Game of the Week: RMU at Duquesne
The stage is set for the Northeast Conference football game of the season as the Robert Morris Colonials and the Duquesne Dukes, both undefeated in conference play, prepare to clash on November 9 at Duquesne’s Rooney Field. With both teams fighting for control of the NEC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA FCS playoffs, this matchup is expected to bring intense action, deep-rooted rivalry, and powerful performances from both sides.
This meeting marks the first time since 2019 that RMU and Duquesne face each other on the gridiron. Despite a four-year hiatus, the rivalry remains fierce, fueled by a history of competitive games and shared success. Both teams have claimed six NEC titles—making this game a true battle between league heavyweights. While Duquesne holds the all-time lead in the series at 13-8, RMU won the last encounter and now looks to make another mark in a season where both teams have proved resilient and dominant.
RMU enters the game riding a four-game winning streak, recently securing a nail-biting 6-0 victory over Merrimack, their second consecutive shutout. Led by quarterback Anthony Chiccitt, who has thrown for 1,735 yards this season, and receiver Shawn Charles, who electrified the crowd with an 82-yard touchdown reception against Merrimack, RMU’s offense has shown an ability to make big plays in critical moments. However, it’s the defense that has been the backbone of their success, allowing only 18.1 points per game, the fewest in the NEC. Linebackers Keon Freeman and Jamar Shegog anchor a unit that has recorded three shutouts this season—a feat RMU hasn’t achieved since 1996.
Ranked No. 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the Stats Perform Poll, Duquesne is carrying a six-game winning streak into this contest. Known for their high-powered offense, the Dukes lead the NEC in scoring, averaging nearly 30 points per game, and have scored 30+ points in each of their last five games. Quarterback Darius Perrantes is at the heart of this offensive surge, leading the league with an average of 269.7 passing yards per game. Supported by standout running back JaMario Clements, who leads the NEC in rushing yards, the Dukes’ offense has been a dominant force.
Defensively, Duquesne’s ability to create turnovers has been critical to their success, with the team recording a takeaway in each of their last seven games. Linebacker Ty Howard, who recently made a red-zone interception, has been a key playmaker in keeping opposing offenses in check.
The implications of this game extend beyond conference bragging rights. The winner will be in the driver’s seat for the NEC title, with a clear path to securing the league’s automatic berth in the NCAA FCS playoffs. For RMU, this could mean a return to NEC dominance for the first time since their last title in 2010, while Duquesne aims for a repeat title and its first consecutive playoff appearances.
For RMU, maintaining a low-scoring game could be crucial to counter Duquesne’s potent offense. Chiccitt will need to capitalize on his playmaking ability, especially with deep passes to receivers like Charles, while the defense aims to stymie Duquesne’s high-octane attack. For Duquesne, it’s all about leveraging their balanced offense to outpace the RMU defense, with Perrantes and Clements leading the charge.
