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DUQUESNE DUKES FOOTBALL FORUM
~~~WELCOME TO THE DUQUESNE DUKES FOOTBALL FORUM~~~
Duquesne Dukes Football has won or shared the last nine MAAC Championships ..... DU won crowns in 11 of its 14 seasons in the MAAC: 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007

This forum is for discussion of Duquesne Football since other excellent Duquesne Basketball forums exist. (Links below). It is also open to all Duquesne sponsored or club sports. Duquesne sponsors: Baseball, Basketball (M/W), Cross Country (M/W), Football, Golf (M), Soccer (M/W), Swimming (M/W), Tennis (M/W), Track and Field (M/W), Wrestling, LaCrosse (W), Crew (W), Volleyball (W). Club Sports include Ice Hockey and Men's Crew. This is a discussion forum where you are a guest. Treat others as you would like to be treated. No foul language, using another's moniker or personal attacks. Character on the field and on this forum reflects upon Duquesne. Links to this site are encouraged. Feedback is welcome.


~~~~LINKS TO OTHER RECOMMENDED DUQUESNE DUKES PAGES~~~~
(ADDITIONAL DUQUESNE RELATED LINKS ARE AT THE PAGE BOTTOM
*Official Duquesne University Athletics Site*
*Atlantic 10 Conference*
*Duquesne Tickets (Or Dial 412-232-DUKE)*
*Duquesne Athletic Fund (Duquesne Booster Site)*
*Duquesne Alumni Page*
*Duquesne Dukes Basketball Fan Message Board*
*Official Duquesne University Site*
*Duquesne Hockey Site*

~DUQUESNE DUKES GEAR ONLINE~
*Duquesne Online Store (Barnes & Nobel)*
*Duquesne Online Store (CSTV)*

~DUQUESNE/NCAA FCS (I-AA) FOOTBALL LINKS~
*Duquesne Athletics Football Page*
*Duquesne Football Game Day Central*
*Northeast Conference Football*
*The Sports Network FCS Page*
*USA Today Sagarin Division I College Football Rankings*
*Real Time RPI Division 1 College Football Rankings*
*College Football Data Warehouse*
*Duquesne Dukes Football Videos on You Tube*

~MEDIA LINKS~
 *ESPN Radio Northeast Conference Notebook*
*Duquesne Duke (Student Newspaper)*
*Pittsburgh Post Gazette Duquesne Sports Page*
*Pittsburgh Tribune Review Duquesne Sports Page*
*Duquesne Scout Site*

~COFFEE'S RECOMMENDED SITES~
*Duquesne Rivals Site*
*Coffee's Duquesne Sports Blog*

~LIVE AND PAST DUQUESNE DUKES BROADCASTS~
*Redzone Media Broadcasts (Live and Archived Streaming Audio Football, Mens and Womens Basketball & Wrestling)*

*WMNY MONEYTALK 1360- Duquesne University Duke's Football Radio Flagship Station)

~Was this "Bluff Field"?~
(Duquesne lists Bluff Field as the site of "on campus" home games before they started playing at Forbes Field in 1929.


~Not quite yet worthy of the name Rooney, but its getting there...~
"...If you build it, they will come."

The 1941 Dukes were ranked # 1 by The Massy Ratings and # 8 by The AP. The '41 Duquesne defense surrendered just 21 points all season. No major college team has given up fewer points in a season since. The '41 Dukes finished the regular season as one of three undefeated, untied teams and led the nation in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense........... GO DUQUESNE!.............. GO DUQUESNE! ......

~~~~~MORE LINKS, PICTURE GALLERY, FOOTBALL SEATING CHART AND OTHER STUFF AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE~~~~~


*DUQUESNE DUKES FOOTBALL FORUM*

Subject: Advertise at COJ Network (COJ216934)


Author:
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[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 01:37:09pm
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Subject: Fresh Start


Author:
Carnegie_Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:59:51am
We need a fresh start next year. Get rid of the whole coaching staff including Rosato and start over. Fresh faces, fresh ideas and new leadership. This program has stalled and stagnated. And forget the stadium improvements, with just 527 people bothering to watch the game we could play at Plum Little League Stadium and still have room for more. It's shocking how far we have sunk and a little piece of me is doubting the very existence of this program in the future.

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[> Subject: This season has been really tough to take, and I have been a strong supporter of the coach and his staff. We've had two coaches here (McCann and Gatusso) who have proven you can win here. I'd like to see this program move forward.


Author:
El Duque
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 06:03:22pm

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[> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
Yantzee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 07:17:19am
I agree! Beaver Stadium has more than 525 guys lined up at the urinals at any given minute of a game.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
Old Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 08:55:58am
Again, another sad day for the Dukes. But given the loss of Moore, Williams and Bunevich the switch for Connor Dixon seems to be helpful. He poses a serious threat at reciever.

Atleast this loss wasn't a full out blood bath. The blocking on the 2nd overtime was horrendous. How many times was Kevin sacked???

I still think we have a good chance in the next 2 games for a win.

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[> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
DU86
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 09:26:26am
I think if anyone in the admin is seriously thinking about getting rid of football then yesterday was a perfect game to look around a pathetic crowd in a pathetic stadium and say "Is it really worth the money?" The obvious answer is no. By the way I would love to see Coach Rosato's daily itinerary to see how he can justify his 6 figure salary.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 11:14:40am
If any assistant coach has a 6 figure salary, there should be an investigation to find out why!

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[> [> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
NewDuqFan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 12:20:07pm
There are young men who made a commitment to Duquesne over other scholarship offers so I hope you aren't serious when you suggest they should get rid of football. I would suggest a coaching change, and a fresh marketing strategy as a first step instead of eliminating the entire program. I'm not sure if you are a "fan", but if so, maybe it is time for you to move on instead.

There is no doubt that the program needs to be improved, but there are other factors that have contributed to the way this season has gone, poor coaching decisions and A LOT of INJURIES are the top two reasons in my opinion!

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Fresh Start


Author:
c
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:59:51am
c

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Subject: QUESTIONS!?


Author:
DU94'
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:58:54am
Why do we run the ball on 3rd and +10s?
Why can't we find a steady QB?
Why do we kick a FG when you have a 6'5 WR??
we did not even take one shot to the endzone.
Why don't your two best defesive payers behind Totino play much? (Scruggs & Rhoades)
Why do our dbacks get beat every game?
This is starting to get me sick to watch. Are these coaches really trying to lose?
Schmitt and the WHOLE staff needs to go.

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[> Subject: Re: QUESTIONS!?


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 02:22:19pm
The sad part about all of this CCSU beats Albany and we had CCSU beat. We have the players and they are young. I would put Dixon,Moore,Williams,Bunevich,Patterson,Mccoy against anyone next year at the skilled positions and we would have an advantage. Not to mention the young D......we have the players.

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[> [> Subject: Re: QUESTIONS!?


