Three Keys For Duquesne Football in its Game Against Lehigh

By: PSN’s Zachary Weiss

It has been an interesting first couple of weeks of the 2025 season for Duquesne football, first playing at Pitt and last week against Division II opponent Lincoln in its home opener.

Neither game proved to be all that close, though Duquesne feels that some unforced errors made the score against Pitt feel more lopsided than it actually was.

Saturday, #10 Lehigh comes to Rooney Field, providing another test where the Dukes are eager to see where they stand, all in an effort to play the best possible football come NEC play.

“It’s a great challenge to be able to bring the #10 team in the country to Rooney Field,” Duquesne coach Jerry Schmitt said. “I think it’s a great football game for the city of Pittsburgh. If I’m a football fan, I’m going to want to be at that game to watch both football teams.”

RIDDELL CONTINUING TO PROGRESS

It was assumed that when he transferred in to the program, Tyler Riddell would be QB1, and indeed when the first depth chart came out prior to the Pitt game that was the case.

Unfortunately, Riddell did not have too much time in the pocket, but when he did, Schmitt seemed pleased by what he saw on tape. A long throw to Joey Isabella immediately came to mind.

This past Saturday against Lincoln, Riddell had for more time and showcased some of what he was capable of, matching his career high of five touchdowns, which he set in the first half.

Riddell did have setbacks in camp due to injury, which cost him time to work under center, but he has been playing catch up which has made him more comfortable.

“I played in something similar to this, so schematically it was an easier transition. The hardest part was learning their terminology,” Riddell revealed. “Playing with this group has been great, there are so many great players, people who care about being here and just go hard day in and day out.”

At the end of his afternoon, Riddell was essentially given a two-minute drill, needing four plays to go 41 yards before he found Daniel Tarabrella for an eight-yard touchdown.

Though Riddell campaigned to stay on the field, the coaching staff did not want any part in taking things forward, so he was on the sidelines for the second half, game in hand.

“It’s good that we got that early in the season and get some reps at it,” determined Riddell. “We drill it but to execute it in the game is important. A lot of games come down to that.”

CLEAR DEFENSIVE LEADERSHIP

Coming into the season, it was clear that Duquesne had a very experienced core with A.J. Ackerman, Kevin Kurzinger and Jack Dunkley immediately coming to mind, but two names Schmitt was also very high on were Jabari Odoemenem and Tyson Meiguez.

Odoemenem has eight tackles so far to go with four quarterback hurries. His desire has been a rounded addition to a hungry defensive side.

“He really studies the game,” Schmitt stated. “He’s strong he can run, studies all week long more than the normal need, he’s in coach Jacobs’s offense all the time. When you think like the d coordinator, he gets that extra step.”

The excitement Schmitt has for Meiguez has been evident in these past few weeks with a smile always forming on his face.

That reaction is warranted for someone who came in January and won over the locker room, so much to the point that he was selected to be a team captain.

Meiguez has been a winner on the field as well and it is his example that he tries to use to challenge his teammates.

“I’m just a guy that believes in head down, work hard and push my teammates to get to the same level,” he responded. “It takes all of us to win games, so I just try to instill the mindset of hard work and bring everyone along with you.”

CAN MORE PLAYERS STEP UP?

A football season can be long, especially with injuries sometimes a part of the ebbs and flows. Take Dunkley for example. A couple of years ago, some setbacks put Dunkley on the field as a freshman and his efforts were a big contributing factor behind the Dukes being NEC Champions.

While some outside of the program may question why a game such as the one last week against Lincoln is played, getting some reserves genuine on-field playing time can serve everyone well as the season goes on.

During meetings in the coaches rooms, when there may be questions as to who may get on-field reps, now some of those questions can be answered.

Someone who certainly made the most of his time on field was true freshman Ryan Petras. Petras, a Bethel Park native had two touchdowns, one in each half of Saturday’s win.

It was to the point that Riddell had a nickname for him: Joey Isabella Jr.

“We saw this all through practice and in camp,” Schmitt confirmed. “The lights didn’t matter to him, he’s in a college football game and he’s playing like he’s in Bethel Park catching a whole bunch of balls. I even asked him this week if he could tackle anybody in college, because I’m going to get him on some special teams. He’s quick, fast, smart, and a really heads up football player.”

As a freshman, Petras was poised both on the field and in answering questions from reporters after the game.

Indeed, Schmitt confirmed earlier in the week that Petras may get back out on special teams, an area he is familiar with, having played it in high school.

Already two games in Petras had an opportunity, made the most of it and now it is likely he will have more of a regular on-field role.

“I kind of look at every day the same and try to get 1% better every day, it is what my high school coaches taught me, and it paid off for me today,” concluded Petras.

Of note

Last week there was a Duquesne Night at a Pirates game and Schmitt was asked to throw out the first pitch. It was understandable that Schmitt was apprehensive having torn a bicep in his right arm five years ago and not having thrown anything since, but perhaps what sealed the deal was having his son Matt catch it.

Schmitt went out to Rooney Field to warm up a day or two prior to the pitch but when the day came it heavily rained a couple of hours before and he did not get a chance to warm up, still he gave himself a directive not to bounce the pitch.

“It was an honor to represent Duquesne University along with President (Ken) Gormley and have my son catch it. We were having a great time behind home plate and I got to go out. Did I throw a strike? No, but if you were in the box, it would’ve been chin music.”