2012 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team

The 2012 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football team represented the University of Delaware in the 2012 NCAA Division I FCS football season. They were led by 11th-year head coach K. C. Keeler and played their home games at Delaware Stadium in Newark, Delaware. They were a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). They finished the season 5–6, 2–6 in CAA play to finish in eighth place. Following the season, the school fired Keeler.[1]

2012 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football
ConferenceColonial Athletic Association
2012 record5–6 (2–6 CAA)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorJim Hofher (4th season)
Defensive coordinatorNick Rapone (7th season)
Home stadiumDelaware Stadium
(Capacity: 22,000)
2012 Colonial Athletic Association football standings
Conf  Overall
Team W L    W L 
No. 6 Old Dominion ^  7 –1     11 –2  
No. 18 Richmond +  6 –2     8 –3  
No. 13 New Hampshire +^  6 –2     8 –4  
No. 15 Villanova +^  6 –2     8 –4  
No. 17 Towson +  6 –2     7 –4  
No. 19 James Madison  5 –3     7 –4  
Maine  4 –4     5 –6  
Delaware  2 –6     5 –6  
William & Mary  1 –7     2 –9  
Rhode Island  0 –8     0 –11  
Georgia State  0 –0     1 –10  
  • + – Conference co-champions
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
  • Georgia State's conference record was 0–0, and it did not occupy a spot in the overall standings. Old Dominion was ineligible for the conference championship because of its announced departure for Conference USA in 2013.
Rankings from The Sports Network poll

Previous season

In 2011, Delaware came into the season ranked No. 5 in both The Sports Network Poll and The Coaches Poll.[2][3] After losing the season-opener to Navy of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and beating Division II team West Chester, the Blue Hens went 3−3 against Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams over the next six games of the season. They finished the year with three straight conference wins and a final record of 7−4. With only six Division I wins, they were not invited to the FCS playoffs after the regular season. Delaware was ranked No. 17 in The Sports Network Poll and No. 20 in The Coaches Poll.

Personnel

Coaching staff

Delaware head coach K. C. Keeler was in his eleventh year as the Blue Hens' head coach for the 2012 season. During his previous ten years with Delaware, he led the Fightin' Blue Hens to an overall record of 81 wins and 46 losses (81–46) and the 2003 national championship.[4]

Delaware promoted Andy Marino from his role as a graduate assistant to tight ends and offensive tackles coach on July 26, 2012.[5] Marino took the place of David Boler, who left to become the wide receivers coach for Rhode Island.[6] Kirk Ciarrocca was rehired as running backs coach after being an assistant coach for Rutgers and Richmond for four seasons. He was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Delaware from 2002 to 2007.

NamePositionSeasons at
Delaware		Alma Mater
K. C. KeelerHead coach11Delaware (1980)
Jim HofherOffensive coordinator, Quarterbacks4Cornell (1979)
Nick RaponeDefensive coordinator, Safeties7Virginia Tech (1979)
Brian GinnPassing game coordinator, Receivers13Delaware (2000)
Gregg PerryRun game coordinator, Recruiting coordinator, Offensive line30Delaware (1977)
Kirk CiarroccaRunning backs7Temple (1990)
Phil PetitteDefensive line7Glassboro State (1971)
Brad SherrodLinebackers3Duke (1994)
Henry BakerCornerbacks, Special teams2Maryland (2003)
Andy MarinoTight ends, Offensive tackles3Lycoming (1982)
John SmithHead athletic trainer12Penn State (1988)

Transfers

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Trent Hurley transferred from Bowling Green and redshirt freshman guard Sam Collura transferred to Delaware from Pittsburgh.[7] Three former Maryland players transferred to Delaware: junior defensive tackle Zach Kerr, junior linebacker David Mackall, and redshirt sophomore defensive back Mario Rowson.[8] Redshirt sophomore defensive end Andrew Opoku from Connecticut transferred to Delaware.[8] Redshirt junior tight end Malcolm Bush transferred from Rutgers in August.[9]