Author:
Put up your Dukes
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 04:05:47pm
I agree these boys are so much more talented than their record indicates. They deserve so much more in the way of coaching and development not to mention fan support. Coaches are supposed to inspire and motivate. Doesn't seem to be a lot of that going on here.

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[> Subject: Re: QUESTIONS!?


Author:
Packers1
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 07:33:39pm
I agree. The Dukes cannot reach their full potential with the coaching staff they have... the AD's really need to do something about it. The talent Duquesne has is uncanny; much more than that of any team possibly in the NEC. However, they will never shine with Schmitt and those coaches. It’s becoming ridiculous now. Schmitt needs to resign or get fired. Plain and simple. I really hope he reads this Forum.

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[> Subject: Re: QUESTIONS!?


Author:
dd
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:58:54am
d

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Subject: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:57:43am
I don't think its too early to look at the situation that is staring Schmitt in the face for next year. What to do with Dixon?
With Bunevich, Williams and Moore back in the fold it would seem that the Dukes are set at wideout along with Spragg, Cangilla and Roorback. And although it would be nice to have Dixon with his speed and size spreading the field, my gut feeling is that he'll be back under center.
I thought Sean Patterson did OK but sometimes he'd get lost under the extreme pressure our QBs saw this year and being only 6'1" hurts. The St. Francis game made that brutally obvious.

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[> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Drew
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, November 01, 11:22:59pm
Lets hope it will not be Schmitt making the decision.

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[> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, November 02, 02:59:39pm
TS-Whatever the decision......make it and stick to it. Rombach,Dixon,Patterson stood no chance with the yo yo approach. poor Kevin last game......everyone in the house knows he is passing......no shotgun 3 straight sacks. Sprague dropped way too many balls this year but it may have to do with no consistency in the offense. One game shot gun the next, no passing etc. etc.

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[> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Duke from way back
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, November 02, 07:50:24pm
Tom----Moore should move back to defense. It was criminal to move the only DB who had speed to reciever and leave th e defense without a true cover guy. Williams can spread the field and RECRUIT! another speedy reciever--they are out there. I repeat that I think Dixon would be nuts to voluntarily return to QB. Scmitt and Loebig's approach is destructive to the development of a QB. He has missed half this year already. You cannot attempt to rebuild and develolp your existing starter at the same time. You cannot apease a 5th year senior, build confidence in the starter and promote the eager youngster at the same time. And finally, you cannot influence and antagonize simultaneously. I have seen Scmitt get right in the face of all three QB's as they are coming off the field and not just once or twice. The expectations are too high for him and the tool shed too bare. Run the ball and let Patterso throw the ball 10-15 times a game and let Dixon run under them and maybe return punts or kicks. Hell, I would rather see the kid play safety than have to face the inevitable next year.

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[> [> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 04:22:08pm
Conner may have the best talent set available... At least we will have the choice down to 2 with Kevin graduating!

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[> [> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 08:45:17pm
Great Post!
I've never seen more talented kids without a set position as I have this year on this team. Dixon goes from QB to WR, Moore goes from DB to WR, Scruggs goes fro DE to LB and back to DE, and the list goes on and on.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: What to do with Connor Dixon next year.....


Author:
j
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, November 07, 08:57:43am
j

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Subject: Advertise at COJ Network (COJ217033)


Author:
Abid
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, November 06, 07:13:27am
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Subject: Advertise at COJ Network (COJ216690)


Author:
Fakhr
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, November 06, 02:20:03am
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[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Subject: Advertise at (COJ 215958)


Author:
farah
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 03:38:38am

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[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
Subject: Drawing Straws


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 06:26:14pm
Every week the QBs draw straws to see who plays. This week Kevin lost. Wow did he take a beating!!!

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Subject: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 03:35:35pm
With the recievers we started out with this year and with the three quarterback we have, there should be a strong passing game. This is a given. Witht McCoy, Bai and Williams (in that order) we also have talent at running back.

These are young players though. They need a position coach that is more than just barely experienced than they are to direct and help them develop.

My buggest complaint is Coach Schmidt handing all this young talent to a coach almost as young as they are. Neil was a great quarterback, but had NO experience as a coach to direct the passing game. Dave Loya has proven he can direct a passing game and HAS proven to be a successfull coach of QB (and of Loebig himself!).

Why not make the change. There is no excuse for the lack of development of all of this talent!!!!

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[> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Thursday, October 29, 05:51:08pm
Coffee- The passing game is STILL 2nd in the conference with all of the depleted WR,TE. We have started 3 different QB in 8 weeks. Who knows what they do this week?? An impossible position to play when your on a short leash. I commend all 3 because everything I have seen and read THEY support each other.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Thursday, October 29, 09:13:01pm
Shoey,
Thats my point- Lots of talent, few victories to show that the tools are being put to good use. They may be second in yardage, but they have lost too many close games due to lack of focus and inability to avoid mistakes that give the game away.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 30, 12:16:36am
Agreed-Impossible to have consistency and commitment........when things are inconsistent and no commitment. Repetition makes perfect.......there is no way any of the three can feel comfortable. Dixon probably is best off at WR right now.

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Duke from way back
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 30, 09:29:45pm
Why should he even want to play QB here? Why should he waste his senior year being yanked every time he makes a mistake, playing half the game and being confronted by an angry Shmitt every time he walks off the field. If they lose and they will lose if they play defense and special teams like this year, Scmitt will "rebuild"----his perpetual rebuilding process bides him more time with the AD--- Scmitt will bench Dixon for Patterson. Not one QB since they have been here has passed muster with Shmitt and Loebig. Knapp, Rombach and now Dixon Loebig himslef was once kept in a game when he threw 5 picks yet he yanks a kid from a game without a thought--he is never satisfied and has lost the trust of his players. Dixon obvioulsy wants to play QB. The last game he played he threw 67% and threw a touchdown against a team that had not given up a TD in 4 games at home. And now he is a wide reciever. He gets punished for being a good athlete. Next year when Loebig gets done with Patterson, his confidence will be shot and who will get the ball to Dixon?--either way he is screwed. He is destined for oblivion under this staff. I always felt bad for Rombach but i never felt sorry for him. He upseated Knapp so he should not be suprised if it happens to him and now it happens to Dixon. When does it stop?

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[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 01:35:19am
Duke- I agree I would not want to play QB under this staff.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 10:10:51am
I give Dixon all the credit in the world. He obviously is a team player. Anyone who has attended the games can attest that he is the better QB. Not to take anything away from Kevin or Sean, they have their own strengths to be sure, but Connor even with the bad wing directs the offense with confidence.
The kid has off season surgery which is still bothering him but comes in to the Bucknell game and pulls out the win. Endures cortisone shots but nearly pulls out the Nichols State game. Tears up RMU and then sustains a concussion at Albany. And now is our go-to reciever. I would say that he is showing alot of heart despite the merry-go-round that is Duquesne Football.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Neil Loebig and Passing Game


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 03:35:35pm
It may be a blessing in disguise......he has a shot to be a WR at the next level not QB. Connor made some great plays today, unfortunately we let this one slip away.......again.

