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UD football team downs UMass 21-7 10:36 a.m., Sept. 27, 2004--The University of Delaware football team, led by a stubborn defense and a punishing rushing attack, passed an important road test by defeating the No. 16-ranked University of Massachusetts 21-7 on Saturday afternoon at McGuirk Memorial Stadium in Amherst, Mass. With the win, the Fightin’ Blue Hens improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the Atlantic 10 Football Conference. The No. 4-ranked Hens now must prepare for a Homecoming battle against another nationally ranked Atlantic 10 Football Conference opponent on Saturday, Oct. 2, when No. 8-ranked University of Maine visits Delaware Stadium. Kickoff will be at noon. Of the victory over Massachusetts, UD Head Coach K.C. Keeler said, "We've worked so hard the last three weeks, and it was nice to see us come up big today. It's very rewarding to see our defense make so many big plays and to see our offense grind out the clock late in the fourth quarter. This game reminded me of what Delaware football is all about." After a scoreless first quarter, UD struck first with 9:27 remaining in the second when junior quarterback Sonny Riccio found a wide open Joe Bleymaier down the center of the field for a 26-yard touchdown pass to cap a six-play, 81-yard drive. Massachusetts answered on its ensuing possession as quarterback Tim Day connected with Brandon London for a 9-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 with 5:18 left in the half. The Minutemen appeared to take momentum midway through the third quarter as they began a drive from their own five-yard line and moved the ball to the UD 27. However, UD senior cornerback Sidney Haugabrook picked off a Day pass at the 12 and returned it to midfield. After each team punted, UD began a drive at its own 44 to start the fourth quarter. After a first-down run by senior Sean Bleiler, Riccio rushed to the right side for 18 yards and a Massachusetts penalty put the ball on the 13-yard line. The Hens took the lead 14-7 when Riccio hooked up with David Boler, who made a spectacular catch. Massachusetts threatened once again, driving to the UD 38, but the defense stiffened and junior lineman Tom Parks sacked Day on a fourth down play to give UD the ball back. The Hens then put the game away with an 11-play, 57-yard drive that ended with a touchdown run by Bleiler. On the following kickoff, Marquez Davis forced a fumble by Massachusetts returner L.A. Love, and KeiAndre Hepburn recovered for the Hens at the Massachusetts 33. Bleiler then ran four times to the one-yard line before UD ran the clock out. Riccio finished with 11 completions in 18 attempts for 115 yards and two touchdown passes. He also ran 17 times for 70 yards. Bleiler had 22 carries for a career-high 110 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Lonnie Starks added 61 yards on 12 carries. The UD defense held Massachusetts to just 226 yards of total offense and 10 first downs. The effort was led by senior linebacker Mondoe Davis, who recorded a team-high 13 tackles. Mondoe's brother, Marquez, making his first career start, added seven tackles. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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