MOBILE, Alabama – The Delaware Blue Hens are gearing up for a significant moment in their football program as they prepare to face the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in the 68 Ventures Bowl on December 18. The matchup will take place at Hancock Whitney Stadium at 8:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcasted live on ESPN.
Both teams enter the contest with identical records of 6-6, making the quest for a winning season and the 68 Ventures Bowl Trophy a central theme of the game, uniquely adorned with Mardi Gras beads. This bowl marks an exciting milestone for Delaware, as it is the school’s first appearance in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) after transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Louisiana, conversely, is making its eighth consecutive bowl appearance, the longest active streak in the Sun Belt Conference and the tenth longest nationally, although the Cajuns are looking to break a three-game bowl losing streak.
Adding to the competitive atmosphere, Louisiana comes into the game riding a four-game winning streak and playing close to home, with their campus just under four hours away. Coach Mike Desormeaux reflected on his team’s journey, noting that they overcame a challenging mid-season low at 2-6. “It was pretty bleak there for a while, and we had really high expectations at the beginning of the year,” he stated, expressing determination to finish strong.
On the other hand, Delaware’s coach Ryan Carty acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing the necessity of hard work and preparation. Despite being new to the FBS, Delaware is no stranger to postseason play, having secured victories in first-round FCS tournament games during Carty’s first two seasons in 2022 and 2023. Carty expressed enthusiasm about bowl eligibility, seeing it as an exciting opportunity for the team: “It was just something new, something fresh.”
Delaware is eager to establish a bowl tradition, with Carty stating, “We’re really excited in the whole bowl process, and obviously something we’re gonna continue to strive to do at the University of Delaware.”
In terms of season statistics, Delaware’s offense has made a significant impact, throwing 510 passes this year, making them one of four teams nationally to surpass the 500 mark. Their impressive average of 302.2 passing yards per game ranks them sixth in the FBS. Quarterback Nick Minicucci has made his mark this season, becoming the only Division I player to amass 3,500 passing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His performance places him second in both single-season passing yards and total offensive yards at Delaware, behind only NFL star Joe Flacco.
As the Blue Hens take the field on Dec. 18, they are driven by the desire to seize this opportunity and make a memorable statement in their inaugural FBS season. With both teams looking for redemption and a positive closing to their seasons, fans can expect an exciting and competitive match in Mobile, Alabama.