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Subject: Hall of Fame Inductions


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 31, 09:29:02am
To get to some good news- The Duquesne Hall of Fame Inductions will be observed at today's game at Wagner (The Dukes should win this one if they can shake off last week's cob webs).

New HOFer Leigh Bodden continues to play very well and start for the New England Patriots. He is among the team leaders in tackles, PD's and of course interceptions.

I've never been able to cheer for the Pats until Bodden went there from the hapless Lions. Just to show how hopeless the Lions were, they cut Bodden who turned around and landed the starting job at New England!

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Subject: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Duke od Earl
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 09:50:07pm
I think what most of us who have raised the issue in the past about the stadium, is that it isn't built to attract fans. It has limited seating and doesn't give you the feel of a real collegiate football game. I know we seldom draw more than a thousand for a game, but we never will unless you create the atmosphere. This includes the stadium, band, tailgate area, parking attendant after the game, etc.
I'm not about to blame all of the Dukes problems on the coach. There are many things that have to be in line to show committment to a program that the basketball side learned after three decades of mediocrity.
If we want to play FCS football at a competative level and offer scholarships, we have to offer more than the smallest field in the Conference (And perhaps the entire FCS) and all the other things that will attract the student atheletes and the fans that come with a winning program and an atmosphere that will support folks coming back. I've brought friends to games and it is not easy to get them coming back if they aren't alums.

We don't need Beaver Stadium, but we need the minimum committment to be successful. Don't make the committment to the fans, players and alums to offer FCS scholarship if you don't want to have a winning program. How hard would it have been to extend the bleachers up another nine rows and to put some sort of seating on the other side and in the West End Zone?

I hate to say it, since we have so much potential to add just a bit more to do this right, if we can't make the committment, downsize to D-II or D-III so we can play CMU and some other area teams like W & J etc.

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[> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Thursday, October 22, 12:51:17pm
To be fair to the present staff, I would agree that the problem is more with the program committment than the coach. I also agree with the rest of the post- RIGHT ON TARGET HERE!

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[> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 23, 05:29:49pm
Coach Schmidt is a good coach working with a half hearded committment. He can recruit. He does need to get his team to believe in itself.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Warshaw
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 25, 09:21:17am
The half hearted committment is from Schmidt who can't make up his mind what he wants to do or who to do it with. In his years here he has never had a team behind him beucase he cannot not interact wiht these young men. Several of the team said last night they are tired of the experimenting. I agree there is no committment from the univristy for this program and it shows in the coaching from top to bottom. 3rd and 18 run draw up the middle, 4th and long another running play and them when we need the run for balance we pass and make it easy for the defense.

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Simms
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 26, 12:23:23am
As someone who doesn't regularly follow the football team, please take my opinion with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, to those complaining about the stadium, wouldn't it make more sense to make the official stadium for the Dukes in the South Side football arena? I think of it like this.

1. Rooney field would be used as the practice field with the new lockers and would be the official home to other sports. Soccer and Lacrosse could enjoy the small intimacy that the field affords. The new expansion could be completed and the coaches and staff could use the field accordingly.

2. The Dukes would then play their football games at the SS arena (named George K. Cupples Stadium). The University would pay a fee to put some banners around the field and make it the official field. The stadium seats around 5000 and has a much more "Game day" feel to it than Rooney if you ask me. When I drive by at night I love the view you can see when going up to McCardle and people tend to line the streets to watch. Plus, the SouthSide just seems like a much better place to drink and party before the game. I know attracting students would be tough, but you could arrange groups to walk down the south side steps. The only problem I see if parking, but I doubt the situation at Duquesne is much better. I know some of the alumni remember it sucking, but really, don't you think the potential of the program is greater if that stadium were used?

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[> [> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 12:49:12pm
With all due respect to Simms, you can not play at Cupples stadium. They did that for years to small gatherings of friends and family and no student support at all.

However, poor the atmosphere is, it would be much worse at Cupples Stadium.

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
On Da Bluff
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 09:50:07pm
Would like to think a I-AA coaching staff knows what it is doing, but running no-huddle hurry-up offense when up by a ton against RM in 3Q, then having to make a drive late in game to secure a win is ALL about the coaches not having a clue - they run their "offense" whether up by 28 or down by 45. Then when down by 24-0 at SF, we finally score with almost 10 minutes left - so the coaches go for 1 - and need a to WASTE a time out to do the most obvious thing which is go for 2 and only need two more scores. What were they thinking about!! SF is pounding the ball mercilessly on the ground with a seven man O-line, two backs in the backfield, and ONLY ONE wideout, and we are still playing the entire second half with 4 D-backs 10-15 yards off the line of scrimmage. And not once did that change. But no one in the administration seems to care - otherwise this just would not be tolerated. Only need a to worry about more seating and a bigger stadium if you start winning at this level. Talent is there - just being mis-managed, under utilized, player strengths ignored. And now losing begets more losing and a good team that could have easily competed for top spot in NEC quickly becomes a very bad team.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
Me
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 11:55:36am
He is not a good coach. He is a nice guy who is an average coach at best. The former coach had less to work with and he won. It is not due to a lack of commitment.

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[> Subject: Re: Coaches


Author:
Duke lover
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 25, 08:17:07pm
I just hope that the coaches might glance at this- cause I just want them to know that we feel their pain. It HAS to get better how could it possibly get worse? Please don't GIVE UP ON THIS TEAM!

We DO have talent. We DO have some loyal fans that cheer for those boys. There are many of us that believe that we CAN and WILL get beyond this. God Bless them all.

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[> Subject: Re: Stadium and other Issues


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 12:46:47pm
Division I schools can not downsize and play football at the Division II or III level. It is simply not allowed. The lowest level we can play at is the Football Championship Division, formerly know as Division 1-AA.

You have to pick a division and stick with it. You can't say we will be D-1 in this sport and D-2 in this sport.

The only exceptions to this rule are hockey and wrestling. And D-2 and D-3 schools can "play-up" to Division I. However, D-1 schools can not move down. There is only one NCAA hockey championship I believe. I believe there are three wrestling classes.

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Subject: What Team is This???


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 25, 01:01:10am
I made the trip up to Loretto today fully expecting the Dukes to right the ship against SFU, gain some confidence back, in the hope of ending the season with a flurry. Now I'm just looking forward to ending the season. I'm still wondering what team I saw tonight.
Our rushing game which had been averaging 150+ yards per game goes 23 yrds on 16 att. and this against the worst defense against the rush in the NEC.
Our defense gives up 409 yrds on the ground to a team that has averaged 80 a game.
Our starting tight end from a week ago started at DE and our best QB, coming off a concussion is now our go-to reciever???
