NEC Blitz Game of the Week: LIU at Duquesne (Oct 5, 2024)
This week’s NEC Blitz Football Game of the Week features a competitive conference matchup between LIU and Duquesne. Despite LIU’s 0-5 record, they’ve proven to be one of the most underappreciated teams in the FCS, consistently keeping games close against high-level competition. At the very least, LIU has downright proven at this point that they’re the best 0-5 team in FCS. It’s not a title you want to earn- it certainly wasn’t on the team’s list of goals at the outset of this season- but at this point, it does seem to be undeniable.
Last week, they faced Villanova, the 6th-ranked team in the FCS, and though the final score was 24-10, the Sharks once again demonstrated their toughness by staying within striking distance throughout most of the contest. The only odd thing about losing this game to Villanova was that it was by two scores. Against ranked competition earlier in the season, and indeed in every other contest excepting on the road at Big 12 powerhouse TCU, LIU has been remarkably consistent. That is, they’ve always been in the game until the end, and they’ve always lost by one score or less.
Offensively, LIU went into Villanova hoping to rely on running backs Ludovick Choquette and Pat Bowen, both of whom impressed against Villanova. Choquette racked up 62 yards on just 9 carries, while Bowen broke off a 25-yard touchdown run. Villanova’s defense was just too much on the day, however. Quarterback Luca Stanzani finished with 80 yards through the air, well below his usual performances this season. For the most part, he’s been one of a crop of very solid NEC quarterbacks, with 7 touchdowns to 2 interceptions to his name on the season. LIU will expect, and should get, more production in the passing game against Duquesne.
Defensively, LIU continues to fight. The stout Sharks defense has become their identity this season. LIU managed to hold Villanova’s passing game in check, limiting them to just 128 yards, but the 264 yards they allowed on the ground will need tightening up against a physical Duquesne team. Despite this, the Sharks haven’t given up 30 points to an FCS team all season. It’s one of the factors that has kept them in every game this year.
Duquesne comes into this game with a 2-2 record and momentum on their side that probably didn’t cool down during the bye week. They’ve already notched an impressive win over a ranked Youngstown State team, and their two losses have come against tough FBS competition in Toledo and Boston College. Following their tough opening against the two strong programs, they’ve been able to play much better, even with Jordan Heisey stepping in for Darius Perrantes against West Virginia Wesleyan. We don’t speculate on injuries here, but after a bye week and based on what Coach Schmitt said in post-game after their win against WV Wesleyan, it is probably reasonable to expect Perrantes to be back in action. Perrantes has thrown for 362 yards and 3 touchdowns in three games, and his return will boost an already balanced offense.
The Dukes’ running game is powered by JaMario Clements, who is averaging a stellar 7.9 yards per carry, racking up 346 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. Alongside him, Shawn Solomon Jr. has also been effective, adding 126 yards and two scores of his own. On the receiving end, John Erby and Tedy Afful have been reliable targets, combining for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Duquesne is led by Luke Miller, who has 27 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. Jack Dunkley has been a force up front, leading the team with 3.0 sacks. With a solid pass rush and physical front seven, Duquesne will look to pressure Stanzani and contain LIU’s running attack.
What we know most of all about LIU’s non-conference slate is that it was difficult, with a power conference opponent, two ranked FCS teams, and two strong programs in Rhode Island and Lehigh. Despite this, the Sharks were able to hang around with all of the FCS competition they faced. Duquesne is receiving votes, but there’s every possibility that the Sharks will be able to prove just how resilient they are and hang around with Duquesne. And with how stout LIU’s defense has been, they just have to get the game to the 4th quarter. If it gets there, probability alone tells us that at some point, the Sharks have to break through. They’ve been one bounce away all season long, and that can’t go on forever.
This game has all the makings of a tight battle. LIU, despite their record, has been competitive in every game and will no doubt be hungry to break into the win column. Duquesne, coming off a bye, will be fresh and looking to maintain momentum as they chase a spot in the FCS Top 25. Keep an eye on the battle in the trenches—LIU’s ability to slow down Clements and Solomon will be key to their chances as both teams hope to open conference play 1-0. If you’re reading this, you already know that LIU is better than their record. Expect this one to be a little closer, and possibly with a different ending, than casual fans might expect.
