I've been in Pittsburgh since Wednesday, ostensibly celebrating Thanksgiving by overeating, drinking tons of wine, and studiously ignoring both my in-laws and the cacophonous screeching of my kids and their cousins.All that revelry is just a cover, though. I'm really here to scout the Duquesne Dukes, first-round FCS Tournament opponents of your William & Mary Tribe.
W&M returns to the postseason for the first time in four years, having tied Richmond and James Madison for the CAA title. Both of their co-winners received first-round tournament byes, despite the fact that the Tribe beat JMU head to head. Duquesne, champions of the Northeast Conference (which may or may not be a real league), makes their first-ever postseason tournament appearance this afternoon at 3:30 in Williamsburg.
Tribe senior defensive tackle Tyler Claytor previews the Dukes about as effectively as we could, so we'll let him tell you. "We don’t know much about them, they don’t really know much about us. That’s the beauty of the playoffs. It’s definitely something new, something different. It’s really enjoyable just having, hey, there’s a new team, new school, new group of guys we’re going to face. … There’s a little bit of mystery. It’s challenging. It’s intriguing.”
Based on my time spent on the ground behind enemy lines, I can also tell you that Duquesne is in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh, and has a pretty cool old church right in the middle of campus. Norm Nixon went there, as did former head of the CIA Michael Hayden, who's kind of a loudmouth jerk. Reason enough to get fired up to play these Dukes, as far as I can tell.
In what passes as small consolation, the tournament draw gives W&M an opportunity to get revenge on their arch rivals from Richmond in short order. The winner of today's game takes on U of R next weekend in the tournament's second round.
W&M's favored by 22 1/2. And after spending some time around the Duquesne program (I played golf within 20 miles of their campus yesterday, for example), I feel pretty good about our chances.
Bring on Spidey.
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45 comments:
Donn Clendenon, World Series MVP for the Amazin Mets, got his law degree from Duquesne. May he rest in orange and blue peace.
ESPNer John Clayton, former Wizard Mike James, and much of the Rooney family attended Duquesne. We need Mike Tomlin's alma mater to overcome the University of Steelers.
warriors had 32 assists on 46 made field goals. shot 57% from the field, 58% from 3. they had 23 turnovers and still won going away.
I went to high school with a guy who went to Duquesne on a full scholarship--a folk dancing scholarship but a full ride nonetheless.
sydney kings axed coach damian cotter today after the team started 3-9.
You mean Damien "welcome back" cotter, right?
thought that was self-evident
My mom went to Duquesne
She thinks her team has a chance today
Then I reminded her that the Dukes play in a "stadium" that is smaller than our town's youth league field
the Dukes field does have a great view of Heinz Stadium though
Bournemouth-Everton ending is bananas. It's a 2-2 tie (which was exciting enough) and then Everton knocks one in in the 5th minute of stoppage time. Everton celebrates in front of their fans in the visitors' section, who lose their shit and pour on the field (in big numbers; at least 20 of them), delaying the restart. About 30 seconds into the restart, Bournemouth scores on a header from a perfect cross, in the rarely seen 98th minute. Que golazos!
just saw that. bonkers.
Danimal's boy Whit Babcock nailed his coaching search it seems. He got Justin Fuente while also convincing Bud Foster to stick around as DC. Nice work.
What the hell is happening to Clemson?
As opposed to our boy Whit Badcock.
Well, that was quick.
Not the strongest start by the Tribe.
The tribe appears to be looking ahead to the Richmond game that they are trying hard not to play in.
When you wanna run and have no fun
Duquesne
And wow, do we have absolutely nobody in the stands.
I'm at Dave's. About to start drinking again.
Sorry, Z. Didn't know Babcock was familiar with other members of the GTB mafia.
I feel bad for Dave's family.
As I stated on Twitter, I'm happy Florida is getting a night game at home vs FSU but waiting all day for this game is fucking killing me.
It's no Wonderful Terry but Casanova MacKenzie is high on the list of great CFB names.
Sorry Mark, that was a dumb joke. Babcock vs. Badcock.
No need to apologize for me missing your dumb joke.
My expectations could not be lower for the Irish tonight. Take Stanford and bet a lot. And I think the gators win handily also. Though it should be noted my winnings have been nearly decimated over the last two days.
Just getting over my turkey day hangover with some more bourbon.
Wrenball being wrenball. That might be the worst loss of the shaver era.
Coker with a couple of very impressive plays on that last Bama drive.
Anyone see that?
how did you assholes let the tribe blow a 19-point halftime lead to howard?
I did, Danimal. I've been very critical of Coker but those were two impressive displays of improvisation. Somehow, Auburn is still in this game.
Florida's leading WR is suspended for tonight's game. Lovely.
One day the world of college football fans will witness Will Muschamp dying on the sideline after his heart explodes.,
Will Muschamp is a damn meathead idiot. How could any AD want someone who conducts himself like Muschamp to run his football program?
Does Alabama have anyone else that can field a handoff?
46 carries, 271 yards. are you kidding me?
Tribe wins. Never in doubt.
Wannstache!
Nd can't stop Stanford. 520 total yards will be the # and 40min time of possession.m
this stanford/notre dame game is fun.
My 7 year old has the same hairstyle as Brady Quinn.
Nd would be 6-5 if their opponents had simply figured out to let them get inside the 20.
Jarome Iginla sighting! And he's celebrating Movember! He's pushing 600 career goals. Impressive.
Dustin Byfuglien! 6'5", 265 lbs. scores and fights for the Jets. Looks like a monster on skates.
north carolina's gonna beat clemson, aren't they?
Wouldn't be a bad bet.
Will Fuller's stock has the last two weeks. Like his passes.
Dropped. Kinda important that word be included there.
that was a heckuva game
Yeah. Terrific.
Solace in the fact that nd was not going to get in the final 4.
I do feel strongly that Brian Kelly should get COY. Hunger strike if not.
I'd give McElwain COY but won't fight you on the job Kelly has done with all those injuries. ND was one of the nation's four best teams if healthy, IMO.
I feel bad for Florida's defense. They were excellent for 3 quarters. Their offense was as bad any I've ever witnessed at Florida. Truly pathetic. I shudder at the thought of what Alabama will do to them next Saturday.
And as for next Saturday...give me North Carolina and the points.
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