Dukes One Step Closer to NEC Title, Defeat RMU 31-6
On a crisp Saturday at Rooney Field, Duquesne University emerged victorious in their first showdown with Robert Morris since 2019, delivering a decisive 31-6 win. The Dukes’ (7-2, 4-0 NEC) seventh consecutive win places them atop the Northeast Conference standings as they eye a potential conference title. The Dukes, finally ranked this week despite having yet to lose an FCS game, are looking unstoppable as they roll through the conference.
Led by standout quarterback Darius Perrantes, Duquesne’s offense came out firing. Perrantes threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns, including three to John Erby in the first half alone. Erby’s trio of touchdown catches marked a career high, complemented by 126 receiving yards, also a career best. Not to be outdone, JaMario Clements powered through RMU’s defense, rushing for 105 yards on 22 carries, marking his fifth 100-yard game this season.
Duquesne opened the scoring with a steady 71-yard drive, capped by Erby’s first touchdown. The Perrantes-to-Erby connection proved unstoppable, with two more touchdowns in the first half alone, establishing a commanding 21-0 halftime lead.
As the second half began, RMU attempted to rally, entering the red zone for the first time, only to be thwarted by Duquesne’s Ty Howard, who intercepted a tipped pass, securing his fourth consecutive game with a takeaway. The Dukes’ defense, relentless all game, tallied a season-high seven sacks, with Jack Dunkley leading the charge with three.
In the fourth quarter, Joey Isabella added a 44-yard touchdown reception, pushing Duquesne’s lead to 31-6. This touchdown marks Isabella’s sixth consecutive game with a score, further emphasizing the depth of Duquesne’s offense. RMU’s sole response came late, as Delvecchio Powell II broke the shutout with a 10-yard touchdown run. However, the Colonials’ attempt at a two-point conversion failed.
The Dukes’ defense delivered a stifling performance, limiting RMU to a mere 237 total yards and allowing only one successful third-down conversion on 11 attempts. Alongside Howard’s interception, Dunkley’s three sacks set the tone, as Duquesne’s defense asserted its dominance in critical moments.
Duquesne looks to keep its momentum rolling when they face off against Wagner next Saturday, while RMU will take on Central Connecticut as both teams fight to end their seasons on a high note. With the NEC title in sight, Duquesne will aim to finish strong, leveraging their recent string of dominant performances. It’ll take a win against Wagner and a Central Connecticut loss to RMU for Duquesne to clinch next weekend.
Fortunately, NEC Blitz will be on-site at Duquesne, so if a championship berth is earned, we’ll have the inside scoop.
