Delaware does not need a bowl bid to give its inaugural Conference USA football season the seal of approval.
The Blue Hens’ first FBS foray has at times been riveting, with a slew of close games decided late. Delaware was up to the task, the first requirement of such an endeavor, and the most clear bit of proof it was worthy.
Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci (4) looks for an open receiver against UTEP in the Conference USA football season finale at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Nov. 29, 2025. Delaware won 61-31.Certainly, there were games lost that Delaware could have won and games it won that it could have lost. Football seasons always yield such woulda/coulda extremes. This one had a bundle of them.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut the fact Delaware won six of its 12 makes it eligible to test itself once more, against a team that is at least its equal, in some bowl game, somewhere.
Delaware defensive tackle Jack Hall (93) holds up his helmet in celebration with team members over Delaware’s 61-31 victory against UTEP in the Conference USA football season finale at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Nov. 29, 2025. Delaware won 61-31.A 61-31 win over Texas-El Paso on Nov. 29 at Delaware Stadium has given Delaware that opportunity, which the Hens deserve, and the impetus. The Hens’ 61 points were their most in 25 years. It was also, remarkably, the first win in a regular-season finale played at home since 2004 against Villanova.
Delaware fans go shirtless in 40 degree, feel like mid-30s, weather for the UTEP vs. Delaware Conference USA football season finale at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Nov. 29, 2025. Delaware won 61-31.Afterward, the Blue Hens and their fans spent Saturday evening watching and awaiting various outcomes on their smartphones, laptops and TVs, rooting for the likes of Florida, Oregon State and Alabama while having never cared so much who might prevail between Louisiana and UL-Monroe or Army vs. UTSA.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlabama's down-to-the-wire win over Auburn, which was seeking a sixth win, in the Iron Bowl ultimately sealed the deal. Delaware followers got what they wanted, as the numbers add up to the Blue Hens earning a bowl bid.
They'll learn which one Dec. 7.
CONFERENCE USA STANDINGS: See where Hens are perched
As a first-year FBS member, NCAA rules dictate Delaware (along with CUSA rival Missouri State) may get a bowl bid only if there are not enough qualified or willing teams to fill one of the available slots.
Delaware running back Greg Spiller (26) scores the team’s last touchdown of the game against UTEP in the Conference USA football season finale at Delaware Stadium in Newark on Nov. 29, 2025. Delaware won 61-31.There is room for 82 teams, with the best 12 making the College Football Playoff bracket and the other 70 playing in the 35 non-CFP bowl games. And it looks like the math worked.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBefore this weekend, 72 teams had won the required six games (not including Missouri State). They have since been joined by Georgia Southern, Penn State, Arkansas State, Kansas State, Louisiana, Texas State, Army and Washington State.
That’s 80, which means there is room for both Delaware and Missouri State, which Conference USA took the opportunity to confirm late Saturday on social media.
Before the UTEP game, press-box comics were touting a matchup between the Blue Hens and Bears, who didn’t meet in a CUSA game, and calling it the Waiver Bowl or, even more clever, the Ineligi-Bowl.
FINAL STATS: Delaware 61, UTEP 31
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhatever it’s called, wherever it’s played and whomever is the Blue Hens’ actual opponent, it’s a laudable reward.
Is this more appealing than making the FCS playoffs and pursuing a national title, which Delaware came close to just once in its last 15 seasons? Most, though certainly not all Delaware fans, likely think it is. It’s certainly more beneficial financially and in terms of national exposure.
Delaware’s first FBS season, in which five games were televised nationally, gained the school and its program unprecedented attention. A bowl game, even in front of a small crowd at a far-off location, would add to that.
One could no doubt wonder why 6-6 Delaware might be more deserving than the 5-win teams of the college football world – Auburn? Florida State? Baylor? Kansas? Rutgers? Temple? – but that’s the system we have.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd Delaware, where anything below an eight-win season was long considered a failure, will happily cash in those hard-earned six 2025 victories for that cherished postseason prize.
Contact Kevin Tresolini at [email protected] and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: The math works for Delaware, which will earn bowl bid in FBS debut
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