Delaware Stadium resumes its role as the hub of First State sports the night of Aug. 28.
College football returns to the 18,077-seat facility in Newark with the University of Delaware hosting Delaware State University.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
It’s a significant season for both the Blue Hens, now members of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, and the Hornets, now coached by former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
As a result, both will yearn to make a favorable first impression.
How to follow
Delaware Online will provide live reports on the game with photos and frequent updates beginning an hour before kickoff through to the game’s conclusion and with postgame reaction.
How to see
Tickets may be purchased on Bluehens.com or at the stadium and Carpenter Center box offices. Prices start at $25 for north end-zone seats.
How to listen
Nick Alessandrini will be calling the game on WDSD 94.7 FM with Bill Harman providing analysis. They come on the air at 6 p.m.
UD student radio station WVUD 91.3 FM will also carry the game with Mike Boyer and John Becker.
How to watch
The game is being streamed on ESPN+, which requires a subscription fee. Scott Klatzkin will be the play-by-play caller with Fritz Steuber serving as color man.
What’s the weather forecast?
Fans should enjoy clear and dry conditions with the temperature at kickoff around 70.
Why is this game important for Delaware?
The Hens are making a significant competitive leap this year to Conference USA and the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. This is Delaware’s only game against a school from the Football Championship Subdivision, the Blue Hens’ former classification. Delaware will hope to hone its execution for the more difficult future encounters and get many players in the game.
Why is this game important for Delaware State?
The Hornets face a monumental task against Delaware. But they still hope to make a positive first impression in their first game under new coach DeSean Jackson while laying the groundwork for future, less imposing encounters.
What’s the series record?
Delaware is 11-0 against Delaware State since the first meeting in 2007. The Hens have won all by double digits.
What will be interesting to see for Delaware?
What kind of first impressions are made by some of Delaware’s transfers, such as edge rusher Noah Matthews out of Woodbridge High, wide receiver Brandon Rehmann from Costal; Carolina and running back Viton Ellison Jr. from Tulsa, and younger players such as wideouts Sean Wilson and Nick Tyree.
What will be interesting to see for Delaware State?
While they’re likely to be overmatched by Delaware, do the Hornets show signs of being a better, deeper team under first-year coach DeSean Jackson, whose offensive system will also be on display for the first time.
Who is a player to watch for Delaware?
Zach Marker has started games for Delaware at quarterback before but he hasn’t been atop the depth chart as a season starts. He is now, though Nick Minicucci, who has also started games, and other could see duty.
Who is a player to watch for Delaware State?
Nyghee Lolley was a big-play pass catcher at Hodgson Vo-Tech and has exhibited those skills for Delaware State, where he is a fifth-year senior. Lolley has 74 catches for 916 yards and four TDs in his career and certainly be a popular target.
What does Delaware coach Ryan Carty say?
“[Delaware players are] excited that the community has kind of embraced this move [to FBS], that the university made it in the first place, and then we get a chance to go kind of showcase who we are and what we believe in and how we play to places that maybe haven’t seen it yet. And I think that’s pretty exciting.”
What does Delaware State coach DeSean Jackson say?
“Our message has been simple. We have to come out and be a disciplined, fundamentally sound football team. We have to be the most conditioned. We’re just looking to change.”
More on Blue Hens, Hornets
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to dela
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to watch: Delaware State at Delaware in college football opener