FCS teams aren’t expected to succeed right away. There’s supposed to be a transitional phase to get up to speed, but Missouri State and Delaware didn’t get the memo last season. Both moved up into Conference USA, and both had terrific seasons. This year has been more of a grind for both.
Delaware hasn’t been the same after star quarterback Nick Minucci went down with a knee injury – he’s considered week-to-week – losing three straight.
Missouri State hasn’t been able to find the same offensive pop as last season after undergoing a rebuild, but it halted a three-game losing streak with a desperately needed 24-21 win over Kennesaw State last week.
Missouri State vs Delaware: Quick Hits
- Missouri State gets two of its next three games at home, starting with Sam Houston.
- Delaware has to go on the road for three of its next four games with trips to Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State next.
- In a strange quirk, the two didn’t play each other in their inaugural Conference USA season. This is their first meeting.
How To Watch Missouri State vs Delaware
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Location: Delaware Stadium, Newark, DE
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Why Missouri State Will Win
Missouri State doesn’t do any one thing particularly well, but when it completes passes, it wins. The Bears are 2-0 when connecting on more than 70% of their throws – they got the win over Kennesaw State last week by hitting 73% of their passes.
Delaware gives up passing yards in chunks. Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV seemed like he had a breakthrough game against the Owls. He kept the offense moving throughout and looked like he was in command.
Why Delaware Will Win
Delaware has to try to get its ground attack going.
It’s at its best when it’s mixing it up, but the passing game usually takes over. It’s been way too erratic, though, with Minucci hurting. What the Blue Hens haven’t done is bash away, only coming up with more than 35 carries in just one game – that happened to be last week’s loss to Middle Tennessee.
Missouri State’s defensive front doesn’t hold up well when teams keep handing it off, giving up 125 rushing yards or more on 40 or more carries in the four losses.
Missouri State vs Delaware Prediction, Betting Lines
Neither team has been able to get their respective seasons going. There’s still a little bit of time for the loser to pull off something great, but it’ll be a tough ask.
Missouri State’s offense will show up, but Delaware will be a bit more creative and explosive as it pulls this off at home with a good fourth quarter.
Delaware 28, Missouri State 24
Latest Consensus Line: Delaware -2.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.