Monmouth University (0-3, 0-0 NEC) at Duquesne University
(3-1, 1-0 NEC)
Saturday, October 2, 2010; 1 p.m.
Rooney Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Radio Coverage: Shore Sports Network, WOBM 1160AM
and1310AM, shoresportsnetwork.com
Today's Game:
Monmouth comes into today's game against Duquesne University
with an 0-3 record after falling 35-21 at home against Old Dominion. The
Blue & White held a 7-3 lead coming out of the first quarter against the
Monarchs but ODU scored 24 unanswered points in the second frame to seal the
victory. The Hawks, who have lost five straight going back to last
season, are looking to avoid an 0-4 start for just the fourth time in school
history.
Monmouth has allowed 32 points per game
in 2010, uncharacteristic for a Kevin Callahan coached team. The Hawks
rank seventh or eighth among the nine NEC teams in rushing, pass ing and total
defense. The offense has been solid so far this season, averaging 24.33
points per game which is third in the league. Last game, Kyle Frazier
completed 75% of his passes and accounted for two touchdowns, including a first
quarter toss to Chris Hogan. Frazier is averaging 205 yards of total offense
per game in 2010.
Duquesne is arguably one of the hottest
teams in the NEC, coming in with a 3-1 record. The Dukes' lone loss this
season is to 5th-ranked Delaware and they are coming off a 28-17 victory over
Albany. Offensively, Duquesne has averaged 228 yards passing per game-
second in the NEC. They boast the league's best total defense and allow
20.33 points per game, which is second. Duquesne is 3-6 all-time in NEC
home games, with the win over Albany snapping a three-game conference losing
streak.
THE COACHING MATCHUP ...
Kevin Callahan is in his 18th season at
Monmouth as the Hawks' head coach. Callahan owns a 101-75 career coaching
record, all with Monmouth. The only coach in Monmouth history, he has led the
Blue & White to five Northeast Conference championships, in 1996, 1998,
2003, 2004 and 2006. Callahan has earned NEC Coach of the Year accolades in
1998, 2003 and 2006. Prior to arriving in West Long Branch, Callahan served as
defensive coordinator at Colgate for eight seasons and at Wagner for three
years. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Albany (1977-79)
and Syracuse (1980) before becoming a Seahawk assistant in 1981.
Duquesne is led by Jerry Schmitt, who is in his sixth season as the head coach
of the Dukes. Schmitt owns a 29-26 record (.527) in six seasons in
Pittsburgh, which is the third best coaching record in the 100+ years the
school has sponsored the sport. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native led Duquesne
to at least a share of the MAAC Championship all three seasons during his first
three seasons as head coach. Schmitt was an assistant with the Dukes in the
1985-87 seasons, then returned to serve as Offensive Coordinator from
1992-1999. He served as head coach of Westminster College from 2000-04,
leading the Titans to a 28-21 record and a President's Athletic Conference
title. Schmitt graduated from Westminster College in 1982 with a degree
in mathematics, where he was an offensive lineman.
INSIDE THE MU-DUQUESNE SERIES ...
Today marks the fifth time in history that the
Hawks and Dukes have met on the gridiron. Monmouth owns a 3-1 record
against Duquesne, with the Hawks earning their first win of the season against
Duquesne last year. It was Kendall Haley's third quarter 65-yard
interception return for a touchdown that proved the difference in the 17-10
contest.
In 2008, quarterback Brett Burke enjoyed one of
his best days in a Hawk uniform, throwing 14 completions for 263 yards and two
touchdowns. Former MU tight end John Nalbone was Burke's primary target, and he
snagged two receptions for 89 yards. David Sinisi rushed for 174 yards on 23 carries
with three scores on the day. The Hawks also defeated the Dukes in 2007.
David Sinisi ran for 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Ken Amsel
returned a Kevin Romach pass for 32 yards and a touchdown.
The Dukes edged the Blue & White 12-10 in
the 2003 ECAC Bowl, which was held at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. In
that game, Monmouth took a 10-6 third quarter lead when Brian Boland hit
Michael McClelland on a four-yard pass but the Dukes answered with a 60 yard
pass in the fourth quarter to take the lead. MU had a chance to take the
lead with six minutes remaining but kicker Steve Andriola was unable to convert
a 40 yard field goal.
MONMOUTH AGAINST THE NEC ...
Today's game marks the first league contest of
the year for MU. Monmouth owns a 58-36 record all-time against current members
of the NEC. While a member of the NEC the past 13 seasons, the Hawks own a
58-33 record. Monmouth's best winning percentage comes against St. Francis
(Pa.), whom the Hawks are 14-2 all-time against. Albany (4-8) and Robert Morris
(7-8) are the only NEC teams that the Hawks have a losing record against.
Head Coach Kevin Callahan has led the Hawks to a record-tying five Northeast
Conference Championships, earning Co-Champion honors in 1996, 1998, 2003 and
2004 while winning the outright championship in 2006. Monmouth has never gone
undefeated in the conference but has suffered just one league loss in each of
the those championship seasons.
