Duquesne gave its homecoming crowd an afternoon to remember Saturday, throttling rival Saint Francis 52-7 at Rooney Field.

“I think it’s awesome,” Duquesne coach Jerry Schmitt said. “Alums, former players, parents and friends come to a game like this, and the campus has been buzzing for the past three, four days.”

Duquesne started the game flawlessly, as defensive back and kick returner Joel Kpassou took the opening kickoff 94 yards to the house. The return was Duquesne’s first kick-return touchdown since 2016 and their first touchdown on the opening kick return since 2014.

The Dukes defense forced a quick three-and-out, giving the ball right back to the offense. Quarterback Tyler Riddell seemed to have a different game plan against Saint Francis, immediately airing the ball out. Riddel

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