Late Delaware rally falls short in Conference USA loss to Sam Houston

Posted by The News Pulse November 16, 2025 Post a Comment

Delaware's Late-Game Efforts Fall Short in CUSA Showdown

Delaware’s football team faced a tough challenge against Sam Houston in a Conference USA game at Shell Energy Stadium on November 15. Despite a strong start and several late-game opportunities, the Blue Hens fell short, losing 26-23 to the Bearkats.

The game began with a promising outlook for Delaware, as the Blue Hens took an early 10-0 lead. Quarterback Nick Minicucci scored on a 7-yard run, and Nate Reed added a 37-yard field goal to put Delaware ahead. However, the momentum shifted quickly as Sam Houston started to find its rhythm.

Sam Houston’s offense, which had struggled earlier in the game, began to gain traction. The Bearkats went on a scoring streak, eventually building a 26-10 lead. Delaware responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Viron Ellison Jr., narrowing the gap to 26-17. A failed 2-point conversion left the Blue Hens trailing by 9 points with just over 8 minutes remaining.

Minicucci continued to drive the offense, throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Max Patterson with 2:30 left in the game. This brought Delaware within 26-23, setting up a dramatic final play. On the next possession, Delaware recovered an onside kick for the third time this season, giving them one last chance to tie or win the game.

Nate Reed attempted a 36-yard field goal from the right hashmark with 21 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, the kick was wide left, sealing the loss for the Blue Hens.

Delaware fell to 5-5 overall and 3-4 in Conference USA, ending their hopes of securing a bowl berth for now. The team will look to bounce back when they face Wake Forest in a nonconference game on November 22 before closing out the regular season at home against UTEP on November 29.

Hen scratch

This is Delaware’s first game in Texas since the 20-19 loss to Eastern Washington in the FCS title game in Frisco on Jan. 7, 2011. … Delaware is 10th among the 12 CAA teams in rushing defense, total defense and scoring defense. … Nick Minicucci is first in CUSA and fifth in FBS with 302.0 passing yards per game and No. 1 in CUSA and No. 4 in FBS with 327.7 yards per game total offense. … Minicucci is ninth on Delaware’s career passing yards lost with 2,718 yards and close to passing Andy Hall (2,764), Joe Flacco (2,783), Rich Gannon (2,795) and Matt Nagy (2,916). … His 302 yards per game passing surpasses Flacco’s school record 284.2 in 2007. … Delaware has two players from Texas in running back Viron Ellison Jr. of Dallas and linebacker Anthony Crenshaw of Arlington. … Sam Houston went 10-3 last year and won the New Orleans Bowl in its last season under K.C. Keeler, the former Delaware coach now at Temple. … Bearkats have benefitted from recent return of defensive linemen Dylan Frazier and Darien Jackson and defensive back CJ Brown. … Sam Houston has blocked two field-goal tries this year.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Another late Delaware rally falls short in loss to Sam Houston in Conference USA football

Sam Houston, meanwhile, secured its second consecutive win and picked up its first league victory of the season. The Bearkats were efficient on both sides of the ball, turning the ball over only once and recording eight sacks on Minicucci.

Delaware’s performance was marked by key mistakes that cost them crucial opportunities. On one occasion, the Blue Hens failed to convert on fourth-and-1 at their own 21-yard line, resulting in a 1-yard loss. Earlier in the game, a fumble by Ellison gave Sam Houston possession at the UD 47, leading to a touchdown and a 10-7 lead just before halftime.

Despite these setbacks, Delaware showed resilience throughout the game. Minicucci, playing despite battling the flu, completed 24 of 36 passes for 338 yards. Viron Ellison Jr. rushed for a career-high 97 yards on 19 carries, and Sean Wilson caught nine passes for 162 yards.

Key Moments in the Game

Early Lead: Delaware took a 10-0 lead in the second quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run by Minicucci and a 37-yard field goal by Reed.
Sam Houston’s Comeback: The Bearkats went on a 26-point scoring streak, including a 62-yard touchdown run by Landon Brown in the third quarter.
Late Rally: Delaware managed to pull within 26-23 with a 22-yard TD pass by Minicucci to Patterson with 2:30 left.
Final Miss: Reed’s 36-yard field goal attempt with 21 seconds remaining was wide left, ending any hope of a comeback.

Defensive Struggles

Both teams struggled offensively in the early stages of the game. Delaware’s defense held firm in the first half, forcing Sam Houston to punt on its first five possessions. However, the Bearkats found their rhythm after halftime, capitalizing on turnovers and big plays.

Delaware’s defense, while effective in the first half, was unable to maintain that level of performance in the second half. The Blue Hens allowed Sam Houston to score on four straight possessions, including a 48-yard field goal by Christian Pavon that extended the Bearkats’ lead to 26-10.

Offense vs. Defense

Delaware’s spread offense, led by Minicucci, was effective in the first half, but the team struggled to sustain drives in the second half. The Blue Hens outgained Sam Houston 433-352 in total yards, but their inability to convert key plays proved costly.

Sam Houston’s defense, on the other hand, was relentless, sacking Minicucci eight times and forcing multiple turnovers. The Bearkats’ ability to capitalize on Delaware’s mistakes ultimately led to their victory.

Coaching Strategies

Delaware coach Ryan Carty and Sam Houston coach Phil Longo have similar offensive philosophies, both emphasizing the importance of getting the ball downfield. However, their approaches differ in execution. Carty has placed more emphasis on the running game, while Longo’s Air Raid system is more pass-heavy.

Despite these differences, both teams recognize the value of tempo and play-calling. “We believe in doing whatever it takes to get the ball down the field,” Carty said. “Making sure we have a good run game with a complimentary pass game and understanding that tempo does matter, but also getting in the right play call matters.”

Delaware’s passing attack has been one of the most effective in Conference USA, averaging 304.9 yards per game. However, the team has struggled to find a consistent running game, a challenge they will need to address moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Delaware’s loss to Sam Houston was a tough blow, especially after a strong start and a late-game rally. The Blue Hens will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming games against Wake Forest and UTEP. With a chance to secure a bowl berth still on the line, the team will be looking to make the most of its remaining opportunities.