Delaware State, Delaware to Resume Football Series for Four Games in 2016-2020

NEWARK, Delaware -- The football series between the State of Delaware’s lone NCAA Division I programs will continue. 

University of Delaware Director of Athletics and Recreation Services Eric Ziady and Delaware State University Director of Athletics Candy Young announced jointly today that the schools have reached an agreement to meet on the gridiron four times between the 2016 and 2020 seasons.

The four games, which will all be played at the University of Delaware’s 22,000-seat Delaware Stadium, are scheduled to take place on Sept. 3, 2016, Sept. 2, 2017, Sept. 7, 2019, and Sept. 12, 2020.

“We are excited to announce this agreement between Delaware and Delaware State to continue this football series,” said Ziady. “This game is important for the State of Delaware. The fans, players, and coaches from both schools look forward to this game each year and I’m thrilled that we were able to work out the dates so that it works well for both parties. All of us at UD look forward to working with Candy and her staff to help build excitement around the series and provide a great college football environment that all of Delaware can enjoy.”

“We are excited to resume the in-state competition,” said DSU’s Young. “We look forward to the fans supporting these great events.”

The Blue Hens and Hornets have met six times previously for the First State Cup, beginning with the first meeting in 2007 when Delaware posted a 44-7 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Division I FCS Tournament.

Delaware has won all six previous meetings, including a 27-9 victory this past Sept. 7. No game is scheduled for the 2015 season but the series will resume in 2016.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS