In their first year in the FBS, the Delaware Blue Hens have outperformed expectations set for them entering the year. The team finished with a 6-6 overall record, with an impressive 5-1 stand on their home turf. And, they’ve now locked in a trip to the 2025 edition of the 68 Ventures Bowl against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
Teams in their first year of the FBS aren’t usually eligible for a bowl berth. However, with a litany of teams opting out of the postseason, it opened a spot for the Blue Hens – who had six wins under their belt already. With that in mind, let’s dive into this interesting preview for this bowl game matchup.
68 Ventures Bowl 2025 Preview: Delaware vs. Louisiana
This is the first-ever bowl game berth for Delaware, and they take on a tough Louisiana team that finished third in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division.
Matchup History
The great thing about bowl games is that they pit teams that are unfamiliar with each other, against each other. That is the case on December 17, as the Delaware Blue Hens and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have never met prior to this matchup. That should make for an exciting bowl game contest on Wednesday.
Key Players
Delaware Blue Hens
Like all season, the biggest key player for Delaware is quarterback Nick Minicucci. Starting the season as the backup quarterback, Minicucci was thrust into the starting role when Zach Marker went down with an injury. In Marker’s absence, Minicucci shined, leading the Blue Hens to a 6-6 record and putting together an incredible season as a passer. For Delaware to come alive in this matchup, they will rely on both the arm and legs of their quarterback. If Minicucci can deliver, it should spell victory for the Blue Hens.
On defense, are eyes are on linebacker Gavin Moul. The junior has been a staple in the Delaware defense, leading the unit with 74 tackles. He’s also responsible for 46 run stops for the Blue Hens. Moul will be vital in the Blue Hens’ defense to stop a very potent Louisiana rushing attack. The Ragin’ Cajuns have three players with over 600 yards on the season, including their quarterback. Louisiana will want to run the ball. It’ll be up to Moul and the Delaware defense to stop it.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
As aforementioned, Louisiana’s offensive success is predicated on running the ball with dominance. However, in this contest, look for their top receiver to play a role. Shelton Sampson Jr. is the lone Ragin’ Cajun to have over 400 yards receiving this season (with 495 total). And, he’d probably have more if he didn’t miss a few games in the 2025 season. Against Delaware, Louisiana will have to find some success through the air to keep the Blue Hens’ defense honest. Sampson has had success against good teams, and could be in store for a big role in their bowl game. If he takes off, Louisiana could be too much for Delaware to handle.
On defense, look for Louisiana to rely on linebacker Jaden Dugger to set the tone. This season, Dugger has done it all for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He has three sacks on the season, and leads the team in tackles (87) and run stops (52). The senior will not only be responsible for stopping Delaware’s lowly rushing attack, but will also look to flush Nick Minicucci out of the pocket. If he can get to the quarterback while rallying his team around run defense, Louisiana can likely pull away in this contest.
Keys to Victory for Delaware
Live in the Moment
For many on the Delaware football team, this is their first taste of an FBS bowl game. There has been times where the moment has seemed to be too big for the Blue Hens. That can’t be the case in this matchup. In a televised game with plenty of new fans watching, they will want to start the game strong and look for a victory.
Take Care of the Football
A big reason for some of Delaware’s losses this season has been an inability to take care of the football. Turnovers have cost them contests on more than one occasion, they can’t allow that to happen against Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns defense can create turnovers, especially through the air. The passing attack from Delaware needs to be crisp and precise, and avoid turnovers at all costs.
Don’t Get Cute
While technically bowl games mean little in the grand scheme of things (outside of bragging rights), Delaware needs to do what’s been successful for them this season. There’s no reason to go into a bag of tricks or get too cute with play-calling. The Blue Hens need to play their brand of football, and do it well, in order to win.
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