It’s a 2025 Week 2 showdown between Colorado vs. Delaware at Folsom Field, as the Buffaloes host the Blue Hens. This matchup is a tale of two teams who had vastly different Week 1 outcomes.
Delaware was able to beat in-state rival Delaware State and put a damper on Desean Jackson’s head coaching debut. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes were shocked at home, losing a 27-20 matchup to Georgia Tech in Week 1.
Can Colorado and Coach Prime bounce-back in Week 2? Or, will the Blue Hens roll and upset the Buffaloes? Let’s dive into this intriguing 2025 matchup.
Colorado vs. Delaware: Game History and Excerpts
Like many 2025 Week 2 college football matchups, the Colorado vs. Delaware meeting is the first between the two football programs.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Delaware head coach Ryan Carty discussed the upcoming matchup with the Buffaloes in Week 2.
“This [game] has the opportunity to have a lot of energy, fanfare … so we’re excited about that opportunity. As far as what we have to do, we have to be prepared really well. We have to treat it as any other game … there’s going to be a lot of emotion, a lot of noise. [So the question is] how are we gonna block that out and do our job.”
When asked if he was better-suited now playing a P4 program as opposed to when the team played a ranked Penn State a few years ago, Coach Carty didn’t hesitate.
“We certainly are. There’s no doubt that our talent level has continued to increase each year that we’ve been here. I think our preparedness has continued to increase, too. I think if you want to win a game against a team that is a little bit better than you talent-wise in an environment that’s really hard, you’re going to have to do it by being you better than somebody else is them. The things that make us great, that we preach that we are – we have to do that very well. And I think year after year we’ve gotten better at those things.”
While it’s a tough challenge for the Blue Hens, anything is possible. And, Carty is looking Delaware can catch lightning in a bottle in this matchup.
Meanwhile, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders didn’t hesitate to throw praise on Delaware’s new starting quarterback Nick Miniccuci. Minicucci stepped in after Zach Marker’s injury and led the Blue Hens to an electric 35-17 victory over Delaware State in Week 1.
“For a kid to come off the bench and do what he did is phenomenal,” Sanders said of Minicucci.
“[Delaware is a] good team,” said Sanders. “They played against one of my dear friends Desean [Jackson] last week … And they got past em, they did well with their second quarterback. This team is tough.”
Colorado vs. Delaware 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions
Key Players for Delaware
Without Zach Marker, the burden of responsibility for the season falls on backup quarterback Nick Minicucci. The backup quarterback put on a show in the team’s home opener, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 44 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Minicucci will have to continue his versatile ability to attack opposing defenses entering Week 2. If he’s able to command the offense and make plays, the Blue Hens can be competitive in this game.
With Minicucci, running back Jo Silver will need to have a big performance. Colorado had trouble stopping Georgia Tech’s rushing attack in Week 1. While Silver struggled in the first half last week, he improved in the second half of the game. The running back will need to ride that momentum and put together a good showing.
Defensively, the front seven of Delaware needs to force Colorado’s offense to be one-dimensional. Georgia Tech had success doing so last week, and the Blue Hens need to do the same to keep this game close. Being undersized, the Delaware defensive line needs to get good leverage and maintain gap responsibility. They may not have the physical advantage, but they can compete if they are technically sound.
Key Players for Colorado
The running back duo of Kaidon Salter and Micah Welch need to be impact players in Week 2. Delaware struggled to stop the run at times against Delaware State in Week 1. And, speaking in his weekly press conference, Coach Sanders expressed that the team wants to be aggressive and run the ball. Expect a heavy workload of these two players against the Blue Hens.
On defense, interior lineman Jehiem Oates and EDGE Quency Wiggins are players to keep an eye on. Both players had success against Georgia Tech in pass-rushing opportunities. While they didn’t stuff the stat sheet in Week 1, their ability to beat their opponent didn’t go unnoticed. If both players can be disruptive again, it could force Delaware into making a mistake.
Can Delaware Win in Week 2?
Despite being a longshot, there are opportunities for Delaware to make this game close.
Avoid Turnovers
The team has to minimize turnovers. Keeping the ball safe as ball-carriers and avoiding throws into double coverage can take away opportunity for Colorado.
Be Disciplined
Being undersized and less physical means Delaware has to play smarter. Avoiding costly penalties is a big step in that direction. Mental mistakes could be the downfall of the team, yet avoiding them can give the Blue Hens a puncher’s chance.
Live in the Moment
Staying grounded will be incredibly important for Delaware. Colorado and Coach Sanders are a big program and a big name. It’s easy to get blinded by the big lights coming from a smaller program. If Coach Carty can keep his players composed, a potential upset gets closer within reach.
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