Duquesne at Florida State 8/27/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

On Saturday August of 27, the Duquesne Dukes visit Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida to play the Florida State Seminoles in the opening game of the college football regular season for both teams. Duquesne finished last season 7-3 and tied for second in the Northeast Conference. Duquesne has a solid corps of defensive players returning, which will help make up for a below-par offense.

Quarterback Joe Mischler, a junior, will compete for the starting job with Darius Perrantes. Mischler was All-Conference during 2020 but suffered a torn ACL last season versus TCU on opening day. Billy Lucas returns as the starting running back for the Dukes and Joey Isabella will be the top receiver returning from last season.

Florida State finished its 2021-22 college football regular season 5-7 overall and 4-4 in the ACC. Jordan Travis will be the starting quarterback and last season passed for 1,539 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions while also rushing for 530 yards and seven touchdowns.  The leading running back for FSU, returning from last season, is Treshaun Ward, but Oregon transfer Trey Benson is expected to see extended playing time. Ja’Khi Douglas and Ontario Wilson are back to lead the wide receivers.

On defense, FSU has a great deal of experience and talent returning. The defensive front must replace two lost defensive ends but transfer Jaren Verse is expected to step in at one defensive end while at tackle Robert Cooper, Fabien Lovett and Jarrett Jackson are talented veterans who will rotate throughout the season. Linebacker Tatum BethuneIs expected to be one of the top tacklers on FSU, while hybrid-backer Kalen DeLoach was third last season in tackles. The secondary returns leading tackler Jammie Robinson, while Akeem Dent will be the free safety. Omarion Cooper will be one starting cornerback while the other is up in the air.