Rank Duquesne, You Cowards.
It’s time to put some respect on Duquesne’s name. For the fourth consecutive week, Duquesne football has lingered in the “receiving votes” category of the FCS Top-25 polls, inching closer to cracking the rankings with their best point totals of the season. In the Stats Perform media poll, they secured 25 points, and the AFCA Coaches Poll saw them gain 24—both the highest yet this year. But let’s cut to the chase: Duquesne deserves to be ranked.
Sitting at 3-2 overall and undefeated in FCS play, Duquesne’s season résumé speaks volumes. Two of their losses came at the hands of Boston College and Toledo—both solid FBS programs. There's no shame in falling to higher-level competition, especially when the Dukes have excelled against FCS opponents. Their Week 3 win over then-ranked Youngstown State (No. 21/20) was a statement victory, and they followed it up by dismantling West Virginia Wesleyan before handling LIU 47-21. While LIU's record may look bleak at 0-6, the Sharks have been competitive, narrowly falling to Albany and holding their own against top-ranked Villanova. Duquesne’s decisive win over them cannot be dismissed.
At the heart of this success is quarterback Darrius Perrantes, who is hitting his stride at the perfect time. In last week’s conference win over LIU, Perrantes threw for 212 yards and five touchdowns, delivering his most dominant performance of the season. He was so effective that the only touchdown he didn’t account for came from a fumble recovery in the end zone. If not for getting pulled early, his stats could have been even gaudier. Perrantes has found a rhythm, and when he's locked in, Duquesne’s offense becomes a force.
The case for Duquesne to be ranked isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the quality of their play and their trajectory. With an undefeated FCS record and a signature win over a ranked opponent, the Dukes have done enough to break into the Top-25. The upcoming game against Saint Francis will be another opportunity to prove their worth, but the message to poll voters is clear: rank Duquesne. They’ve earned it.
