1

The program from the 1960 game between Delaware and the University of Massachusetts is shown.

2

The program from the 1982 game between Delaware and the University of Massachusetts is shown. It was the centennial issue.

AMHERST - For a long time, Delaware was the standard. From 1986 to 1995, the Blue Hens owned the Yankee Conference, winning the league five times.

The University of Massachusetts was a frequent victim during that time as the Minutemen went 2-7 against the Hens.

But Mark Whipple entered the picture for UMass in 1998 and ushered in a new era in the rivalry between the Minutemen and Blue Hens. Since then, both teams have been to multiple Division I-AA/Championship Subdivision title games and have had some memorable meetings.

"We'll definitely miss them in the conference. It was a great marriage, UMass and this conference, with the success they had," Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. "One of the greatest games in the history of our stadium was the triple overtime game in 2003. We were both convinced we'd probably see each other in the national championship game . We both felt we were the top two teams in the country. I had a great relationship with Donny Brown and Mark Whipple and those guys. It's disappointing that they're leaving but we're just figuring out how to beat them."

UMass coach Kevin Morris said every meeting against Delaware has presented a challenge.

"It's always a great game with Delaware. They're big and strong fundamental and they always have some prime-time players as well," he said.

The game starts a three-game stretch against ranked teams for UMass. Delaware, ranked No. 9, is followed by No. 6 New Hampshire and No. 20 Richmond.

"We know we're getting into the nitty gritty of the season," UMass senior captain Tyler Holmes said. "We have tough opponents coming up. We have to be ready cause it's only going to get harder."

Delaware, which has a sizable following, seems like a candidate to someday move up and join the Minutemen in the Bowl Subdivision, but for now the rivalry between the two schools comes to an end Saturday.

Rivalry Wrap-up

Total games: 32

Record: Delaware 26, UMass 6

First meeting: Delaware 4, UMass 0 in 1958

Snapshot games

Sept. 3, 1998: Delaware 33, UMass 30 - It didn't matter that the Minutemen lost. Their performance against the No. 3-ranked Blue Hens changed UMass football. The new offense and near upset re-energized the program in a hurry. The game was Todd Bankhead's UMass debut and he announced his presence with 323 passing yards and four touchdowns, a sign of things to come.

If not for a dropped pass in the end zone with 43 seconds left, the Minutemen might have pulled off the upset.

Nov. 15, 2003: Delaware 51, UMass 45 (3OT) - It was a back-and-forth classic at Delaware Stadium. The Minutemen tied the game late and both teams made big plays in overtime. Jeff Krohn had a career-high five touchdown passes in the game.

The loss cost UMass a home game in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs, while the win propelled the Blue Hens on a run to the Division I-AA championship.

Memorable participants

Andy Hall - In the triple-overtime game, he threw four touchdown passes and ran for the game winner.

Jason Peebler - If UMass had won the three-overtime game, he'd have been the hero with six catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns.

Final game break down

Time & location: 3:30 p.m. Newark, Del.

Records: Delaware (4-2, 2-1 CAA); UMass (3-2, 1-1 CAA)

Last year: Delaware beat UMass 45-27 at McGuirk Stadium

Last week: UMass defeated Central Connecticut, 42-26; UD beat William & Mary, 21-0.

TV: Comcast SportsNet New England

Radio: WRNX 100.9 FM

When UMass has the ball: UMass will welcome back sophomore quarterback Kellen Pagel, who missed last week with a concussion. He'll try to shake off interception woes that plagued him before the injury. UMass will try to get Jonathan Hernandez going again. The senior tailback had a season-low 75 yards on 20 carries against Central Connecticut.

The Blue Hens have the CAA's No. 2-ranked scoring defense, allowing just 17.5 points per game. They're third in the league in total defense (321.5 yards per game), fifth against the run (143.0 ypg, eight rushing touchdowns) and third against the pass (178.5 ypg, four touchdowns). Their nine interceptions lead the CAA, but they're last in the conference in sacks with four in six games.

When Delaware has the ball: Delaware likes to have the ball in the hands of sophomore Andrew Pierce as often as possible. Last year's conference freshman of the year is the Blue Hens' leading rusher (105.3 ypg, eight rushing TDs) and receiver (30 catches for 142 yards).

Junior Tim Donnelly is the Blue Hens' new quarterback. He's completed 107-of-159 passes for an average of 174.2 yards per game. He's thrown eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

Delaware leads the CAA with 126 first downs.

"It's going to be a difficult task, but we're going to take it with open arms," Holmes said. "I'm a big fan of competition. I didn't come to UMass not to play against great competition. Anytime you get to play against great competition I get geeked up for it cause it lets you know where you stand as a player."

UMass will counter with new defensive depth as safety Ed Saint-Vil and linebacker Shane Viveiros return. The Minutemen are 10th in the league in scoring defense, allowing 32.4 points per game.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at http://www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage.