Delaware rallies to defeat Pennsylvania 29-22 in season opener

In a thrilling season opener on Saturday night in Newark, Delaware, Ryan O’Connor led the Blue Hens to a comeback victory over Pennsylvania, finishing with 309 passing yards and three touchdowns. The game started with Pennsylvania taking an early lead, as Aidan Sayin connected with Jared Richardson for an 18-yard touchdown, followed by a field goal that extended their advantage to 9-0. Delaware struggled initially but began to find their rhythm, with O’Connor throwing a 41-yard touchdown to Phil Lutz, narrowing the gap to 9-6. As the game progressed, Pennsylvania maintained a slight edge, leading 16-6 at halftime after Sayin’s touchdown pass to Bisi Owens. However, O’Connor and Lutz struck again early in the third quarter, bringing Delaware within four points. A field goal from Nate Reed further closed the gap, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter. With just under 13 minutes left, O’Connor’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Jake Thaw gave Delaware their first lead at 21-16. Pennsylvania responded with a touchdown of their own, regaining the lead at 22-21 after a failed two-point conversion. In the closing moments, O’Connor orchestrated a decisive drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run by Jo’Nathan Silver, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The Blue Hens’ defense sealed the victory by intercepting Sayin, allowing them to run out the clock. This win marked a strong start to the season for Delaware, showcasing O’Connor’s leadership and the team’s resilience in overcoming a challenging opponent.