While it's likely that if they wanted to play us it would have happened already, it's certainly possible now that we give scholarships and therefore could count as a win towards bowl eligibity for them. So a one-off game or maybe even every few years is no longer a fantasy (but the earliest it could happen would be 2023). It's possible we could take Youngstown State's spot as Pitt's go-to local FCS opponent (they've played five times since 2005). An annual game vs. Pitt is never going to happen though unless we are playing on the same level as them because there are too many issues with an annual FBS vs. FCS matchup.

Obviously home field is an issue. We'd have to get a guarantee fee from them every year to play since they'd never give us a home game no matter how slanted the numbers were. If they are scheduling us to bring in more money they aren't going to pass that increase on to us. Even if we could work out financial terms, playing the same team year after year at their place with no hope of a home game doesn't make sense.

Furthermore, the FBS teams schedule these games as cake walks they can bring their B game to and still cruise by. Sure every once and awhile an FCS team wins, but that still doesn't change the intent. Playing annually allows the lower team a level of familiarity that could tip the scale in their favor  more than the host would want.

About 1/3 (43 of 130) of the FBS teams have an FCS opponent they've played three or more times since 2000, but the most played of these matchups is Iowa St. vs. Northern Iowa with 11 games. Only four others (Arizona vs. Northern Arizona, Duke vs. NC Central, Temple vs. Villanova, and Virginia vs. Richmond) have been played even 7 times in those 19 seasons. Duke vs. NC Central has been played the last four seasons, but they won't meet again until at least 2022. That's also the only such matchup to be played more than two seasons in a row since 2000.

I usually don't like being a sacrificial lamb, but I'm happy to see us scheduling FBS games. The pay days are big and seeing the Dukes against top level competition is fun. Obviously Pitt would be the most desirable FBS opponent and it's great that that game is no longer a dream. Let's be realistic though. Even if it does happen, there's no chance it will be an annual game.

Last edited by luckymcd (7/29/2019 7:07 am)

Respectfully I am going to disagree with you Yak and I believe that it is very close to happening. Will the Dukes have their hands full  .absolutely.  I have it on pretty good authority that Air Force and BC are likely future FBS games and already a contract with WVU. I definitely think that we need to show Pitt that we deserve the game and upset YSU. Pretty sure that we were better than Albany last year.Perhaps until the deal is done it is fantasy but look for it to happen in the next 5 years

Agree with you that an annual game under your assessment might be unlikely but Villanova Temple comes close and whether it could get to a similar point with Duquesne football and Pitt is not crazy either.  I do believe that there are a whole lot of people in Pittsburgh including many Duquesne alumni who think the football quality is  W and J ( no disrespect to geeat D3 Prexies)level,  if they think about Duquesne football at all.  I also know that there were discussions in the past with Pitt and their previous AD and many thought it was going to happen by now.  ACC  supposedly had a no FCS policy for awhile but most conferences have done away with it. Remember also that Coach Narduzzi said it should happen just last season. Good points everyone but look for the City game in football as going to happen and  closer to reality than fantasy! Also thank you for the interesting comments and posts on football!

Last edited by Judge Jack McVay Jr (7/30/2019 6:49 pm)

Thanks for sharing and I  didn't know that especially on     ACC and FCS games.  I think they were debating the rule...remember the WVU coach a couple of years back suggested that FBS should quit playing FCS and pretty sure that the Big Ten debated it too. My overall understanding to Yaks points are I believe that it is going to happen and discussion has happened in the past with Pitt

Last edited by Judge Jack McVay Jr (7/31/2019 6:28 am)

Again thanks for the research and I appreciate your numbers...interesting and informative.I also appreciate your interest in Duquesne football and I am going to see if I can get some more information on a  possible Pitt game