Aug. 12, 2002

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University, winner of five of the last seven Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League titles, will begin the 2002 season ranked No. 2 nationally according to the Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major Top 10 Poll released today.

The Dukes, who finished last season ranked fourth, received 182 points - 31 fewer than top-ranked Dayton. Sacred Heart, which finished last season ranked No. 1, is third in the poll followed by Robert Morris and Saint Peter's. The Dukes play both at Dayton (Sept. 28) and at Saint Peter's (Oct. 12) this season.

Last week, the Dukes were picked to extend their current string of league championships to four in a preseason poll of MAAC coaches. DU, who returns 34 lettermen and 18 starters from last year's 8-3 (6-0 in the MAAC) squad, opens practice on Wednesday, August 14 and hosts Bucknell in the season opener on Sept. 7.

The Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major Poll includes the 26 programs of the MAAC, NEC and Pioneer Leagues, which play at a non-scholarship or limited scholarship level. An updated poll, which is based on the votes of selected media members and I-AA mid-major Sports Information Directors, will be announced each Monday during the regular season. The team voted first in the final I-AA mid-major poll will be the recipient of the Sports Network Cup, to be awarded on December 19, 2002 at the 16th annual I-AA College Football Awards in Chattanooga, Tenn.

            2001        2001NO.  TEAM        RECORD  PTS RANK
1.  Dayton (10) 10-1    213 22.  DUQUESNE (3) 8-3 182 43.  Sacred Heart (10)   11-0    177 14.  Robert Morris   6-3 154 55.  Saint Peter's   10-1    119 36.  Albany      7-3 99  87.  San Diego       6-3 87  68.  Monmouth        7-3 66  79.  Jacksonville    6-5 60  910. Drake       5-5 36  NR

FIRST PLACE VOTES (in parentheses)

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES (in order of points, min. 5 required):
Morehead State, Fairfield, Davidson