In a game that had everything from turnovers to last-second drama, Western Kentucky pulled off a narrow 27-24 win over Delaware on Friday night at Delaware Stadium. The Hilltoppers, now 5-1 overall and 3-0 in Conference USA, improved their standing with this gritty road victory, while the Blue Hens dropped to 3-2, their first loss in FBS play this season.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear this matchup would be tight. Delaware struck first with a solid drive capped by a field goal, but Western Kentucky responded quickly, leveraging their explosive offense led by quarterback Caden Jones. He threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, though not without mistakes—a fumble in the second quarter nearly cost them the lead. Indeed, the Hilltoppers' defense stepped up when it mattered, forcing two interceptions that swung momentum back their way.
However, Delaware didn't go down easy. Their running game, powered by a 150-yard performance from their lead back, kept the pressure on. The Blue Hens tied it at 24 in the fourth quarter on a gutsy 10-play drive, but Western Kentucky's final possession sealed it with a 42-yard touchdown pass with just under two minutes left. Kickers on both sides were clutch; Delaware's missed a potential game-winner from 45 yards out, a moment that stung for the home crowd.
Pre-game buzz had leaned toward Western Kentucky as slight favorites, with odds around -2.5, but many analysts predicted a Delaware upset given their strong start to the season. Moreover, this was Delaware's first home Conference USA game, and they showed why they're a team on the rise—almost pulling it off. The Hilltoppers, though, proved their mettle in a season that's seen them rack up wins against tougher foes.
Looking ahead, both teams face crucial tests that could define their conference fates. One can't help but wonder how these close calls shape the rest of the campaign.