Opening depth chart

Schedule
DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 307:30 pmWest Chester*No. 15
W 41–2118,823
September 83:30 pmDelaware State*No. 15
NBCSNW 38–1416,898
September 153:30 pmBucknell*No. 13
  • Delaware Stadium
  • Newark, DE
W 19–318,118
September 227:00 pmat William & MaryNo. 12
CSNW 51–2110,601
September 2912:00 pmat No. 20 New HampshireNo. 8
L 14–347,058
October 63:30 pmMaineNo. 16
  • Delaware Stadium
  • Newark, DE
CSNL 3–2621,506
October 203:30 pmRhode IslandNo. 25
  • Delaware Stadium
  • Newark, DE
W 47–2418,672
October 2712:00 pmat No. 6 Old DominionNo. 20
NBCSNL 26–3120,068
November 312:00 pmNo. 19 TowsonNo. 23
  • Delaware Stadium
  • Newark, DE
NBCSNL 27–34 OT16,252
November 103:30 pmat No. 20 Richmond
L 17–238,700
November 173:30 pmNo. 16 Villanova
CSNL 10–4119,523

Game summaries

West Chester
See also: West Chester Golden Rams football
1 234Total
West Chester 0 777 21
• #15 Delaware 14 10017 41
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 7:36 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:57
  • Game attendance: 18,823
  • Game weather: Clear, warm
  • Referee: Henry Winberg

Delaware State
See also: 2012 Delaware State Hornets football team and Route 1 Rivalry
1 234Total
Delaware State 0 770 14
• #15 Delaware 7 2137 38
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 3:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 4:03
  • Game attendance: 16,898
  • Game weather: Thunderstorms (50 minute delay at halftime)
  • Referee: Henry Winberg
  • TV announcers (NBC Sports Network): Todd Harris (play-by-play), Ross Tucker (color), Carolyn Manno (sideline)

Bucknell
See also: 2012 Bucknell Bison football team
1 234Total
Bucknell 0 300 3
• #13 Delaware 3 3103 19
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 3:36 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:31
  • Game attendance: 18,118
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Charles Lamertina

William & Mary
See also: 2012 William & Mary Tribe football team
1 234Total
• #12 Delaware 10 17213 51
William & Mary 0 777 21
  • Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
  • Game start: 7:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 4:24
  • Game attendance: 10,601
  • Game weather: Rain (80 minute delay for lightning)
  • Referee: J. Winter
  • TV announcers (CSNMA/CSNNE/TCN): Joe Beninati (play-by-play), Qadry Ismail (color), Brian Jackson (sideline)


New Hampshire
See also: 2012 New Hampshire Wildcats football team
1 234Total
#8 Delaware 7 007 14
• #20 New Hampshire 0 01420 34
  • Location: Durham, New Hampshire
  • Game start: 12:00 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:38
  • Game attendance: 7,058
  • Game weather: Overcast, damp
  • Referee: Bill Gosselin


Maine
See also: 2012 Maine Black Bears football team
1 234Total
• Maine 7 973 26
#16 Delaware 3 000 3
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 3:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:46
  • Game attendance: 21,506
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Jeff Gray
  • TV announcers (CSNMA/CSNNE/TCN): Scott Graham (play-by-play), Antonio Freeman (color), Rob Carlin (sideline)


Rhode Island
See also: 2012 Rhode Island Rams football team
1 234Total
Rhode Island 7 0314 24
• #25 Delaware 12 14714 47
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 3:36 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 2:54
  • Game attendance: 18,672
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Referee: Bill Broadhurst


Old Dominion
See also: 2012 Old Dominion Monarchs football team
1 234Total
#20 Delaware 7 1036 26
• #6 Old Dominion 7 1473 31
  • Location: Norfolk, Virginia
  • Game start: 12:09 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:15
  • Game attendance: 20,068
  • Game weather: Cloudy
  • Referee: Tony Marcella
  • TV announcers (NBCSN): Todd Harris (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (color), Carolyn Manno (sideline)


