Rowan DuBois | staff writer

Duquesne football has continued its tough start to the season, being dismantled by Akron 51-7 on Saturday as Zips running back Jordan Gant ran for three touchdowns in the first half.

The game was Duquesne’s 13th ever matchup against an FBS school, and its second of the season after a 61-9 loss to Pitt. The loss slides the Dukes to 1-3 on the season and 1-12 all-time against FBS schools. The win was Akron’s first of the year, moving them to 1-3.

The Dukes offense struggled all day, especially in the first half, as they only managed 48 total yards. Duquesne was unable to gain a first down on any of their first four offensive drives, as well as committing an early turnover with a Tyler Riddell interception.

“We just didn’t get our legs rolling offensively at all,” Duquesne head coach Jerry Schmitt said. “I think that hurt our defense.”

Akron enjoyed a 28-point second quarter, making the score at halftime 38-0. Gant would finish the day as the game’s leading rusher with 13 carries for 165 yards, averaging 12.4 yards per rush.

The Zips rushed for 269 yards as a team, the most Duquesne has given up all year. Stopping the run has been an issue this season for the Dukes, as they have now given up over 150 yards on the ground in three of their last four games.

“Our main priority was stopping their pass, limiting their big explosive plays,” Duquesne defensive back Antonio Epps said. “And that might’ve taken away a little bit from the running game.”

It was a night and day difference for the game’s two quarterbacks. Riddell only managed 52 passing yards on 21 attempts. Riddell also threw two interceptions, one of which was bobbled and returned for a pick-six by Zips defensive back Malcom Dewalt IV. Meanwhile, Zips quarterback Ben Finley threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

“I saw this quarterback on film, and I said, ‘Boy it’s going to be tough,’” Schmitt said. “The kid can sling it down the field.”

The game started in Duquesne’s favor, as linebacker Jabari Odoemenem stepped in front of a Finley pass for an early Zips turnover. Duquesne’s offense was unable to cash in the interception, once again putting the pressure on the defense.

“We’ve got to execute a little better early,” Schmitt said. “Be ready to go and make some good decisions.”

Akron collected 514 yards of total offense, the most the Dukes have conceded all year, and more than 300 of those came in the first half. Duquesne was outgained 514-230 in total, with a 144-7 yard ratio in the first quarter.

The lopsided scoreline and statsheet doesn’t mean the Dukes can’t find positives to build on, though. Duquesne racked up a season-best 178 rushing yards. Running back Ness Davis collected 74 of those yards in one play when he broke through the middle of a huge hole, making it all the way to the 1 yard-line before being pulled down by two Akron defenders.

Two plays later, the Dukes got their only score of the game when backup quarterback Logan Kushner got to the outside and made a diving stretch toward the pylon for a touchdown.

“That’s good to see us churn that out,” said Schmitt about the Dukes’ lone touchdown, “and see [Kushner] get into the endzone.

A 1-3 record to start the season can be frustrating, but the Dukes have gone up against some of the toughest opposition they’ve seen. Starting a season with two FBS matchups is a tall task for any FCS team, as FCS teams only have 500 wins against FBS opponents in over 4,000 games played.

Duquesne was also tested when No. 10 Lehigh came to Pittsburgh, falling to the Mountain Hawks, 35-21.

The slow start hasn’t deterred players, though.

“Playing against that level for the first four weeks is going to get us ready for conference play,” Epps said.

“We’re all excited for it.”

Duquesne used a chunk of the second half prioritizing play time, ensuring that younger players on the team got valuable reps. Running backs Davis and Shawn Solomon Jr. both had 11 carries.

“We didn’t play as well as we could,” Schmitt said, “but we saw some positive signs in the second half with some young guys getting some time.”

The matchup was one of the Dukes’ final tests before heading into conference play, as they have one more nonconference matchup against New Haven on Saturday at noon on Rooney Field.

Rowan DuBois can be reached at duboisr1@duq.edu