3 Matchups I'm Watching: Duquesne


Earlier this week we broke down what you can expect from Duquesne.  We have learned a little more since the blog was published.  The Dukes are indeed starting Tommy Stuart the dual threat QB transfer from Boise State.  He put up good passing numbers at Butte Community College and does throw a nice deep ball. 

So here are the 3 match-ups that have my attention.

1. Right Tackle Tyler Weir vs. the OLB's and Andy Struttmann
  • Weir was a key reserve for the Jackrabbits at the interior offensive line positions in 2016.  This year he has shifted to right tackle.  Weir has competed well in camp, but game action will be a whole different beast.  Struttmann plays with a high motor and is shifty.  The Dukes play a weird 3-4 that is almost a 4-3 blended defense.  Rushers will attack from different spots on the field so Weir needs to be ready and keep a clean pocket for Taryn.

2.   Defensive Tackle Spencer Hildahl vs. Right Guard Ben Huss
  • Hildahl saw a little bit of playing time last season for the Jackrabbits.  However, he is now being asked to start because of graduations and the retirement of Blake Whitsell.  Hildahl has looked really good in fall camp and has been a disruptive force in the scrimmages I have watched.  He plays fast and is violent.  Huss is a pre-season All-American and is a 3 year starter for the Dukes.  Huss and his offensive line unit are maulers so the interior of the Jackrabbit defense needs to have the chin strap buckled up and control the line of scrimmage.

3. MLB Christian Rozeboom vs. Running Back AJ Hines
  • Hines and Rozeboom finished 1-2 for the Jerry Rice Award in 2016 as the nations top freshmen.  From Hines' highlight tape, he makes a lot of runs up the gut before kicking them outside and breaking away.  Rozeboom will be responsible for meeting Hines in the hole and planting him for minimal gains.  Hines is a big guy and I'm sure our secondary would prefer that he not break runs to the next level.  This is Rozeboom's chance to show that the award went to the wrong player in 2016.  
See you tomorrow.  Go Jacks!
-Matt

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