Towson
See also: 2012 Towson Tigers football team
1 234OTTotal
• #19 Towson 7 7677 34
#23 Delaware 0 107100 27
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 12:06 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:31
  • Game attendance: 16,252
  • Game weather: Overcast, cold
  • Referee: Paul Zukis
  • TV announcers (NBCSN): Ari Wolfe (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (color), Carolyn Manno (sideline)


Richmond
See also: 2012 Richmond Spiders football team
1 234Total
Delaware 0 7010 17
• #20 Richmond 10 733 23
  • Location: Richmond, Virginia
  • Game start: 3:36 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:00
  • Game attendance: 8,700
  • Game weather: Clear, sunny
  • Referee: Jack Winter


Villanova
See also: 2012 Villanova Wildcats football team and Battle of the Blue
1 234Total
• #16 Villanova 7 7324 41
Delaware 7 300 10
  • Location: Newark, Delaware
  • Game start: 3:37 p.m.
  • Elapsed time: 3:02
  • Game attendance: 19,523
  • Game weather: Clear, cool
  • Referee: Henry Wimberg
  • TV announcers (TCN): Scott Graham (play-by-play), Kevin Reilly (color)


Ranking movements
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. т = Tied with team above or below. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
Sports Network 15 15 13 12 8 16 24 25 20 23 RV RV RV NR NR NR 
Coaches 14 15 14 12 8 15 22 22 16 20 RV RV NR NR NR NR

References
  1. Tresolini, Kevin (January 7, 2013). "UD fires football coach K.C. Keeler". The News Journal. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  2. "2011 Sports Network Poll". collegesportingnews.com. August 25, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  3. "2011 FCS Coaches Poll". collegesportingnews.com. August 22, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  4. DeLassus, David. "Kurt C. "KC" Keeler Records by Year". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  5. "Delaware Football Promotes Andy Marino to Full-Time Role as Tight Ends and Tackles Coach". University of Delaware Athletics. July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  6. "Trainer Announces the Additions of David Boler, Steve Canter to Staff". University of Rhode Island Athletics. July 19, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  7. "University of Delaware Football Announces 2012 Recruiting Class, Incoming Transfers". University of Delaware Athletics. February 1, 2012. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  8. Tresolini, Kevin (July 26, 2012). "Hens Not Eyeing Conference Move". The News Journal. Wilmington. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  9. "#8 Malcolm Bush". University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  10. "Delaware Football Media Notes" (PDF). bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  11. "West Chester vs Delaware (Aug 30, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. August 30, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  12. "Delaware State vs Delaware (Sep 08, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of DelawareAthletics. September 8, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  13. "Delaware Football Media Notes" (PDF). bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 19, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  14. Tresolini, Kevin (September 8, 2012). "Hens Outgained, But Come Up with Victory vs. DSU". The News Journal. Wilmington. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  15. "Bucknell vs Delaware (Sep 15, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. September 15, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  16. "Delaware vs William and Mary (Sep 22, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. September 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
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  18. "Delaware vs New Hampshire (Sep 29, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. September 29, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  19. "Maine vs Delaware (Oct 06, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. October 6, 2012. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
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  21. "Rhode Island vs Delaware (Oct 20, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. October 20, 2012. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  22. "Delaware vs Old Dominion (Oct 27, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. October 27, 2012. Archived from the original on July 20, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  23. "Delaware Football Media Notes" (PDF). bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 19, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  24. "Towson vs Delaware (Nov 03, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. November 3, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  25. "Delaware Football Media Notes" (PDF). bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 15, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  26. "Delaware vs Richmond (Nov 10, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. November 10, 2012. Archived from the original on July 26, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  27. "Villanova vs Delaware (Nov 17, 2012)". bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. November 17, 2012. Archived from the original on July 26, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  28. "Delaware Football Media Notes" (PDF). bluehens.com. University of Delaware Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 10, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
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