The matchup comes down to whether Delaware can turn its promising passing performance last week into a home victory. The Blue Hens are 2-4 overall and 0-2 in Conference USA, but freshman quarterback Tyler Bell gave the offense a lift in his first career start, throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns in the 33-30 loss at Middle Tennessee. 

Delaware has averaged 271 passing yards per game, according to its official preview, and Bell’s ability to stretch the field gives the Blue Hens a way to challenge a Missouri State defense that has allowed 30.5 points per game. 

The key will be protecting Bell and finding more consistency on the ground after Delaware managed only 70 rushing yards against Middle Tennessee.

Missouri State arrives after a dramatic 24-21 victory over Kennesaw State, with quarterback Henry Belin IV throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns in his first start. Receiver Isaiah Myers caught seven passes for 135 yards, giving the Bears a legitimate downfield threat. 

However, Missouri State is 0-3 on the road and faces a Delaware defense that has recorded 19 sacks this season. The Bears are playing their third game in 13 days, another factor that could become important if Delaware can generate pressure and force Belin into difficult passing situations.

Delaware has lost three consecutive games, so this is hardly a risk-free selection, particularly with senior quarterback Nick Minicucci still sidelined and Bell making only his second start. Nevertheless, the Blue Hens have shown enough offensive potential to take advantage of a Missouri State team that has struggled away from home, and Bell’s debut provides reason to believe the offense can continue improving. 

With the home-field advantage, a pass rush capable of disrupting Belin and a modest spread of roughly 2.5 to 3 points, Delaware has a reasonable path to getting back into the win column.