2013 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team

The 2013 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team represented the University of Delaware as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by first-year head coach Dave Brock, the Fightin' Blue Hens compiled an overall record of 7–5 with a mark of 4–4 in conference play, placing in a three-way tie for fifth in the CAA. The team played home games at Delaware Stadium in Newark, Delaware.

Preseason

Recruiting class

The Blue Hens received 12 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 6, 2013.

Transfers

On February 6, 2013, it was announced that Delaware added two transfers for the 2013 season: junior linebacker Kennedy Ogbonna from ASA The College For Excellence and junior running back Jordan Thomas from Rutgers University. Greyshirted linebacker Eric Patton was added to the roster for the 2013 season as well.

Preseason awards

• Sean Baner

:CFPA Preseason Placekicker Watch List

:The Sports Network Preseason All-American Second Team

• Michael Johnson

:CFPA Kick Returners to Watch

• Bobby Kennedy

:CAA Preseason All-Conference First Team

• Zach Kerr

:The Sports Network Preseason All-American Second Team

:Phil Steele Preseason All-American First Team

:CAA Preseason All-Conference First Team

:College Sports Journal FCS Preseason All-American First Team

• Andrew Pierce

:The Sports Network Preseason All-American Third Team

:Walter Payton National Player of the Year Watch List

:College Sports Journal FCS Preseason All-American Second Team

• Jeff Williams

:CFPA Preseason Linebacker Watch List

:Phil Steele Preseason All-American Third Team

:College Sports Journal FCS Preseason All-American Second Team

Conference predictions

Delaware was predicted to finish sixth in the CAA Preseason Poll.

:CAA Preseason Poll:

:1. Villanova (11 First Place Votes)

:2. Towson (3)

:3. New Hampshire (3)

:4. Richmond (1)

:5. James Madison (4)

:6. Delaware

:7. Stony Brook

:8. Maine

:9. William & Mary

:10. Albany

:11. Rhode Island

Preseason rankings

FCS Coaches Poll

Delaware received 47 points in the Preseason Coaches Poll, resulting in the 30th highest total. Four of Delaware's CAA opponents received a Top 25 ranking (#9 Villanova, #12 Towson, #14 Richmond, and #15 James Madison). Three additional opponents, two from the CAA, for the season received votes (Wagner, Maine, and Albany).

The Sports Network FCS Poll

Delaware received 130 points in the Preseason Sports Network FCS Poll, placing them in 32nd. Of the CAA opponents that the Hens will face in 2013, four received a Top 25 position: #5 Villanova, #11 Towson, #15 Richmond, and #19 James Madison. In addition, three opponents for 2013 received votes: Wagner, Albany, and William & Mary.

Schedule

Opening depth chart

Coaching staff

Game summaries

Jacksonville

• Sources:

Delaware State

Navy

• Navy was coming off a loss to Arizona State in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in 2012.
• Most lopsided Navy win in series all-time.
• Navy would go on to play in the Armed Forces Bowl, defeating Middle Tennessee.

Wagner

• Wagner was coming off a share of the NEC championship and a Second Round loss to Eastern Washington in 2012.

James Madison

Maine

• Most lopsided Maine win in series all-time.
• First time Delaware allowed 60+ points in regulation since a September 24, 1921, loss to Pennsylvania (89–0).
• Maine would go on to win the CAA championship, and fall in the Second Round to New Hampshire.

Albany

• Albany was coming off a share of the NEC championship in 2012.

Rhode Island

Towson

• Towson was coming off a shared CAA championship in 2012.
• Towson would go on to play in the National Championship Game, falling to North Dakota State.

William & Mary

Richmond

• Richmond was coming off a shared CAA championship in 2012.

Villanova

• Villanova was coming off a shared CAA championship, and a First Round loss to Stony Brook in 2012.

Postseason

Following the losing streak to close the season, the Blue Hens failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Conference standings

:Team (change from preseason prediction)

:1. Maine (−7)

:2. Towson (even)

:3. New Hampshire (even)

:4. Villanova (+3)

:5. Richmond (+1)

:6. William & Mary (−3)

:7. Delaware (+1)

:8. Stony Brook (even)

:9. James Madison (+4)

:10. Rhode Island (−1)

:11. Albany (+1)

Postseason awards

• Nick Boyle

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (Tight End)

:First Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (Tight End)

• Pat Callaway

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (Linebacker)

:Third Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (Linebacker)

• Eric Enderson

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (Punter)

:First Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (Punter)

• Brandon Heath

:Third Team CAA All-Conference (offensive line)

:Second Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (offensive line)

• Michael Johnson

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (wide receiver)

:First Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (wide receiver)

• Rob Jones

:First Team CAA All-Conference (Punt Returner)

:First Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (Punt Returner)

• Bobby Kennedy

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (offensive line)

:Third Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (offensive line)

• Zach Kerr

:First Team CAA All-Conference (defensive line)

:Second Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (defensive line)

:Third Team Beyond Sports Network All-American (defensive line)

:Second Team The Sports Network All-American (defensive line)

:2014 East-West Shrine Game invitee

• Andrew Pierce

:Second Team CAA All-Conference (running back)

:Third Team College Sports Madness All-Conference (running back)

Ranking movements

References