By Dylan Lux / The Jambar
Following a convincing 59-25 win over Valparaiso University, the Youngstown State University football team looked ahead to Pennsylvania opponent Duquesne University for its Sept. 14 matchup.
Heading into the clash at Stambaugh Stadium, the No. 20 Youngstown State moved up three spots after the win over the Beacons.
Through two starts, sophomore quarterback Beau Brungard completed 29 passes on 39 attempts, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Brungard also led the team in rushing yards with 279 over two contests.
Sophomore kicker Andrew Lastovka opened the game with a 45-yard field goal for the ’Guins, to make the score 3-0.
Duquesne’s next drive lasted two plays, as junior running back JaMario Clements exploded for a 72-yard run to the Penguins’ three-yard line. The following play, sophomore running back Shawn Solomon Jr. punched the ball in the endzone to give the Dukes the lead for the first time this season at 7-3.
The ’Guins responded with two unanswered rushing touchdowns from Brungard and senior running back Tyshon King to open up a 17-7 lead.
With less than two minutes to go in the half, Duquesne senior quarterback Darius Perrantes connected to senior receiver Tedy Afful for a score before halftime.
Youngstown State found itself in scoring position mid-way through the third quarter at the Duquesne 13-yard line, but an interception in the endzone by junior defensive back Antonio Epps ended the Penguins’ drive.
Only one touchdown was scored in the quarter, as Perrantes and Afful connected again for a five-yard touchdown. Duquesne led after three, 21-17.
Youngstown State had two chances to retake the lead in the fourth quarter, but back-to-back punts allowed Duquesne to score a 75-yard rushing touchdown by Clements to seal the win.
King found himself in the endzone with 20 seconds remaining, while senior receiver Max Tomczak caught the two-point conversion attempt to trim the lead to 28-25.
Despite the late comeback attempt, Duquesne recovered the onside kick, and finalized the upset in the Ice Castle.
Youngstown State had possession for 42 minutes in the contest, with Duquesne having the ball for only 18 minutes. King said it’s “unacceptable” that the team only scored 25 points.
“We had too many drives where we stalled out and couldn’t finish,” King said. “Defense only gave up 28, so us as an offense have to hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
The Penguins tallied 10 penalties, costing them nearly 100 yards in the contest. Head Coach Doug Phillips said the team needs more discipline moving forward and that “it starts with me.”
“When you’re getting personal fouls after the whistle, those are selfish plays,” Phillips said. “We’ve got to clean that up and it starts with me.”
Youngstown State will play its final non-conference matchup against FBS opponent the University of Pittsburgh. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Acrisure Stadium.
