Duquesne Defeats Wagner, Sets Up Winner-Take-All NEC Championship Showdown Against CCSU

The Duquesne Dukes took care of business on Saturday, defeating Wagner 42-21 behind a masterful six-touchdown performance by quarterback Darius Perrantes. But the NEC championship celebration on the Bluff will have to wait.

While the Dukes did their part, the drama played out in New Britain, Connecticut, where Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) survived an overtime thriller against Robert Morris. The Blue Devils’ victory ensures that next week’s matchup between Duquesne and CCSU will determine the Northeast Conference (NEC) title and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs.

It’s a high-stakes scenario worthy of the NEC’s best, setting the stage for a true championship contest.

Perrantes’ Dominance Leads Duquesne Past Wagner

At Rooney Field, Perrantes continued to show why he’s one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the FCS, accounting for all six of Duquesne’s touchdowns in a performance that reaffirmed his status as an NFL prospect. The junior quarterback was in complete command, distributing the ball to his talented playmakers while picking apart the Wagner defense.

Wide receivers John Erby and Joey Isabella made the most of their opportunities, delivering clutch receptions and creating explosive plays downfield. Running back JaMario Clements added a bruising presence on the ground, forcing Wagner’s defense to stay honest.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Dukes. Wagner hung tough, cutting into Duquesne’s early lead and keeping the contest close well into the second half. The Seahawks trailed just 35-21 heading into the fourth quarter and had several chances to make it a one-score game.

Ultimately, Perrantes and the Dukes delivered when it mattered most. With just over two minutes left, Perrantes capped a late drive with his sixth touchdown of the day, finally putting the game out of reach and ensuring Duquesne’s eighth win of the season.

Overtime Drama in New Britain

While Duquesne was fending off Wagner, all eyes were on New Britain, where CCSU faced Robert Morris in a game with massive implications for the NEC title race. A Robert Morris win would have secured the conference championship and playoff berth for Duquesne, but the Blue Devils refused to yield.

CCSU’s gritty performance in overtime kept their title hopes alive, earning a hard-fought victory that sets up a winner-take-all showdown with Duquesne next week.

The stakes could not be higher: the winner of next Saturday’s game in New Britain will claim the NEC crown and represent the conference in the FCS Playoffs, while the loser will see their season end.

A Clash of NEC Titans

Duquesne and CCSU have been on a collision course for weeks, each dominating NEC play to emerge as the conference’s top two teams. Both squads bring unique strengths to the table, promising an epic contest with everything on the line.

For Duquesne, the formula starts with Perrantes, whose dynamic playmaking ability has propelled the Dukes to an unbeaten record in FCS competition. He’ll look to continue his chemistry with Erby and Isabella, while Clements provides balance in the ground game.

On defense, the Dukes will need to contain a CCSU offense that has thrived in high-pressure moments, as evidenced by their overtime heroics against Robert Morris. Duquesne’s defense has been reliable all season, and they’ll need to deliver another strong performance to secure the title.

CCSU, meanwhile, will lean on its home-field advantage and an opportunistic defense to challenge the Dukes. With the confidence gained from Saturday’s dramatic win, the Blue Devils are sure to be a formidable opponent.

The Road Ahead

After a dominant win over Wagner, Duquesne has shown they have the tools to finish the job and claim their second straight NEC championship. However, the road to the FCS Playoffs now runs through New Britain, where the Dukes will need to overcome a tough CCSU squad on their home turf.

The stakes couldn’t be clearer: one game, one champion, one playoff berth. For Duquesne, it’s a chance to cap an already impressive season with a defining moment. For CCSU, it’s an opportunity to dethrone the reigning champions and reclaim NEC supremacy.

Everything will be on the line next Saturday, as the Dukes and Blue Devils meet in what promises to be the NEC game of the year.