Duquense Edges Central Connecticut State 38-33

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Liam Christenson | November 15, 2025

Duquesne edged Central Connecticut State 38–33 in a wild shootout at Rooney Field, surviving a back-and-forth battle that featured more than 1,100 combined yards of offense. The Dukes leaned heavily on big-play horsepower, highlighted by Taj Butts’ electric 254-yard, three-touchdown performance on the ground — including runs of 57 and 59 yards that flipped momentum. Quarterback Tyler Riddell delivered in key moments as well, throwing for 182 yards and three scores, two of them to Joey Isabella, as Duquesne built leads of 25–13 and 32–20 before CCSU mounted a late charge. 

CCSU refused to fade, riding the arm of Brady Olson, who threw for 423 yards and four touchdowns to keep the Blue Devils within striking distance all afternoon. A 50-yard strike to Donovan Wadley and a 40-yard touchdown to Michael Trovarelli put CCSU ahead 33–32 with just over four minutes left, completing a furious rally. But Butts answered immediately, ripping off a 59-yard game-winning touchdown run on the next drive, and a late Duquesne interception halted the final CCSU push as the Dukes closed out a thrilling home victory.