down — to keep the Hens advancing.

Delaware stopped WKU on their initial drive when Marje Mulumba caused a fumble that was recovered by K.T. Seay at the UD 36. However, the Hens went three-and-out.

Big night in Newark

The university edition of Friday night football arrives at Delaware Stadium on October 3.

Hardly has there been such a magnificent event.

Western Kentucky is the team visiting Delaware for the school’s first home game as a member of Conference USA. The game starts at 7 p.m.

The Blue Hens (3-1 overall, 1-0 in CUSA) began their conference season with a remarkable performance ona 38-16 victory over Florida Internationalin their latest match on September 20.

However, WKU (4-1, 2-0) offers a major test due to CUSA’s top passing attack. Delaware, which also has considerable offensive strength, aims to stop the Hilltoppers while demonstrating its own power.

A sold-out crowd for Parents and Family Weekend is likely, and the game will also be broadcast nationally on the CBS Sports Network. The Blue Hens plan to capitalize on what should be a highly energetic atmosphere.

Delaware has secured 10 consecutive home victories, which ranks as the sixth-longest such streak in the country, and is coming off aexciting 44-41 victory in overtime against UConnin its final home game on September 13. The Hens have also secured eight consecutive victories during their Parents and Family Weekend.

It’s going to be thrilling,” said Delaware coach Ryan Carty. “… I believe the people in the community are excited about what’s currently happening with our transition to Conference USA and our opportunity to play in a night game.

I’m aware that it’s typically a high school night, and I believe they will still be happening. However, we’re genuinely enthusiastic about the chance to do something unique and bring some new energy to the Tub. Hopefully, we can keep our success going there and just play aggressively, intelligently, and with determination.

Hen scratch

Safety Mysonne Pollard, who recorded two interceptions in the victory over FIU but was sidelined due to an injury, is now in good health and is anticipated to participate. . . Wide receiver Jake Thaw is also set to come back after missing the past two games because of a knee injury. . . This marks the first nationally broadcasted home game sincea 24-23 victory against William & Mary on October 3, 2015,precisely 10 years ago … Delaware has been forced to punt following three downs only 7.7 percent of the time this season, which ranks first in CUSA and 12th nationally^thin FBS … The Hens’ 2.67 points per possession are also top in CUSA and 49^thnationally… Delaware is 21-0 under Carty when they win the turnover ratio… WKU has outscored opponents 55-9 in the fourth quarter, a 46-point difference that ranks second in FBS… Hilltoppers punter Cole Maynard is second in FBS with a 50.82-yard average… WKU has participated in a bowl game for the past six seasons, one of only 11 teams and three from the Group of Five that can say the same… The WKU roster includes 47 first-year transfers.

More on Blue Hens

HOW TO WATCH: Delaware will face Western Kentucky in its first home game of the CUSA season.

PASSING FANCY: WKU presents a strong attacking lineup in Delaware

DEEP DIVE: Blue Hens, the ones with real depth on the roster end up having the final say against FIU

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Promote local journalism bysubscribing to and our DE Game Day newsletter.

This piece first was published in the Delaware News Journal:Last-second field goal attempt falls short; Blue Hens lose 27-24 to Western Kentucky in their CUSA home opener

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