Delaware Football wins first FBS Bowl Game

The University of Delaware football team defeated Louisiana 20-13 at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Wednesday in the 68 Ventures Bowl. The Fightin' Blue Hens close their first FBS season at 7-6, 4-4 CUSA, while the Ragin' Cajuns end at 6-7, 5-3 SBC. Delaware became the second team all-time to win a bowl game in its first FBS season, joining Conference USA foe Jax State in 2023.

Delaware swept the game's MVP awards: RB Jo Silver (Overall MVP), QB Nick Minicucci (Offensive MVP), CB Nate Evans (Defensive MVP) and K Nate Reed (Special Teams MVP).

Delaware built an early lead and held on late to secure the win over Louisiana, starting with a red-zone interception by Evans in the first quarter that set up Silver's 61-yard rushing touchdown for a 7-0 lead. Louisiana answered with a field goal, followed by a late first-half field goal by Reed to make it 10-3 going into the half.

The Blue Hens pulled away in the third quarter behind a 35-yard touchdown pass from Minicucci to wide receiver Sean Wilson and another Reed field goal, stretching the lead to 20-3. Louisiana rallied with two field goals and a fourth-quarter touchdown following a blocked Delaware kick to cut the margin to seven, but Delaware's defense sealed the victory as linebacker Marje Mulumba recovered a late fumble and linebacker Blake Matthews broke up a final goalline pass as time expired.

For more game highlights and stats visit bluehens.com. For more stories from the 68 Ventures Bowl visit udel.edu/bowl-game.

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