We snapped the ball over our punter's head to begin the game, missed a 20 yrd field goal, allowed a 65 yrd run to open the second half, missed a 33 yrd field goal, gave up a 60 yrd TD run, kicked a 28 yrd punt, had a roughing the kicker call on 4th and 6 and an unsportsmanlike conduct call which put the ball on our 1 yrd line.
Do you see the trend here friends???? This team has thrown in the towel. They have given up on themselves and their teammates, but most of all, they have quit believing in their coaches. You can see it on the sidelines. And who can blame them??? There is no consistancy on this team. These kids not only don't know if they're going to play....they don't even know what position they'll be asked to fill. It would be laughable if it didn't pain me so much.
Oh...by the way...Degol Field is very nice. They even set off fireworks after every score. Unfortunately they ran out of them in the third quarter.

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Subject: A new low


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 25, 12:40:44am
There come a time when a fan starts looking to next year (or the basketball season). I don't think I want to see, listen to or hear of another Dukes' Football game this year.

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[> Subject: Re: A new low


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 24, 09:58:20pm
SF averages 65 yards rushing per game..........today 53/409. We make alot of running backs look real fast.....no speed on D.

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[> Subject: Re: A new low


Author:
Duke Fan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 24, 11:47:22pm
Beyond sad. ouch. Bad teams have good days. Good teams have bad days.

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[> Subject: Re: A new low


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 25, 12:40:44am
I was only able to listen to the radio broadcast of the game to hear the final score. I guess I couldn't believe it. What's happened to the Dukes? At this rate we will be lucky to win one more game. The team's deterioration over the course of this season has been a cause of frustration, disappointment, and anger to many of us. Hopefully the Athletic Director feels the same emotions as we do and is prepared to take the appropriate actions. Even so I'll be there to root the Dukes on against Wagner next Saturday.

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Subject: Prediction for the Dukes' game against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 24, 11:49:23am
Well the Dukes will have their hands full this afternoon with the Blue Devils. Cen. Conn. State is ranked #150 (tops in the NEC) in Sagarin's rankings while the Dukes are at #226. Using Sagarin's predictor scores, the Dukes are a 16 point underdog. Based on their performance so far, the Blue Devils appear to be headed for a NEC showdown with Albany when they play on October 31.

I'm not sure if the Dukes can play as poorly again as they did against Albany. Let's hope the coaches can get the team's confidence back. All that being said, the Blue Devils have a very good running game and have a very impressive 4-1 record. The Dukes still have several players out with injuries which will hurt. I see the Dukes playing a respectable game in front of the home crowd but still coming up short 31-24.

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[> Subject: Re: Prediction for the Dukes' game against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 17, 03:04:11pm
I am soooo tired of losing close games due to mistakes this year. The blocked punt gave Central Connecticut the winning score. What happened to the freshman we had punting last year? He had a nice leg and got the ball off in half the time.

The Dukes played well against a tough team.

Who is our quarterback? It can not be good for a quarterback's confidence to not know if the coach believes in him to win. Rombach and Dixon may suffer from the Scott Knapp Syndrome- Lots of talent, but does the coach believe in me?

I also have no idea why the Dukes didn't go for the touchdown late in the game with only an inch to go for first and goal. Its much easier to defend against an opponant that needs a touchdown than one that needs just a field goal at the end of the game. They could have gone for 2 to know for sure what they needed to do to win.

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[> [> Subject: Time for a Change


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 17, 06:02:09pm
Coffee, Connor Dixon suffered a concussion at the end of the Albany game and failed the test they give on Wednesday. I too was livid when I didn't see him in there so I asked around. Why Kevin didn't start is a mystery and no one is saying. Sean is a capable QB but needs to develop his arm strength and accuracy. Now for the distasteful part...
I think it might be time to consider a coaching change. This team is certainly talented enough as we have seen. 1.They have gone out in 5 of their six game to leads in the first half only to see adjustments made by our opponents who ended up roaring back to take leads and win games. Another 10 minutes and we would have lost to RMU too. Obviously, our staff can't do that.
2. Play calling again! You are absolutely correct when you said to go for it on 4th and inches today. Don't think for a minute that these kids don't believe that the coach has faith in them. Same thing last week when we kick a field goal down by 40 points! I also loved the QB draw play with time running down and no timeouts left. Stupid!
3. Time management....This staff doesn't have a clue how to manage the game. Sean is in there today, calls a play and looks to the sidelines for the inevitable change. Pathetic...it looked like Pop Warner ball out there.

We have been in every ballgame but one this year with a GOOD chance to win them. It's not the players gang, we have the talent...its the coaching or the lack thereof.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Time for a Change


Author:
Put up your DUKES
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 17, 09:18:27pm
Coffee,
I am also so tired of the NEGATIVE ATMOSPHERE at the games.They players sense the lack of interest and enthusiasm regarding the program. They ARE trying and they DID do better this week. Where is the student body? I was in the university bookstore today and they weren't even broadcasting the game. We were winning( half time) against a dominant team and NO ONE cared.

Many of our boys have been playing with injuries and sustaining other painful and serious injuries- yet where is it getting them? More negativity. More criticism. This is NOT a good way to BUILD a winning program.

The coaches don't seem unified.They need some lessons on providing inspiration and leadership. So much confusion today that we had to use 2 time outs in the first series!???

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Time for a Change


Author:
NewDuqFan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 24, 11:49:23am
I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and remember that this is just the 2nd season in the NEC and providing athletic scholarships. With exception of the Albany, the Dukes have been in every game. They should have won most of the games they lost, and I do believe that the coaching can be questionable a lot of the time and I wouldn't be sad if there was a change there. There are some really good athletes on this team and in the next few seasons I think the cream will rise to the top and the Dukes will compete for the conference championship as long as the coaches can handle what they have. The players, no matter how talented, need to know their coaches believe in them. I watched the body language in the players during the last game and you could see the frustration when the coach didn't trust them to make a first down.

I do agree about the atmosphere at home games, it could be improved drastically! In the end, we all need to support the team through thick and thin! Go Dukes!

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Time for a Change


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 05:22:43pm
TS-Usually you are right on but this game can be blamed on the lack of speed at CB. The offense like it or not played well with no turnovers and provided a 21-10 lead with 9:00 against a good team. The offense with a red shirt freshman qb Patterson, no Moore, Bunevich, Lahue, or Williams scored 24 and missed a FG along with the infamous 4th and 1 decision. The offense easily could of put up 31 with No turnovers and a balanced attack. The problem is no speed on the defensive side CB. Plain and simple once in the secondary vs Duquesne.........TD.

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Time for a Change


Author:
NewDuqFan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Thursday, October 22, 08:59:53pm
I watched the same game and although the secondary was not good much of the time, there were other holes in the defense that allowed the ball to advance that far in the first place. Some questionable play calling by the coaches on offense didn't help either. They were SO SLOW getting the calls in too. Mistakes or lack of speed by the secondary is easy to see during a game since they are so exposed, but don't ignore the other parts of the problem just because they aren't as obvious.

