Delaware State University Hornets are gearing up for a crucial test as they take on the Richmond Spiders this week. Following a tough 30-7 loss to Wagner, Delaware State is focused on correcting mistakes and getting back on track. Head Coach Lee Hull has been clear about the adjustments needed if the Hornets want to be competitive moving forward, particularly in the highly anticipated HBCU football season.
Learning from the Wagner Loss
After the loss to Wagner, Coach Hull was candid about his team’s shortcomings. “We made too many mistakes, especially in the red zone. We had two interceptions down there, and that really hurt us. We hadn’t turned the ball over in two games before that,” Hull explained. Despite moving the ball effectively, Delaware State couldn’t convert opportunities into points, and turnovers played a major role in the defeat. “Stats don’t win games. You have to capitalize, and we didn’t do that,” he added.
Hull emphasized that Wagner was more prepared than anticipated, and while Delaware State showed flashes of potential, they lacked the execution needed to win. Wagner took advantage of every Hornets mistake, something Hull knows they can’t afford to let happen again.
Back to the Basics for Delaware State
The focus this week for Delaware State is on getting back to fundamentals. “We’ve got to emphasize ball security,” Hull stated. “Our quarterback made a few bad throws, and we can’t afford those kinds of mistakes.” Hull believes the team has shown enough promise to be successful, but execution is critical.
On the defensive side, Hull also stressed the importance of avoiding mental lapses that allowed Wagner to make big plays. “We blitzed, and we were there, but we ran right by the play. We’ve got to clean that up,” he said. Tightening up the defense and ensuring the Hornets stay disciplined will be key as they face Richmond’s balanced attack.
Richmond: A Tough Test Ahead
As Delaware State prepares to face the Richmond Spiders, Hull knows his team is in for a challenge. “Richmond’s defense is aggressive. They’re simple, but they do what they do really well,” Hull noted. Richmond has proven to be opportunistic on defense, forcing turnovers and shutting down opponents’ offensive efforts. Delaware State will need to prioritize ball security, especially since Richmond thrives on forcing errors.
Offensively, Richmond is led by quarterback Kyle Wickersham, a dual-threat who can make plays both on the ground and through the air. Hull is well aware of the threat Wickersham poses. “It starts and ends with him. If Wickersham plays well, they score a lot of points,” Hull said. The Hornets will need to find a way to apply pressure and make Wickersham uncomfortable if they want to contain Richmond’s offense.
What’s at Stake for Delaware State and HBCU Football
This matchup with the Richmond Spiders is a pivotal one for Delaware State as the Hornets look to bounce back and prove themselves in the competitive landscape of HBCU football. Coach Hull sees this game as a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s growth. “A true testament of a team is how you bounce back from adversity,” Hull said. For Delaware State, this game against Richmond serves as a measuring stick for how far the team has come and what adjustments still need to be made.
Ultimately, the focus for Delaware State is on eliminating mistakes and playing disciplined, fundamentally sound football. “We’ve got to get back to playing with hunger and focus,” Hull stressed. As Delaware State looks to improve, a strong performance against Richmond could set the tone for the remainder of their HBCU season. If the Hornets can clean up their mistakes and execute in critical moments, they have a chance to show that they belong in the conversation as a rising force in HBCU football.