NEC Pick 'em - Week 0

[RedFlash]

Only one game is on the schedule for Week Zero:

8/25 - Duquesne at U. Mass. - 5:30 p.m.

This the first of two FBS games for Duquesne this year as they start what looks to be a long term plan of playing more FBS schools. They'll play at Hawaii in late September and according to local reports, have a contract in place to play West Virginia in a few years.

I'll take U.Mass - though I admittedly know nothing about them this year. I just can't bring myself to pick the Dukes.

[Gangtackle11]

UMass 31 Duquesne 16

[dbackjon]

UMass in an upset!

[jayhawkdaddy]

UMass over Duquesne

[bonarae]

UMass by 17

[The Yo Show]

UMass

[UNHWildcat18]

UMASS

[carney2]

The Dukes went 7-4 last year, losing their last 3 to get knocked out of the playoff picture. They have two preseason All-Americans on the roster, but are probably in over their heads in this one. Picking UMass.

[Paladin1aa]

Umass

[Bluefish845]

UMass led by Andrew Ford

[Original_RMC]

UMass

[BucBisonAtLarge]

The Minutepeople

[aceinthehole]

UMass

[VandalBasher]

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/duquesne-dukes-vs-umass-minutemen-prediction-picks-2018
Prediction: UMass 31, Duquesne 17


https://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/duquesne-massachusetts-odds-august-25-2018-973860
UMASS: 25.3, Dukes 15.8


https://www.5dimes.eu/news/football/college-spreads-over-under-odds-week-1-updated/
Duquesne at Massachusetts | Spread: Massachusetts -23 | Game Total: 67.5


https://www.gazettenet.com/UMass-can-t-overlook-FCS-foe-Duquesne-19656643
UMass can’t overlook FCS Duquesne


http://www.goduquesne.com/news/2018/8/22/football-preview-duqfb-at-umass.aspx
Dukes open 2018 season on the road against FBS Minutemen


https://collegefootballnews.com/2018/08/umass-vs-duquesne-fearless-prediction-game-preview
UMass vs. Duquesne fearless prediction and game preview: Massachusetts 48, Duquesne 27

[aceinthehole]

https://www.gazettenet.com/UMass-can-t-overlook-FCS-foe-Duquesne-19656643
UMass can’t overlook FCS Duquesne

Dukes have a shot with a lot of G5 talent on the roster.


The Dukes are one of the more successful FCS programs over the past quarter century. In its 25 years as an FCS program, Duquesne has 20 winning seasons and holds a .667 winning percentage with 15 conference titles.

In addition to its pedigree of success, Duquesne will field a team that won’t look too dissimilar to the other teams UMass will face this season. The Dukes have 13 FBS transfers on their roster, including Daniel Parr from Florida Atlantic, who is expected to be the starting quarterback this season.
The roster is talented enough that UMass coach Mark Whipple said Duquesne isn’t an FCS program in his eyes.

“They have guys who have played a lot and they know how to win games,” Whipple said. “They have what they need to be successful on offense: a guy who can run it, a guy who can throw it and a guy who can catch it.”

In addition to Parr slinging the ball around the field, Duquesne’s offensive trio also features running back A.J. Hines and receiver Nehari Crawford. Hines is a preseason All-American after rushing for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first two years in Pittsburgh. Crawford led the entire FCS last season with 15 regular-season touchdown receptions as part of his 65 catches for 1,026 yards.

Barr said in addition to the talent at the skill positions, Duquesne has a strong offensive line that is very disciplined. He said those are the FCS teams that are especially dangerous for FBS programs.

[RedFlash]

So ... either U Mass is better than expected or the Dukes may not be what everyone expected this year. We probably won't know for sure until week 3 or 4 when Duquesne plays Valpo and Dayton at home. Next week they host D-2 Lock Haven who StFU beat 69-3 last year.