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[> Subject: Re: Prediction for the Dukes' game against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State


Author:
Duke Fan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 18, 09:08:38pm
I am still hopeful that our team can pull off several more wins this season. We have been very close in many of them- and if our injuries get better, we should be able to win the next couple. I just wish that those of us that care bring much needed POSITIVE energy and cheer for those boys who are working so hard. It CAN improve.

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[> Subject: Re: Prediction for the Dukes' game against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 19, 12:50:49pm
Although I made my entry (Prediction) on the Football Forum on Saturday, October 17th around 11:15 AM (prior to the start of the game), I noticed that the posting time is listed as 9:38 PM on Sunday, October 18th. Unfortunately the erroneous posting time undercuts my prognosticative talents in picking the exact score of the game.

On a more serious topic, I am genuinely displeased with the results of that game and several others during the season and agree with many of you that coaching changes must be considered by Greg Amodio. I spoke with the father of one of the players (a senior OL) and he believes that Coach Schmitt lacked the leadership to manage this team. He also expressed displeasure in the over-reliance on former Duquesne players to serve as assistant coaches. This may limit the opportunity for a fresh coaching viewpoint from the ingrained "ol' Duquesne" way of doing things.

Jerry Schmitt was hired in March 2005. I was unable to uncover any mention of the term of his original contract nor do I recall any public announcement of an extension of that contract. My guess is that the term should be drawing towards its end. If this football program is to improve, the AD has to evaluate if the painful losses of the past 2 1/2 seasons will be eliminated or reduced when the current crop of scholarship freshman & sophomores will be stepping up to take starting roles. Or will the AD's conclusion be that even with scholarship talent Schmitt will continue to be unable to get the Dukes back on its winning ways.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Prediction for the Dukes' game against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State


Author:
Warshaw
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 23, 11:57:10am
The coaching here is inadequate. You are going into a game with a top ranked conference opponent and you decide to start an inexperenced QB insteand of using an experienced guy to replace Connor who was hurt. Sean did an admirable job for his first start but why not go with the experienced hand and give the offense a sense of consistency. This guy (Schmidt) has no rlationship with this team and very little interaction during the game to help encourage them on. It came to light on the fourth down call when he did not even have faith in his line which did pretty well duirng the game to go for the first down.

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Subject: ANSWER


Author:
Eye-in-the-sky
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 19, 09:58:51pm
Anyone who has been around Duquese for the past years can see, Schmitt must go. Terriable coach. period. How do you no go on 4th and an inch? no trust. bottom line to end this attitude to ths program, SCHMITT MUST GO!!

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[> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 18, 12:16:05am
The answer here goes well beyond the coach. We are simply trying to compete at a FCS level, but providing a low D-III committment.

~Nobody is going to get excited to go to a game that is played at a stadium a third the size of their high school field. Add more rows on both sides of the field and in the west endzone to make it a horseshoe. A big scoreboard on top of the pool building would complete an intimate and fun atmosphere. I felt sick when I saw the plans and it I were a kid looking to play somewhere exciting, it would not be here.

~Football in the 'Burgh means tailgating. The picnic area is nice, but is is 3x the cost of a ticket. Bluff street would be perfect. Pipe in the game broadcast and a real band. Robert Morris tailgate area is a good example.

~College football means a real marching band and halftime show. The administration will not even let the all VOLUNTEER, student run band play at the half. The band brings students too. Said it before- a guy throwing a frisbee to his dog is kind of a pathetic half time show.

~Recruit to fill holes. We have three great quarterbacks fighting for playing time and comfortability to be the team leader and a punter and place kicker that have cost us games by muffed kicks and poor field position. We also have a ton of running backs who are pretty decent, but an undersized line to open holes for them.

~Schedule up to a local bigger time school like Youngstown State.

~Do the little things like putting a second guy in the parking garage so that people aren't stacked up so long.

It really would not make too much more to do it right. This program is at a crossroads. We are not committing to following the example of teams like Albany.

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[> [> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 18, 12:19:51am
My friends, all of this is reasonable and pushed week after week. They did get a radio contract, built a tiny stadium, but not much more. They just don't listen and the administration will reap what little it sows. (Unfortunately for those of us who have a bit of a higher vision of what could and should be.

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[> [> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
unknown
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 18, 11:40:13am
Instead of blogging in the voy forum, maybe there should be a petition or something to go around to get some action and attention to the issues here. I am not sure but does the Dukes administration even read this forum. Maybe more complaining directly to them would help get some issues resolved.

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[> [> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
sad fan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 18, 12:18:10pm
Does the Administration really work for DUQUESNE? I'm confused...since so few of their decisions have actually benefited the university.?

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[> [> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
Confused
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 19, 09:05:29pm
Why do you need a bigger stadium when the crowd on Saturday was 500? Totally agree on the tailgate area though. Jeez, I remember back in 2005 when we played at La Salle, the Lehigh Valley people organized a tailgate and there were more than 500 Duquesne fans at that game which was a 5 hour drive from The Burgh. What the heck happened in 4 years?

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: ANSWER


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 19, 09:58:51pm
I fear that football may be on the way out. They built a nice soccer/lacrosse field for an A-10 school. And that looks like what the future will bring.

I fear they are doing just enough to pull the plug and say there was no support for the program.

Ask the AD any of Coffee's questions in the "Ask the AD" segment on the DU website. I predict none of those would be answered.

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Subject: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 16, 10:12:15pm
Albany is doing all of the things I would hope that the Dukes would do to bring their program to FCS excellence. Ironically, its the same recipe the Dukes used to go from a Club team to D-III to D-1-AA. They scheduled up, moved to a scholarship conference, they started building a collegiate atmosphere with an new field, press box and worked with a band. Then, all of a sudden the Dukes took back to a D-III feeling. No band, a short sighted expansion of the field, a tiny "pep" band that can't be heard, no "real" tailgate area (The Straub area is nice, but not a tailgate area).

Football recruits see this and it affects their decisions to come here. It all has to come together. I don't blame Albany for not wanting to stay in this conference and go to the CAA. Duquesne has the smallest field, no band, no tailgate area to lure a crowd, and no longer reaches as dramatically above their conference. And when they do shedule Delaware, they will not have as much of a chance to compete evenly due to this minor league attitude. NAIA and high school teams have a better band, stadium, tailgate, and press box. A guy trowing a frisbee to his dog is not a half time show.

After last year's game the Dane's fans thought that the Dukes would help the NEC's image, but If Albany leaves, it will be due, in part, to Duquesne short sighted imagination to build a REAL FCS team and atmosphere that goes with it.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 11:08:45am
Coffee...A Very Fine Post. Everything you mentioned is absolutely true. I would like to add that it is unfortunate that the AD doesn't see the incredible opportunity that they have at this time. Everything is in place to make DU a viable FCS program if they would only take a few more steps forward.
