PITTSBURGH -- Duquesne University head football coach Jerry Schmitt has been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, which is given annually to the national coach of the year in Division I FCS college football and presented by FedEx Ground.

Schmitt, in his 19th season, led the Dukes to their sixth Northeast Conference (NEC) title and third FCS playoff appearance in program history with a 7-4 overall and 6-1 conference record. Duquesne improved by three wins both overall and in conference from last season and finished atop the NEC standings after being placed third in the preseason poll.

Six wins in NEC action were the second-most in program history behind a 7-1 league record in 2011, while the Dukes' 5-0 start in NEC play was the best start as members of the conference (since 2008).

The winningest coach in program history, Schmitt enters the postseason with a 120-82 (.594) record at Duquesne. He is one of 12 active FCS coaches to have at least 100 wins at their current school. In 24 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Schmitt has racked up 148 career wins.

Under Schmitt's direction, the Dukes have won nine conference championships between the MAAC and NEC while posting a .500 or better record in 15 of his 19 seasons. He has been a national coach of the year finalist three times now and is a three-time conference coach of the year (1x NEC, 2x MAAC) with this season's conference award still pending.

The award, first presented in 1987 and in its 37th season, is named for legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson.

All 13 FCS leagues, comprised from 15 conferences overall, are represented by a Robinson Award finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced on Dec. 7 and honored at the FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.

Duquesne, who is receiving votes in both national polls, will take on No. 21/23 Youngstown State in the first round of the NCAA Division I FCS Championship on Saturday at 5 pm in Youngstown. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ and tickets can be purchased here.

FCS CHAMPIONSHIP LINKS
Championship App  |  Full Bracket

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow Duquesne football online all season at GoDuquesne.com, as well as on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@DuqFB).