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Wednesday, November 20, 2002

By Phil Axelrod, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

The football forecast for the ECAC Classic will be strength vs. strength -- Albany's relentless rushing attack against Duquesne's staunch defense against the run.

But the weatherman's forecast for the game at Albany's University Field might have a more chilling impact on the outcome. Snow showers with temperatures in the 30s are predicted when Duquesne (11-0) plays Albany (7-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday

The grass field still hasn't recovered from last week, when snow, sleet and rain turned it into a quagmire during Albany's 19-7 victory against Monmouth that clinched the Northeast Conference championship.

"Winter has jumped its ugly head here a little early. We had snow plowed off right before Monmouth. That game took its toll on the field," Albany Coach Bob Ford said. "That's what happens in the Northeast when you play games in November and December."

After checking the weather map yesterday, Duquesne Coach Greg Gattuso said, "It's pink up there...I guess they're getting ice."

Duquesne has iced the opposition, outscoring eight league foes, 304-27, to win a fourth consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship. The Dukes are No. 1 in I-AA Mid-Major and 21st in the USA Today/ESPN and The Sports Network polls that include scholarship, partial scholarship and non-scholarship programs.

"We prefer a fast track to take advantage of our speed," said Gattuso, whose Dukes are clinging to the slim hope of receiving an at-large bid Sunday to the I-AA national playoffs. A non-scholarship team never has participated in the playoffs.

"A dry track probably would produce a high-scoring game," Ford said. "A wet, sloppy track makes it a defensive struggle."

The Albany Danes, whose tailback Gary Jones set school records with 1,315 yards and 21 touchdowns running behind a physical line, ranks eighth in NCAA Division I-AA with 252.3 yards rushing per game.

"We've lived by the run," Ford said.

"Their front six guys are big, tough and a little nasty," Gattuso said. "They play mean sometimes. I'm kind of envious. I like that in an offensive line."

Duquesne, winner of 11 games in a season for the first time in school history, allows 78.5 yards on the ground to rank third. The Dukes, first in scoring defense (8.3 ppg) and total yards (179.5 ypg), have given up 10 touchdowns, with only eight against the defense. Dayton returned a fumble for a touchdown, and Lafayette returned a blocked punt for a score.

The defensive leaders are cornerback Leigh Bodden (seven interceptions), linebackers Harry Carter and Trent Wissner, end Bill Argobast and nose guard John Rodgers.

The Dukes will be without safety Joe Pavlick, whose ankle was broken in the second quarter of a 27-0 victory against Fairfield last week.

"Teams have thrown 258 passes against Duquesne, and they have 25 interceptions. One out of 10 passes they're picking off. That's unbelievable," Ford said. "Bodden's someone who might play on the next level. They'll invite him to camp, if not draft him. He's a huge play-maker."

When Ford was asked if Duquesne reminds him of a team Albany has played, he answered, "Montana. I'm not being facetious."

Albany lost its opener, 45-7, at Montana, which was ranked No. 1 in Division I-AA until it lost last week.

Did you know?

Waynesburg's Jeff Dumm, a senior quarterback from Charleroi, set school season records with 2,493 yards passing and 2,629 total yards. ... Juniata's Craig Moshier set school records with 222 yards rushing in a 55-24 loss to Lycoming and 1,177 yards for the season.

The big games:

Duquesne (11-0) at Albany (7-4), ECAC Classic, 1 p.m.

Christopher Newton (6-4) at Washington and Jefferson (8-2), NCAA Division III playoff, noon.

Saginaw Valley State (9-2) at IUP (10-1), Division II playoff, noon.