We are part of a great football market, WPIAL players are among the best in the country, we have the scholarships to offer. Why then are so many of these kids going to other schools? Dayton, Monmouth, Albany and the list goes on, have some of the best WPIAL athletes.
Its obvious to the fans who go to the DU games. We are part of a second-rate program in regard to atmosphere. The stadium absolutely needs expanded, the band needs to be present and we need to advertise the product.
We are so close with this group of players that NOW is the time to act. What are they afraid of????

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[> [> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 03:08:02pm
It is an excellent post. I can only assume that money is the issue.

Lets face it. Basketball only averaged about 3,000 a game. That is not enough revenue to spread around to the other sports. And I think we don't get anywhere near the funding that even RMC gets. They average way less than DU in BB, their main revenue sport.

There are many issues where we have been preached patience. The lack of a quality broadcasts and internet coverage, the woeful band, the lack of support at the BB A-10 tournament from the school and the "renovation" of Rooney Field.

I honestly don't know what the answer is. Perhaps the answer is finally dropping sports. Women's volleyball has produced nothing. Men's wrestling barely gets coverage on the DU website. I have nothing against the fine men and women who play these sports but can we afford them?

After the RMU game, I e-mailed the Dean of Music school over the woeful band. No response at all. No matter what the lip service from the school administration, there is still a severe lack of administration support for the Athletic Department. The band has always been a sore spot. Just watching that director who conducts them like a string quartet gets my blood boiling.

I really don't think that GA gets the support from the Dr. D. and the school as we are lead to believe. We certainly do not get it monetarily. How else would you explain the same complaints year after year?

If we cant even get support for a band, you can imagine the shoestring budgets the football programs and other sports are working with.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
duke fan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 04:16:00pm
Well Duke fans, I know this was a tough one. Like the anouncers said it was like running into a chain saw. Injuries, mistakes and poor play calling all contributed.
But have heart, we ARE still a young and building team. Some of our new guys did really well and we DO have lots of potential. Next year will be a much better year. Not that I'm giving up on this year. I think we still have a great chance at winning a few more this year...for sure....But I'm putting my money on next year for our Dukes.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 04:33:29pm
Interestingly there has been a lengthy discussion on the A-10 Basketball Forum about the possibility of the A-10 re-establishing its football conference (at least in the mind of the posters). Click here. Some have even suggested that it might be a FBS Conference. I find this talk to be quite speculative and not realistic in light of the overall cost by both the individual colleges and the A-10 in upgrading to a FBS conference.

Should the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) lose a football team member leaving an opening for Albany to join, I don't believe that such a defection from the NEC could occur any earlier than the 2011-2012 season. At worst that will leave the NEC intact for the short term. I note during this season that the NEC, even with Albany as its premier member, is ranked at the bottom of all football conferences by Real Time RPI (26th out of 27). The NEC just hasn't done well against its non-conference opponents. Beating non-conference opponents is far more important to improving the NEC's stature than expanding the seating capacity of Rooney Field and re-establishing the marching band. While I agree that Duquesne will need to address these issues, I believe that they would contribute only minimally to Albany's possible defection to a better conference.

Albany has a very good football program, far more financial resources, and much better facilities than most of the other NEC members so it's only logical that it might leave for what they believe are the "greener pastures" of the CAA. On the other hand, Albany's consideration of defection to the CAA might be more wishful thinking of loyal Great Dane fans and alumni than the official position of the university.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 04:57:44pm
I would agree that Duquesne's commitment or lack there of to football will have little to do with Albany's hope to move to the CAA.

I am more concerned with Duquesne's commitment to its own programs. I still don't believe we get the support from the President and the administation that other A-10 schools do for the majority of our sports. Or comparable with the NEC football schools.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?- A-10 League


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 06:07:40pm
The big problem is that the A-10 has potentially 3 different levels of football programs.

Low 1-A (BCS) Temple

High I-AA (FCS) UMass, RI, Richmond

Lower 1-AA (FCS) Dayton, Duquesne, Fordham,

Charlotte could go anywhere. New Hampshire, Villanova, Albany, Delaware, Maine, etc. are potentials.

Maybe I'm down because of the carnage at Albany, but I'm not sure if Duquesne has the comittment to play up to the level of the others, but I think Dayton and Fordham could.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
A'64
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 16, 03:06:28pm
Some things never change. In the mid-1960's a Pittsburgh Press columnist wrote that Duquesne wanted to have a "champagne basketball program on a beer budget." In retrospect, the University got what it paid for.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany to the CAA?


Author:
unknown
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 16, 10:12:15pm
This statement has to do with this weeks game against Central Connecticut. The team left on Thursday night at 10:00p.m. Smart move on their part and they have an extra day to recupe from the drive. Unlike the 11.5 hour bus drive our kids had to suffer through last week.

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Subject: Albany Thoughts....Coaching


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 05:28:16pm
Its hard to take any positives from this game but I'm going to try. Albany is certainly the class of the NEC and should win the conference crown going away but our young Dukes, consistantly were able to move the ball, primarily through the air until we shot ourselves in the foot over and over again.
In defense of Connor Dixon, 21-30 isn't bad and as the Albany broadcasters said, he threw alot of nice balls that were simply dropped and the pic was a Hail Mary into a 35 mph wind. That said however, two fumbles are two too many.
Our injured and depleted reciever corp showed flashes of brilliance but dropped way to many tosses.
Our running game proved to be pathetic but give Albany credit. They did their homework. After watching the RMU tapes, they decided to bring their strong safety up, put eight in the box and take away our running attack.
It is here where our coaches, in my opinion, dropped the ball. They refused to adjust.
Over and over again, (I went back and looked at the play by play summary to be sure), we tried to run on first down. I think it was something like 15 of 18 possessions. This put us in an obvious passing situation, usually 2nd and 8 or 9. I'm not claiming to be Vince Lombardi but a blind man could see that if we throw on first down, maybe it keeps the DBs honest and opens up the running game a bit.
And what was the idea of kicking a field goal down 48-7. Talk about sending a message to your team???? Poor coaching all the way around.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany Thoughts....Coaching


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 11, 02:11:57pm
Tom,
You and I are thinking the same thing. See the link to my Duquesne blog at http://duquesnesports.blogspot.com/ .

I did see many of the same positives. I didn't mention the coaching specifically, but they are responsible for creating the focus and eliminating the mistakes.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Albany Thoughts....Coaching


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 11, 02:47:52pm
I thought your post was very accurate Coffee. I'm not trying to start a coaching controversy or anything, on the contrary, I think that the staff has done a fair job this year. However, we don't ever seem to adjust the way winning teams need to. They draw up a game plan and by God they are going to stick to it.
Yesterday, offensively, we needed to spread the field with first down passes and take what the defense was giving us. Instead we ran at their strength and put ourselves in 3rd and long all day long.
