Now It Begins

[Hens79]

Stop saying we're mediocre. Mediocre is Rhode Island. Mediocre is the Patriot League outside of Lafayette and HC. Mediocre is all of the NEC, a good chunk of the Southern, etc. We won 17 games in two years, including 2 playoff wins. Clearly we're not at the top of the FCS world, as evidenced by our dismissals by SDSU last year and Montana this year. But SDSU is the clear favorite to win a second straight title, and Montana is rumored to be the only team that stands a chance to beat them. Just because we aren't those two teams doesn't mean we're mediocre. We're above average for FCS, with a long way to go to be in the same class as the top of this classification. And considering the decade that came before these two years, that's quite a change in the right direction. Big steps are needed in the transition years ahead, but if we keep improving like we have over the last two years there's grounds for optimism. Looking forward to the years ahead.

Yes to all. Just because the Hens aren’t a top 10 FCS team doesn’t mean they are mediocre. And who are these folks comparing the Hens to that say there are mediocre and no progress? Rocco’s last 5-7 team, or maybe Brock’s 4-7 in the year he was fired mid-season or an entire decade with zero playoff wins? ZERO. Finally, after 13 games, who doesn’t know how good, or if you are so inclined not good the Hens are? How much more do you need to see? Geesh! But one thing is for sure. Big changes are ahead. It will be exciting and interesting. The folks who say the CUSA isn’t a big step up, will be in for a big surprise.

[hens05alum]

A very unceremonious dismissal from the ranks of the FCS for the FBH last night. We probably did more than any University this side of the Mississippi to promote and build/grow FCS. Sadly when the music stopped we realized we were standing in a room with Monmouth, North Carolina A&T and Campbell.

Hard to say what the future holds for UD Football. I feel pretty confident we had no other logical choice if the objective is to grow the brand/product/fan support because it was slowly dying in the Colonial.

In some ways I envy what the Big Sky has there. If Delaware was located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming, it would have been a great conference for us.

[bluehens2005]

you cant say lets get out of this watered down caa and then say the Hens arent mediocre when they cant dominate the watered down conference. the rose colored glasses some wear are pathetic. wins against non tournament teams says it all

Absolutely! We are mediocre I know we didn’t control who joined the CAA but we did not beat any really good teams we just didn’t and that is the truth. Also, I can tell the quality player on the field is not what used to be you can just see it, coupled with a stubborn coach who again seems to be a nice guy, but I do wonder if he’s head coaching material especially in FBS and if he’s willing to relinquish play calling duties if he isn’t we are just in for more of the same and we will be lucky to win a game or two in CUSA. We are in for a rude awakening. Sammy is better than us and they had some trouble this year for example!

[wacko4flacco]

A very unceremonious dismissal from the ranks of the FCS for the FBH last night. We probably did more than any University this side of the Mississippi to promote and build/grow FCS. Sadly when the music stopped we realized we were standing in a room with Monmouth, North Carolina A&T and Campbell.

Hard to say what the future holds for UD Football. I feel pretty confident we had no other logical choice if the objective is to grow the brand/product/fan support because it was slowly dying in the Colonial.

In some ways I envy what the Big Sky has there. If Delaware was located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming, it would have been a great conference for us.

^^^^^^^^^^^
This

[mdove903]

100% AGREE! The future starts today and I yes I think this team will look really different next year. I know for a fact a local kid that has been recruited by FBC schools is now looking at staying home because of the move! We will be better, faster, stronger and the future of UD football is exciting! GO HENS!

[Cluck U]

you cant say lets get out of this watered down caa and then say the Hens arent mediocre when they cant dominate the watered down conference. the rose colored glasses some wear are pathetic. wins against non tournament teams says it all

Sure we can say we aren't mediocre.

There are 123 FCS teams. We made the final 16 (two of those 16 we beat, which would mean we beat...ahem...tournament teams).

One can argue that maybe we were still about #20 or even #25 if one shoves some Ivies ahead of us...but #20-ish out of 123 in our subdivision is still not mediocre.

Now, we will be in the 133 team FBS.

The funny part about all of this is that if we win the CUSA, some folks will say we improved. But, if we end up #50...or even #30 out of 133 FBS teams, would we be improved...or not mediocre? Or would that be OK but our top 25 finish this year is not OK?

Can't figure some of our fans out. We were never a great football team in the overall scheme of things. Maybe if we dropped back down to D2 and won a few more games against the West Chesters of the world, some folks would consider us more than mediocre again.

[Henny]

It's a whole new ball game. Literally and figuratively. Anyone worried about how UD compares to other FCS teams can stop. Next year will be weird playing CAA schools but it's now all about developing this program to compete in C-USA going forward.

[Udforever1]

A very unceremonious dismissal from the ranks of the FCS for the FBH last night. We probably did more than any University this side of the Mississippi to promote and build/grow FCS. Sadly when the music stopped we realized we were standing in a room with Monmouth, North Carolina A&T and Campbell.

Hard to say what the future holds for UD Football. I feel pretty confident we had no other logical choice if the objective is to grow the brand/product/fan support because it was slowly dying in the Colonial.

In some ways I envy what the Big Sky has there. If Delaware was located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming, it would have been a great conference for us.

Welcome back 05. Good to hear from you again.

[Caribbean Hen]

It's a whole new ball game. Literally and figuratively. Anyone worried about how UD compares to other FCS teams can stop. Next year will be weird playing CAA schools but it's now all about developing this program to compete in C-USA going forward.

But Henny,

“What will I do? Where will I go? “

Sorry, I just watched “Gone with the Wind” the other night and that was Scarlett O’Haras last line leading up to….


Blewngold
Frankly my Dear Caribbean I don’t give a damn ….

[Hens79]

It's a whole new ball game. Literally and figuratively. Anyone worried about how UD compares to other FCS teams can stop. Next year will be weird playing CAA schools but it's now all about developing this program to compete in C-USA going forward.

That is all that matters. Next year will likely be a crazy year. Just need to keep the eye on the FBS and CUSA target and do what is necessary to compete right away.

[Roger_Podacter]

I would think that some changes will be made to your Coaching Staff. Maybe go out and get a few FBS Assistants?

[pikecreekbill]

Just the fact that UD spent 5 million dollars this year to move up instead of the reported 5k last year tells me that it was either a huge blunder or that they weren't ready for the move until now and the money means little. If it's the later, I think that they are positioned to make a positive statement much sooner than later.

[bullet2830]

Things are going to get very interesting starting tomorrow. The new normal portal changes may even increase due to our move to FBS. Maybe some coaching changes as well.

There are a number of key football alumni now that will be a huge help to Chrissi in making this transition.

First thing he should do is fire Rojas!

[Roger_Podacter]

Things are going to get very interesting starting tomorrow. The new normal portal changes may even increase due to our move to FBS. Maybe some coaching changes as well.

There are a number of key football alumni now that will be a huge help to Chrissi in making this transition.

First thing he should do is fire Rojas!

I hate to see people lose their jobs. But, some changes will need to be made, IMO. I don't think this program can take the current Coaching Staff into the FBS world. It's just not good enough.