Duquesne Dukes’ Long Bus Ride: Lessons in Resilience and the Future of FCS Football’s Ambitions
Imagine a bus carrying 50 teammates, the air thick with the silence of a season-defining loss. For the Duquesne Dukes, this wasn’t a hypothetical scenario; it was the crushing reality of an eight-hour journey after a devastating upset against Central Connecticut State. That quiet ride, punctuated by the weight of a 21-14 defeat, cost them an outright NEC championship and a coveted FCS playoff berth. The lingering echo of that silence, a stark contrast to their dominant 5-0 conference start, offers a potent metaphor for the challenges and aspirations facing college football programs striving for consistent success.
The Duquesne Dukes, under head coach Jerry Schmitt for his 21st season, are no strangers to adversity. However, the nature of their previous season’s end – a late-November loss with no immediate game to rebound from – made compartmentalizing the defeat exceptionally difficult. The “24-hour rule” felt insufficient when the next opportunity to erase the sting was nearly nine months away. This prolonged period of reflection underscores a crucial aspect of athletic development: how teams process and learn from significant setbacks, especially when they lack the immediate catharsis of competition.
Coach Schmitt himself acknowledged the impact, noting that “it probably took a little bit longer for some guys” to move on. Yet, the core message remains consistent: “Always use what happened to learn and get better. Our failures help us learn to be better.” This philosophy is now being put to the test as the Dukes embark on their 2025 season, welcoming transfer quarterback Tyler Riddell to lead the offense after the graduation of Darius Perrantes. The significant number of returning starters, however, suggests a team galvanized by the shared experience of that painful bus ride.
Forging Resilience Through Shared Disappointment
The memory of that gut-wrenching loss is a powerful motivator for the current Duquesne squad. Defensive back Antonio Epps articulates this sentiment vividly: “That loss was something that we don’t want to feel again. A lot of us on this (2025 team) are in our last year, and that feeling will never go away. It sticks with me to this day. We are determined not to let that happen again this year.” This deep-seated resolve, born from a singular, profound disappointment, can be a potent catalyst for team cohesion and drive.
While the tangible impact of this renewed determination won’t be fully evident until the NEC schedule kicks off in October, the immediate challenge is monumental. The Dukes open their 2025 campaign against Pitt, entering the game as significant underdogs. However, the narrative surrounding this season opener is amplified by the renewal of a long-dormant local rivalry, dormant since 1939. The palpable excitement within the Duquesne community, from alumni to students, appears to have overshadowed any lingering effects of last year’s disappointment.
Learning from the Giants: FBS Exposure and FCS Ambitions
The Duquesne Dukes have strategically sought out matchups against Power Five conference opponents in recent years, including Florida State, TCU, Boston College, and West Virginia. These games, while often resulting in lopsided scores, provide invaluable learning opportunities. As defensive lineman A.J. Ackerman observes, “You notice it on tape. There is a level of difference that the position you are playing against is coached to. You can see how consistent (FBS teams) are.”
This exposure to higher-level competition highlights a critical dynamic within the FCS landscape: the imperative to capitalize on limited opportunities against FBS programs. Ackerman adds, “When you get a shot, you have to take it because it is only going to happen every so often, as compared to an FCS school where there is more opportunity sometimes.” This philosophy of maximizing every snap, a lesson honed against tougher opposition, is directly transferable to conference play and the pursuit of national recognition.
The Short Drive Home: A Symbol of Renewed Focus
Ultimately, the physical journey for the Duquesne Dukes will be vastly different this season, at least for their home opener. The short 2.7-mile drive from Acrisure Stadium back to their campus is a stark contrast to the eight-hour ordeal following their loss to CCSU. This proximity, coupled with the renewed rivalry against Pitt, symbolizes a fresh start. Regardless of the outcome against the Panthers, the experience itself, the energy of playing in a significant game close to home, offers a more immediate and manageable rebound than a long, silent bus ride.
The Duquesne Dukes’ journey from last season’s disappointment to the cusp of a new beginning against Pitt offers a compelling case study in team resilience. Their experience highlights how program culture, player leadership, and strategic scheduling can all contribute to overcoming adversity. As FCS programs continue to push for greater visibility and success, the lessons learned from these high-stakes matchups, and the emotional fortitude developed through shared challenges, will be crucial for achieving their loftiest goals.
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