Defensively, when Albany began running all over us, we stayed in the cover 2 instead of implementing some sort of run blitz scheme to force them to throw when they didn't want to. Plenty of mistakes to go around but I for one think the coaches need to shoulder some of the blame for this one.

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[> Subject: Re: Albany Thoughts....Coaching


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 05:28:16pm
This season has gone just about as expected for a new scholarship program. I expected 5 wins and I think we have a good shot. I like the usage of our younger players and I think we are two to three years away from legitimately competing in the NEC against the top tier teams consistently. The loss to dayton was very dissapointing and I agree with all of the pageanntry that is missing. If you want to see some unruly dissapointed fans go to the RMU website..............its getting ugly. Thought I was reading a old NYJ column........Joe must go!!! Go Dukes!

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Subject: Prediction for today's game against the Albany Great Danes


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 08:24:12pm
The Dukes' game at 1 PM against Albany will be their toughest on the schedule. Here's some things to consider:

- It's Albany's Homecoming.

- Albany's University Field seats 10,000. However, the photo of the field doesn't look like it seats 1,500. Click here. Average attendance for 2 home games has been 4,005.

- Weather at kick off is 56 degrees; high expected to be in low 60s this P M; cloudy and northwest winds @ 15-20 mph.

- Albany has 10 game NEC winning streak.

- Albany's defense hasn't given up a TD in last 10 quarters over its 3 game winning streak.

- Monmouth, Albany and Central Conn. State all are listed in "others getting votes" in Sport's Network's FCS College Football poll

- Using Sagarin's predictor scores and the home field advantage favors Albany by 15 points. Real Time RPI ranks the Dukes 195 and Albany 154.

The Dukes have several key players injured which will hurt them, particularly not having Dave Williams at receiver. I'm afraid the Great Danes' running game will be too much to stop. I regrettably see Albany winning 35-10. Hopefully the Dukes prove me wrong and pull a big upset!

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[> Subject: Re: Prediction for today's game against the Albany Great Danes


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 01:59:16pm
Good prediction- So far the game is going about that way. The Dukes had the ball near the Redzone and couldn't move it, but their next drive looked good from the their own 1, but just got ran back on a fumble.

MISTAKES, MISTAKES, MISTAKES!!!!

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[> [> Subject: Re: Prediction for today's game against the Albany Great Danes


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 02:37:10pm
Dukes recover on-side kick with 11 secs. left after scoring a late TD. This leads to interception and a last second score by Albany. The Dukes are down, 41-7. This is embarrassing! I can recall the Dukes being down to Bucknell by a huge margin last season and coming back and loosing by a few pts. I frankly don't see a come back happening today. Too many mistakes, particularly fumbles and woeful coverage on that last second pass. Maybe we need a QB change. Something...

Hopefully we improve the quality of play in the 2nd half to gain some confidence for next week's game.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Prediction for today's game against the Albany Great Danes


Author:
dukefan
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 08:24:12pm
The Dukes number 2 leading tackler Rhodes did not play the second half and left the game on crutches. This might hurt the Dukes. Totino looked fine, no lingering effects from last weeks shoulder injury.

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Subject: Albany touchdown at the end of the 1st Half


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 02:50:52pm
At first, I was angry at Albany forbeing up so far and throwing into the endzone, but that is the type of attitude that Duquesne is lacking. The Danes took advantage of every opportunity and mistake and keep coming. Now I'm more upset at the Dukes for allowing the obvious throw into the endzone.

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Subject: Can't get Radio Broadcast


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 02:22:55pm
I can't get the game on WMNY or Redzone. I had to go to the Albany Broadcast at http://www.ualbanysports.com/

Anybody else getting it?

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[> Subject: Re: Can't get Radio Broadcast


Author:
Duke of Earl
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 01:36:47pm
Couldn't get it either- thanks for the link.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Can't get Radio Broadcast


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 01:56:35pm
I'm listening on the Albany broadcast too- Somebody tell the announcer that its "Conner" Dixon, not "Cameron" Dixon. Sounds like the broadcast is on TV- I wonder if Fox Sports Albany believes that they could cover a local team?

Some day, the Dukes may have a live broadcast if they ever schedule Pitt.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Can't get Radio Broadcast


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 02:19:34pm
The game is on WMNY. I have listened since beginning.

Horrible first half. Wow.

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[> [> [> [> Subject: Re: Can't get Radio Broadcast


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 02:22:55pm
Scratch that. I have listened since about 1:15.

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Subject: A Couple of Injury Updates


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 09:02:53am
I learned today that David Williams will be out two weeks with a separated shoulder. Michael Rasky also did some damage to his upper arm and shoulder but will play. Nathan Totino is good to go on saturday and Tyler Scruggs, who broke his toe is day to day but is probable.

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[> Subject: Re: A Couple of Injury Updates


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 09, 08:49:34am
That will hurt against Albany. FYI - I have a work associate that is an Albany alumnus and a Great Dane fan. He said they will be trying to get into CAA in the next couple of years. When I brought up the point that they already have 12 members, he said two might be leaving for BCS competition. Not necessarily a BCS conference. Maybe to the MAC? He said that Albany has told the CAA they are interested if an opening arises.

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[> [> Subject: Re: A Couple of Injury Updates


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Friday, October 09, 06:05:16pm
They certainly are ready to move up. A good program that is going about it the right way with a local market that appreciates it.

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[> [> Subject: Re: A Couple of Injury Updates


Author:
Marquis
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 10, 09:02:53am
I'd like to keep Albany in the NEC above any other team. They lead the way in scheduling (Cincinati) and attitude. Without Albany, the NEC could be just a new MAAC.
I'd like to keep them for at least another 3 years to see what scholarship football, fully applied, can do for the conference.

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Subject: Big Win...on many levels


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Wednesday, October 07, 02:20:43pm
The RMU game was a huge win for DU for alot of reasons. Obviously, it puts us back in the NEC title hunt and gives the boys confidence as they travel to always tough Albany. It also gives us bragging rights as we try to secure the many recruits that were on hand from the area.
But maybe it finally will convince the AD's office to expand the seating at Rooney permanantly as the overflowing crowd yesterday proved.
As far as the game goes, there was plenty to be happy about. Once again our offense outgained the opponent 408-312. Connor Dixon looked very sharp despite the strong winds that can cause balls to sail and found seven different recievers in the process. Larry McCoy had another solid 100 yd performance as the ground game went for over 200 yds.
Defensively we were very tough on Sinclair who is going to be a very good QB, sacking him 5 times and holding Russ to 87 yds. Totino was an animal with 13 tackles and Scruggs punished Sinclair on numerous plays.
But there were some concerns as I watched this game that I think need to be addressed, namely coaching. First, our boys were hit with many unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, some that kept RMU drives alive and gave them hope, especially in the 4th quarter. I know that this was an emotionally charged game but our coaches need to impress on the boys to keep their cool.
