June 1, 2005

A non-conference schedule that features back-to-back road games versus a pair of Ivy League schools and two games each versus members of the Patriot League and Northeast Conference highlight the 10-game 2005 Duquesne University football schedule released today.

First-year head coach Jerry Schmitt's Dukes, who return 16 starters from last year's 7-3 squad, open the season at home versus cross-town rival Robert Morris of the Northeast Conference on Saturday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.

The Patriot League's Fordham Rams will make their first appearance in Pittsburgh since 1969 when they come to Rooney Field to face the Dukes on Sept. 10. The Rams, which defeated Duquesne 41-34 at home last season, return 36 lettermen from last year's 5-6 team. Of Fordham's six losses last year, two were by one point and a third came in overtime.

Following the Fordham game, the Dukes will hit the road for three in a row starting at Penn on Sept. 17. The Quakers, which finished second in the Ivy League with an 8-2 record (6-1 in league play), finished last season ranked No. 21 in I-AA by both the Sports Network and ESPN/USA Today.

Duquesne will face its second-straight Ivy League opponent on Sept. 24 at Columbia. It will be the first meeting between the Dukes and Lions. Following an off week, DU will complete its road swing at Georgetown on Oct. 8.

Duquesne, which has won eight of the last 10 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League championships - including the last six in a row, opens conference play at home versus Saint Peter's on October 15. The Dukes enter the 2005 season with a 33-game league win streak, the longest streak in the nation and third-longest all time at any level.

The remaining conference games will be at Marist (Oct. 22), at Iona (Oct. 29) and at home vs. La Salle on Nov. 5.

Duquesne will conclude the season on the road on Nov. 19 against an old foe in Saint Francis. The Red Flash, whom Duquesne has faced more than any other opponent, are back on the schedule for the first time since 1998. It will be the first time Saint Francis head coach Dave Opfar - who worked as an assistant with Schmitt at Duquesne from 1993-96 - will face the Dukes.

2005 DUQUESNE FOOTBALLgame times are tentative
Date      Opponent            TimeSept.   3   ROBERT MORRIS           7:00 p.m.Sept.   10  FORDHAM             1:00 p.m.Sept.   17  at Pennsylvania     TBASept.   24  at Columbia         12:00 p.m.Oct.    8   at Georgetown           1:00 p.m.Oct.    15  SAINT PETER'S* (HC) 1:00 p.m.Oct.    22  at Marist*          TBAOct.    29  at Iona*            1:00 p.m.Nov.    5   LA SALLE*           1:00 p.m.Nov.    19  at Saint Francis, Pa.   1:00 p.m.* - Denotes MAAC Football League gamesHC - Homecoming game vs. Saint Peter's
Home games are played at Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field on the Duquesne campus
For tickets call 412-232-DUKE (3853)