The University of Delaware football team achieved its highest point total since 2000 with a 61-31 win over UTEP at Delaware Stadium on Saturday. This victory brings the Fightin’ Blue Hens to a 6-6 overall record and 4-4 in Conference USA, while UTEP falls to 2-10, 1-7 in conference play.
Delaware’s offense produced notable performances throughout the game. The team recorded 14 tackles for loss, tying for the seventh-most in a single game nationally this season. The defense forced six turnovers—five interceptions and one fumble—the most under head coach Ryan Carty. The Hens also allowed only 26 rushing yards, their lowest under Carty.
Quarterback Nick Minicucci completed 24 of 38 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns, adding another touchdown and 47 yards on the ground. Kicker Nate Reed set a program record with 19 points in a single game and tied his career high with four field goals, including a long of 45 yards.
Cornerback Jamarion Kolagbodi made his first career interception nine seconds into the contest. Tight end Scott Moore scored his first career touchdown on a four-yard reception. Linebacker Gavin Moul led the defense with 13 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown, becoming the first Blue Hen to do so since September 2024.
Safety Mysonne Pollard collected two interceptions—his second multi-interception game this season—and forced the fumble that led to Moul’s touchdown return. Defensive end Noah Matthews registered his first full sack and finished with a personal best of one-and-a-half sacks.
Wide receiver Jake Thaw matched his career mark with two touchdown catches, including a career-long score of 51 yards in the third quarter. Receiver Kyre Duplessis caught four passes for 104 yards, surpassing the century mark for the second time in his career.
Running back Greg Spiller had a career-long run of 55 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. Other defensive highlights included an interception by safety Nasir Eatmon for the second consecutive week and linebacker Marje Mulumba tying his career high with nine tackles.
Delaware took control early after Kolagbodi’s interception set up Minicucci’s rushing touchdown. After UTEP responded to tie the game at seven, Delaware regained momentum with multiple scoring drives—including touchdowns from Moore and Silver as well as Reed’s field goals—to build their lead throughout each quarter.
By halftime, Delaware held a double-digit advantage after scoring off turnovers and efficient red zone play; they converted all seven trips inside UTEP’s red zone into points. In total, Delaware amassed a season-best 527 offensive yards.
This marks just the third time under Carty that Delaware has scored at least fifty points in a game. The Blue Hens have now won twelve out of their last thirteen home games and remain undefeated when wearing black uniforms under Carty.
Senior Day honored twenty-four players from various positions across offense, defense, and special teams. Minicucci moved into second place all-time at Delaware for single-season passing attempts (453), completions (303), total yards (3,738), passing yards (3,507), and is tied for most single-season games with over three hundred passing yards alongside Joe Flacco.
With this win securing their sixth victory of their inaugural FBS season, Delaware awaits word on potential bowl eligibility.
“UD’s 61 points are the most since September 23, 2000 when it shutout West Chester 84-0,” according to information released by the university’s athletics department.