Second, can we learn to work the clock? Up be two scores with 4:00 to go, we're snapping the ball with 25 seconds on the play clock over and over again.
Third, fumbles...5 times we muffed plays and put the ball on the ground. We can't afford to do that against Albany.
In the end however, this was a huge win, one that we HAD to have and I think the Dukes have a chance to make some noise in the NEC.

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[> Subject: Re: Big Win...on many levels


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, October 04, 11:53:13am
Totino appeared injured at the end of the game. On the RMC last significant (around 2:30 mins left) series , he appeared to be favoring his left side. Having said that, he did make 4th down tackle that ended the drive.

Any word?

I am not trying to start any rumors, I was just wondering.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Big Win...on many levels


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 05, 02:25:24am
Totino says that it was his shoulder that was hurt. Click here for article in Pgh. Tribune Review. While at the game, I listened to the Robert Morris broadcast of the game on occasion. (Interestingly the broadcast on WPIT 730AM was not on any delay unlike the Dukes' broadcast on WMNY 1360AM which was on at least a 5-second delay. It's clearly more helpful when watching the game in person to hear the broadcast as the action unfolds rather than getting the information several seconds after the play has been completed.) Both announcers on WPIT discussed Totino's injured arm. They wondered why he wasn't taken out of the game but complimented his play in spite of his injury.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Big Win...on many levels


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 05, 08:58:11am
Thanks, I missed the Trib article. It was fairly apparent on the last drive that he was hurt. I hope he is okay.

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[> Subject: Re: Big Win...on many levels


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Wednesday, October 07, 02:20:43pm
TS- I think the biggest improvement is that our quarterbacks only took one sack and actually had positive yardage rushing. too many times in previous games we had 2nd or 3rd and long yardage due to sacks.

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Subject: McCoy Named NEC Rookie of the Week for Second Time


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Monday, October 05, 08:40:47pm
Congrats to Larry McCoy- See NEC article at-
http://www.northeastconference.org/News/fball/2009/10/4/FB-Releasewk5-09.asp?path=fball

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Subject: Dukes vs Robert Morris for Homecoming on October 3 @ 1 PM


Author:
Always a Duke
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 03, 06:31:39pm
First of all, if you live in the Pittsburgh area and claim to be a Dukes' fan, there's no excuse for not coming to Rooney Field on Saturday and see the Dukes beat Bobby Mo. Frankly, I think Robert Morris is the weakest opponent on the Dukes' schedule so far. That being said doesn't guarantee a victory. This should be a close game, but I expect the home field advantage and hopefully solid play by the Dukes' defense will allow the Dukes to defeat our cross town rivals. I'm not sure who will get the nod at QB, but Rombach moved the team during the 4th quarter at Dayton so he may be viewed as having the hot hand. In spite of Bobby Mo's 0-4 record, they will still will put up a good fight. However, I'm looking for the Dukes to win 21-10. GO DUKES!

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[> Subject: Re: Dukes vs Robert Morris for Homecoming on October 3 @ 1 PM


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 03, 02:15:10pm
Dukes up 21-0 just before the half!! Their heads seem to be in this one so far.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Dukes vs Robert Morris for Homecoming on October 3 @ 1 PM


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 03, 02:16:22pm
Make that 20-0. A penalty forced a re-kick and miss wide right.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Dukes vs Robert Morris for Homecoming on October 3 @ 1 PM


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 03, 04:03:16pm
Nice win for the Dukes, McCoy another 100 yard game. Dixon looked good and in the first half Patterson came in and provided a spark. RM didnt quit and in a rivalry game they showed some heart. The final TD showed some character on the Dukes part. Off to Albany!!!!

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Dukes vs Robert Morris for Homecoming on October 3 @ 1 PM


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, October 03, 06:31:39pm
Good win. We lost focus for a while in the fourth quarter and let them back in the game.

The crosstown giants are 0-5. Snicker.

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Subject: Back from Dayton


Author:
Shaler Tom
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, September 27, 11:44:56pm
I wonder if three straight tough road games finally caught up with the Dukes today. It seemed to me as I watched from behind the bench that the boys just weren't in it mentally or physically.
After a 67 yard run by Larry McCoy on the opening play, which to be honest was created by a missed tackle on a simple dive play, the Dukes shot themselves in the foot, over and over again.
A blown coverage led to UD's first TD, a 58 yd pass that tied the score. This was on a second and 18 play!
Duquesne, on its best drive of the game, went 66 yards but had to settle for a field goal and led 10-7. The Dukes had a chance to stretch the lead near the half, but with a 4th and 1 at the 15 were called for a false start and then missed a 32 yard field goal.
In the third quarter, another blown coverage and TWO missed tackles resulted in a 62 yard TD putting Dayton up 14-10.
After a 29 yard punt, the Flyers started in good position and drove for a field goal. 17-10
A one yard run, a dropped pass, a QB sack and a 28 yard punt put Dayton in good position again. Steve Valentino, the aforementiond WR turned QB, began to chew up our defense on the ground with ease. The boys were tired and over pursued. A face mask penalty contributed to the Flyer drive, 24-10.
Friends, this was a TEAM loss. The offensive line play was poor, take away McCoys TD run and the backs ran for 68 yrds on 30 plays. Dixon looked shakey. He was hurried and hit on almost every pass play. He did throw some nice balls but just as many poor ones. Our recievers had some drops that would have kept drives alive, our special teams were terrible and the play calling.....very, very predictable. Our linebackers were outstanding as usual, Totino and Scruggs were the lone bright spots in my opinion. Our D-line was suckered into an over-pursuit all day long and our DBs were torched.
As most of you know, I try to be optimistic, but this one was tough to watch. I'm hoping that it was simply a case of too much travel in too few days.

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[> Subject: Re: Back from Dayton


Author:
chris cage
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, September 26, 10:44:52pm
Correction! Urbana is NCAA D-2 partial scholarship now, NOT NAIA.

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[> [> Subject: Re: Back from Dayton


Author:
Shoey
[Edit]
Date Posted: Saturday, September 26, 11:47:05pm
Re: Urbana sorry.........OK we lost to a D2 partial scholly school. Very dissapointing, I would pay to see that type of offense that Valentino ran. He was exciting and made alot of plays........although it wasnt fun to lose......he was fun to watch.

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[> Subject: Re: Back from Dayton


Author:
Coffee
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, September 27, 12:31:14am
Tom,
Nice summary/commentary- I missed listening to the game due to family committments- I re-posted your post on the blog. I hope you don't mind. I take cuts from this board every now and then.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[> Subject: Re: Back from Dayton


Author:
A83
[Edit]
Date Posted: Sunday, September 27, 11:44:56pm
Cant argue with anything you said.

I just hope we can turn it around.

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