Duquesne Pulls Stunner in Youngstown, Beats #20 Penguins 28-25
In what will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of their season, the Duquesne Dukes stunned the #20-ranked Youngstown State Penguins with a 28-25 victory, avenging last year’s 40-7 playoff loss. The Dukes’ defense stood strong in key moments, while running back JaMario Clements delivered a breakout performance that propelled Duquesne to the win.
This victory marks a huge step forward for the defending Northeast Conference (NEC) champions as they took down a formidable opponent and proved they can go toe-to-toe with some of the top FCS programs. After falling in last year’s playoff meeting, Duquesne came into this game determined to show they were a different team in 2024—and they did just that.
Youngstown State, entering the game ranked 20th in the nation and looking to build on last year’s playoff success, came out strong. The Penguins took the lead early in the first quarter with a 45-yard field goal by Andrew Lastovka following an efficient 43-yard drive. But Duquesne wasted no time answering back.
On their very next possession, Duquesne’s offense exploded with a 75-yard drive in just two plays, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from Shawn Solomon Jr. The burst of energy silenced the home crowd momentarily and gave the Dukes a 7-3 lead.
From that point, it looked like Youngstown State might take control of the game, especially with their methodical ground game and control of the clock. Quarterback Beau Brungard orchestrated a 13-play, 71-yard drive that ate up over seven minutes of the second quarter, ending with a 1-yard touchdown run by Brungard himself, giving the Penguins a 10-7 lead.
On their very next possession, Youngstown doubled down, controlling the clock with an even longer 14-play, 76-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock. Running back Tyshon King punched in a 5-yard touchdown run to extend the Penguins’ lead to 17-7, and at that point, it seemed like Youngstown was set to pull away.
With just under two minutes left in the half, the Dukes were down 17-7 and needed a spark before halftime. Quarterback Darius Perrantes delivered. Leading a crisp 9-play, 75-yard drive in under two minutes, Perrantes found wide receiver Tedy Afful in the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 17-14.
This score right before halftime swung momentum back in Duquesne’s favor, energizing both the offense and defense heading into the locker room.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball effectively. However, the Dukes’ defense—led by standout performances from linebacker Ryan Webb and defensive back Antonio Epps—kept Youngstown at bay. Epps’ interception in the third quarter was a pivotal moment, halting a Youngstown drive that had entered Duquesne territory.
Late in the third quarter, Duquesne’s offense finally broke through. Perrantes led an 11-play, 80-yard drive, chewing up five minutes of the clock. He once again connected with Afful, this time for a 5-yard touchdown pass, giving Duquesne a 21-17 lead. Afful’s ability to find the soft spots in Youngstown’s secondary was crucial, as his two touchdown receptions swung the game’s momentum.
Though the Dukes were now in the lead, the game remained in the balance with both teams locked in a physical battle. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Duquesne delivered the dagger—thanks to NECBlitz’s Player of the Week, JaMario Clements.
With under two minutes remaining and Duquesne clinging to a slim 21-17 lead, Clements took a handoff deep in Dukes territory and exploded for a 75-yard touchdown run. The run not only electrified the visiting sideline but also put the Dukes up 28-17, giving them a crucial two-possession lead. Clements’ speed and vision on the play were nothing short of spectacular, as he outran the Youngstown defense down the sideline to give Duquesne a commanding advantage.
Clements was the star of the game, finishing with 204 rushing yards on 12 carries. His ability to find space in the trenches and create big plays in the open field provided Duquesne with the offensive spark they needed.
Despite being down by two scores late, the Penguins refused to go quietly. Youngstown mounted one final drive, moving 75 yards in just over a minute. King capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, narrowing the deficit to 28-25. Beau Brungard then connected with Max Tomczak for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Penguins within three points.
Youngstown State attempted an onside kick with 20 seconds remaining, but Duquesne recovered it, sealing the upset victory.
While much of the attention went to Duquesne’s offensive heroes, it was their defense that made crucial stops throughout the game. After giving up long, clock-draining drives in the first half, the defense tightened up in the second half. They limited Youngstown to just one score until the final minute and made key plays, including Epps’ interception and multiple third-down stops.
Linebacker Ryan Webb was all over the field, contributing to several crucial tackles, while the defensive front made it difficult for Youngstown to find a rhythm in the second half.
With the 28-25 victory, Duquesne’s win over a ranked Youngstown State team not only avenges last year’s playoff loss but also sends a message to the FCS landscape. As the defending NEC champions, Duquesne proved they can compete with and defeat top-ranked programs. This momentum will be critical as the Dukes prepare for their home opener against West Virginia Wesleyan next week.
Player of the Week JaMario Clements will look to build on his breakout performance, while Perrantes and Afful have established themselves as a dangerous quarterback-receiver duo. The defense, buoyed by strong performances, will be eager to make a statement in front of their home fans as Duquesne seeks to continue their winning ways.
The win moves Duquesne to 1-2 on the season, and with confidence running high, they’ll look to keep the ball rolling as the season progresses.
