Game #4 Zips vs. Duquesne - 6:00 pm September 20th: Catdaddyp July Preview → Official Game Thread

[catdaddyp]

2024 Rewind:

Duquesne went 8-3 last season, co-winning the NEC (FCS) championship. Their only losses came against Toledo, Boston College, and their season finale to Central Connecticut State. They’re led by Jerry Schmitt, who’s been at the helm since 2005.

 

Recruiting under Schmitt:

N/A for FCS schools.

 

 

Dukes on Offense:

The Dukes will break in a new quarterback following the graduation of Darius Perrantes, with several different players currently in the mix for the starting job.

 

In the backfield, Taj Butts and Shawn Solomon are expected to split carries after the spring departure of All-NEC running back JaMario Clements to Wake Forest. The duo combined for 531 yards and two touchdowns last season.

 

Joey Isabella returns as the clear top target in the passing game after an All-NEC campaign that saw him haul in 41 receptions for 741 yards and 11 scores. Beyond Isabella, though, there’s not much proven production at wide receiver. Tight end Daniel Tarabrella is penciled in as the starter, but he’s primarily used as an extra blocker.

 

Up front, the offensive line should be a strength. All five starters are back, including All-NEC selections Brian Beidatsch, Michael Fallah, and Cameron McLaurin.

 

 

Dukes on Defense:

Almost all of Duquesne’s defensive line production returns, highlighted by All-NEC performers A.J. Ackerman at defensive tackle and Jack Dunkley at defensive end. The pair combined for 45 total tackles and 10 sacks in 2024 and should anchor a strong front.

 

Linebacker is where the biggest changes come. Former Kent State transfer Luke Miller saw part-time action last season and is expected to step into a full-time role. The other spot is still up for grabs between Murray State transfer Tyson Meiguez and Maine transfer Jabari Odoemenem.

 

The secondary should again be a strength. All-NEC defensive backs Antonio Epps and DJ Cerisier return, with Epps holding down one safety spot and Cerisier locking up one of the corners. TJ Jones is back at the other safety spot, while part-time starter Jaelen Carson is expected to fill in at the corner opposite Cerisier. 2024 backup Malachi Lowery should slide into the nickel role.

 

The Dukes will roll out a new starting kicker and punter this season.

 

 

Position Advantage:

Akron holds a talent and experience advantage across the board—except at the lines of scrimmage, defensive back, and special teams. That said, by the time Week 4 rolls around, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Zips prove to be better in all of those areas as well.

 

QB - Akron

RB - Akron

WR - Akron

TE - Akron

OL - Duquesne

DL - Duquesne

LB - Akron

DB - Even

ST - Even 

 

 

Way too Early Prediction:

It’ll be a nice reprieve to see a matchup against an FCS school at this point in the season instead of a power conference opponent. That said, Duquesne has consistently won games at the FCS level and could present more of a challenge than expected.

 

Offensively, the Dukes likely won’t be as potent as they were in 2024. Replacing a highly productive starting quarterback, an All-NEC running back, and multiple receivers is no small task. The silver lining for them is the return of their entire offensive line—arguably one of the better units in the FCS—which should provide some stability while the skill positions get sorted out.

 

Defensively, while Duquesne may not match Akron's overall talent level, they bring back a ton of experience. That continuity makes them a tougher out than most expect from an FCS squad.

 

Going through Duquesne’s roster was actually refreshing—a reminder that not every program has been gutted by the portal. They’ve stuck with a more traditional model, building through prep prospects and only sprinkling in a few transfers. Still, I don’t think the Dukes have enough in the tank to knock off Akron unless the Zips completely lay an egg. I expect a competitive first half before Akron’s depth and talent start to take over. Give me the Zips, 31–20.

 

 

[Captain Kangaroo]

My son gets married on the 21st so I will miss this one. 
 

On my wedding day 32 years ago the Zips were down 35-0 at the half to BG. I listened to the game on my Sony Walkman in the vestibule as the church filled up. 
 

Hoping for a better result in 2025. 
 

Here’s my niece, then a freshman at Akron, bottle-feeding him at the Acme-Zip game in 2001. Time flies…

[zipsfan33]

14 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

My son gets married on the 21st so I will miss this one. 
 

On my wedding day 32 years ago the Zips were down 35-0 at the half to BG. I listened to the game on my Sony Walkman in the vestibule as the church filled up. 
 

Hoping for a better result in 2025. 
 

Here’s my niece, then a freshman at Akron, bottle-feeding him at the Acme-Zip game in 2001. Time flies…

Take me back!!  I miss the Rubber Bowl and the feel of the games....especially the Acme Zip games!~ 

[ZippyDoo]

this game means nothing unless the Zips lose. Even if they win 45-0 it won't show us anything at all. 

 

They are playing a JV team and I fear instead of developing players or seeing what options exist it will be used for nothing more than stat padding for the starters.  it shows me that program development means nothing if it is all the same players in the same positions.  i don't want to hear on sunday how some starter that hasn't done anything in three games suddenly figured it out.

 

im not saying bench all the starters but i do think if they really wanted to develop the program this would be the perfect game for players to get experience and see what they can handle.