68 Ventures Bowl Takeaways: Delaware Survives Louisiana

5. The 68 Ventures Bowl Delivered

It wasn't the Rose Bowl, and it was hardly appointment viewing for a nation starved for entertainment, but for an early bowl game that for years was about as ugly as it gets score-wise, what more could you want?

After years, and years, and years of blowouts, last year's Arkansas State 38-31 win over Bowling Green was at least close, even if it was a late Falcon score to make it that way.

On the last play of the game, Louisiana had one shot at the end zone, and that was it. For those who hung on, you got your payoff.

4. The Ragin' Cajuns couldn't get the ground game going

It was painful. Louisiana didn't have any offensive pop, with nothing whatsoever coming from the ground game. And why? The offensive line was down to the almost anyone who could suit up and block.

The three turnovers were devastating, especially early on when it looked like Louisiana was about to take full control of the game, but threw a bad pick in the end zone. Every mistake mattered in this.

3. Delaware still has Ryan Carty

The 42-year-old Delaware head coach capped off a whale of a season.

Since taking over in 2022, he went 26-11 with two FCS Playoff appearances in three years, and then Delaware made the move up in weight class.

The first year in the FBS was a success no matter what happened in this, but to finish 7-6 with a bowl win - especially considering the program wasn't eligible to get to a bowl game, but that was blown off - was outstanding. 

And he's still around. He hasn't been snapped up yet for a next-step-up job, and ... (more on next year in a moment).

2. What's next in 2026 for Louisiana?

Can the Ragin' Cajuns start to crank up the offense?

It was a problem all year. When the O didn't work, the team didn't win, and once again in the 68 Ventures Bowl, there was an issue when the points weren't flowing.

The Delaware defense was good this year, but it wasn't so amazing that Louisiana should've struggled this much. Both Ragin' Cajun quarterbacks should be back, and things should be far better if the available offensive linemen stick around.

This was a bounceback year, and 2026 is when it should all start to take off again. There's enough depth on both sides of the ball to be okay, even if there's a big hit from the portal. Next year, the team will be a bigger player in the Sun Belt.

1. What's next in 2026 for Delaware?

The Blue Hens are a year ahead of schedule.

2026 was when they were supposed to push for winning seasons and fight for a bowl game - even though a few restrictions from the FCS move are still on.

The transfer portal will come calling for a few Blue Hens, but if the backfield combination of quarterback Nick Minicucci and running back Jo Silver is back, and if the offensive line can stay relatively intact, it should be a much stronger year overall after this good first run.

The transfer-loaded defense will undergo a bit of an overhaul, but the secondary is building through the recruiting class, and the D that was so good in the 68 Ventures should be even better.