We continue our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2025 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of another bowl trip and potentially a second CUSA championship as third-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team for the upcoming season.
Today in our series preview, the calendar shifts to November where the Flames will have five games beginning with FBS and CUSA newcomer Delaware.
DELAWARE
• When: Saturday, Nov. 1 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network)
• Last year’s record: 3-9, 3-5 CUSA (t-6th)
• Coach: Ryan Carty, fourth year at Delaware
• 2025 SP+ ranking: 110
• Series History: N/A, first meeting
Last Meeting: N/A, first meeting
Program History:
National Championships: 0 (at FBS level)
Conference Championships: 0 (at FBS level)
Bowl Record: 8-3
Last Bowl Appearance: 1982: L, 17-14 vs Eastern Kentucky in the Pioneer Bowl
Ryan Carty took over for former Liberty head coach Danny Rocco a few years ago at Delaware. Carty played quarterback at Delaware from 2002-06 and then was an assistant coach at New Hampshire. He then reunited with his college coach KC Keeler as offensive coordinator at Sam Houston from 2018-21 before taking over at his alma mater for the 2022 season. Carty has been a solid head coach for the Blue Hens. They have won at least eight games in all three seasons under him including back-to-back nine-win campaigns and consecutive second round appearances in the FCS Playoffs. He is 18-3 at home and 26-11 overall as head coach.
Delaware has had a really strong offense under Carty, as they averaged 35 points and 435 yards of offense last year despite injury issues at quarterback. Zach Marker started the first four games last season before suffering a season ending injury. He completed 74 of 134 passes for 1,011 yards, 10 touchdowns, and did not throw an interception. Nick Minicucci started the last four games, completing 79 of 124 passes for 825 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions over the course of the season. The Blue Hens will have to overcome the loss of first team all-conference running back Marcus Yarns who rushed for 93.8 yards per game on 6.3 yards per carry and six touchdowns last season.
Former Liberty standout linebacker Manny Rojas is the defensive coordinator at Delaware under Carty. Under his leadership, Delaware has had one of the top defenses in the CAA, and they will be looking to keep that same level of success after the FBS and Conference USA transition.
It’s always tough to gauge how teams will make the transition to the FBS, but Delaware should see some success. They have a winning tradition and a young, energetic and successful head coach. Will they see success in year one or will it take a couple years to adjust?
What’s at Stake?
This will be the first ever meeting between the two programs, and this is something that could become somewhat of a rivalry with the Flames and Blue Hens being the closest in proximity to one another in the current setup of Conference USA. Delaware should be a strong addition to the league, but there’s always the question of how long it will take them to adjust to competing at the FBS level every week. Liberty enters this game with an extended break following just two games in October which could potentially lead to the team being rusty. It’s a game the Flames will want to win to compete for the CUSA Championship in 2025.
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