College Football

Duquesne readying for another title chase

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

(STATS) - Duquesne's experienced squad will play six times at home as it seeks to defend its 2015 Northeast Conference title during an 11-game schedule announced Thursday.

Coach Jerry Schmitt's Dukes will return 14 starters from an 8-4 season, which included a 5-1 NEC mark and a first-ever trip to the FCS playoffs. Quarterback Dillon Buechel, wide receiver Wayne Capers Jr. and All-America linebacker Christian Kuntz headline the returnees.

After opening the new season at Youngstown State on Sept. 1, Duquesne will play three straight home games against Bucknell (Sept. 10), Dayton (Sept. 17) and Kennesaw State (Sept. 24, Homecoming). The Dukes also will host NEC opponents Robert Morris (Oct. 15), Bryant (Oct. 29) and Sacred Heart (Nov. 12).

The road schedule also includes Jacksonville (Oct. 1) and NEC opponents Saint Francis (Oct. 22), Wagner (Nov. 5) and Central Connecticut State (Nov. 19).

2016 Duquesne Schedule

Sept. 1, at Youngstown State

Sept. 10, Bucknell

Sept. 17, Dayton

Sept. 24, Kennesaw State (Homecoming)

Oct. 1, at Jacksonville

Oct. 15, Robert Morris*

Oct. 22, at Saint Francis*

Oct. 29, Bryant*

Nov. 5, at Wagner*

Nov. 12, Sacred Heart*

Nov. 19, at Central Connecticut State*