The state of Delaware isn’t exactly a football hotbed, but don’t tell that to the Delaware State Hornets, who play every game like it was their last. The program has had plenty of ups and downs, which is why most fans can get their hands on cheap Delaware State football tickets. But the Hornets have had plenty of success over the years and have a few bitter rivalries to keep the fanbase engaged. For football fans in the First State and all over the Mid-Atlantic, there are plenty of reasons to buy last-minute Delaware State football tickets so you can check out the Hornets in person.

Owning the 80s

The late 1980s was Delaware State’s glory era on the football field. In 1985, Bill Collick was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach and immediately led the Hornets to their first conference championship in nearly 30 years. Delaware State ended up winning five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships in Collick’s first seven seasons. In 12 seasons under Collick, the Hornets had just one losing season and finished either first or second in the MEAC nine times.

One Special Season

Winning has been hard to come by at Delaware State since Collick retired. However, head coach Al Lavan guided the Hornets on a special season in 2007. In his fourth season at the helm, Lavan coached Delaware State to a 10-2 record, going 9-0 inside the MEAC to win the program’s first conference title since 1991 and reach the FCS Playoffs for the first time in program history. Perhaps more importantly, the Hornets won the Black college football national championship for the first time ever, sharing the honors with an undefeated Tuskegee team.

Heated Rivals

Even when Delaware State isn’t competing for championships, the Hornets have several bitter rivalries that keep every season interesting. Naturally, their biggest rival is with the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. The rivalry between the two in-state teams didn’t begin until 2007, but it has quickly become an intense rivalry with both teams battling for the First State Cup.