Three thoughts about Delaware State’s close win over Stony Brook

DeSean Jackson and Delaware State kicked off the 2026 HBCU football season with a close victory over Stony Brook, 41-34, on Thursday evening at Alumni Stadium in Dover. While Stony Brook struck first to go up 6-0, the Hornets ultimately wrestled control of the game with explosive offense and opportunistic defense.

Still, issues that plagued the Hornets in their 2025 campaign crept into their season-opening victory and could pose a problem as the season rolls on.

The QB battle still rages on 

While Ui Ale was officially named the starter for Delaware State, Samari Collier showed promise with his ability to make plays with his legs. Stony Brook had a hard time accounting for Collier’s scrambling ability, reminding me of how dynamic Kaiden Bennett was in Delaware State’s run-heavy offensive system last year. But Ale showed why it made sense that he was selected as QB1

Ale showcased phenomenal throws that showed what the Hornets offense could be. Ale also showed a respectable ability to make plays with his legs, though Collier was more explosive on the ground. Delaware State’s championship hopes will rely on a consistent passing game against teams that will make it a point to stop their run game this season, so Ale’s arm talent will be important if he remains QB1.

The Hornet secondary is still bendable

Stony Brook wasn’t shy about throwing the ball, as their first touchdown on the board was due to a decision to consistently air the ball out. They also targeted the middle of the field with intermediate throws, and their quarterbacks made some tough throws that the receivers ultimately capitalized on. That largely fueled their 18-point comeback to ultimately tie the game.

Despite Delaware State’s success last season, one of their notable Achilles’ heels was their pass defense. They were last in the MEAC, giving up 268.4 yards per game and 26 total touchdowns. Delaware State won often despite rough play in the secondary because of their historic run defense. That was a rushing offense. That was the best in the FCS. Delaware State won often despite rough play in the secondary because of their historic rushing offense.

This game makes me wonder whether they can get by on offensive wizardry against teams like North Carolina Central and South Carolina State. There’s also a chance they could clinch a bid in the FCS playoffs if they don’t make the Celebration Bowl. A pass-heavy team could take advantage of them if they don’t shore up their pass defense as the season rolls on.

Stony Brook was a pretty good passing offense last season, ranking third in the CAA with 236.6 yards per game and 16 total touchdowns. That’s on par with the best teams in the MEAC, as their 2025 passing numbers exceeded Norfolk State’s 218.2 yards per game and 20 touchdowns. So, the Seawolves are a good case study of what to expect from Delaware State’s defense if real improvements aren’t made through coaching and development during the season.

Delaware State played with their food and almost choked

Legendary ESPN play-by-play commentator Mark Jones, who recently departed the network, is known for the sayings and idioms he used during the football and basketball games he called. One of his most famous calls is that a team is “playing with their food,” meaning they’re not showing a sense of urgency to increase their lead when they have the opportunity. That described Delaware State in this first game.

While we can cut the Hornets some slack, given this is the first game of the season, it’s not an encouraging sign given the issues that led to the blown 18-point lead. They were up 31-13 before Stony Brook consistently tested the defense, and Delaware State made some questionable play calls that led to stalled drives.

Stony Brook was not an incompetent team by any means, as they won six games last season and went 4-4 in the CAA. The Seawolves were also projected to finish fifth in the CAA this season and even got one first-place vote in the conference’s predicted order of finish. But the Hornets looked like the better team throughout the game. They have to finish their food in these scenarios.

These are the type of games that cost you a shot at an FCS Playoff berth or, even worse, a MEAC Championship and Celebration Bowl appearance. There’s a lot to like about how the Hornets performed this evening, but there certainly should be some tweaks that Jackson and the coaching staff should make before they take the field again against William & Mary, another formidable out-of-conference foe that could emerge as a signature victory ahead of conference play in October.

The post Three thoughts about Delaware State’s close win over Stony Brook appeared first on ClutchPoints.