The second game of the season for Penn State in 2023 will be against FCS opponent Delaware. It will be the first time these teams have ever played on the football field.
The Nittany Lions played Villanova from the Colonial Athletic Association in 2021. They’re scheduled to face them again in 2025 and Delaware again in 2027.
The Big Ten had previously banned their schools from playing non FBS opponents in 2015, but changed that rule in 2017. The Blue Hens are the only non-FBS opponent on Penn State’s schedule this season.
They’re next on the mini series taking a look at the early scouting reports of every opponent on the 2023 schedule.
Last Year’s Results
Syndication: Wilmington News Journal
2022 Record: 8-5 (4-4 in conference)
Head Coach: Ryan Carty (1 season; 8-5 record)
Ryan Carty took over the head coaching job last season after Danny Rocco was fired in 2021. Carty was a member of the 2003 national championship team and returned to his alma mater after being the offensive coordinator at Sam Houston State for four years.
He used an explosive offense to power Delaware to a winning season and an FCS playoff victory in the first round. Carty is the first coach in program history to make the FCS playoffs in his inaugural season. They beat Navy in the season opener, marking their first victory over an FBS school since 2007.
Offensive Preview
Syndication: Wilmington News Journal
Delaware is bringing back seven starters from their explosive offense last season, including all five of their offensive lineman. The biggest replacement they’ll have to make is at quarterback. Nolan Henderson graduated after starting 34 games over four seasons.
Two quarterbacks are battling to be the starter heading into the season. Ryan O’Connor has been in the program and started four games his sophomore season. He’s competing with junior college transfer Zach Marker for the job.
Leading rusher Kyron Cumby and their best receiver Jourdan Townsend headline the returning skill position players. Three other receivers off last year’s team are back for the Blue Hens as well.
It’s an offense that is set up to continuing scoring a high amount of points in the second season of Carty’s offense.
Defensive Preview
Syndication: Argus Leader
Defense is the biggest question mark heading into the 2023 season. They are tasked with replacing nine starters from last year’s team. The headliner is defensive end Chase McGowan who led the team in sacks and tackles for loss.
The linebackers and defensive backs are inexperienced and will have to get up to speed quickly if Delaware wants to build on their successful season in 2022. Carty is confident there is talent at every position group, it’s just about getting that talent experience.
Overall, Penn State won’t have a problem with the Blue Hens. The talent gap is just too big. However, if the game becomes a rout early, many of the backups will get into the game. It will be a good test to see how the young secondary performs against a high octave passing offense.
Follow Brad Wakai on Twitter and TikTok