Duquesne opened Northeast Conference play with a suffocating defense while keeping its running backs moving, beating Stonehill 34-14 at Rooney Field on Saturday.

The first few drives were a defensive slugfest for both teams, with the Dukes getting in their own way to start the game. A holding penalty put Duquesne behind the sticks, forcing it to punt the ball away. Stonehill responded with a punt of its own, giving the Dukes an opportunity to finally get a drive going.

Duquesne attempted a 4th-and-6 but was unable to convert in Skyhawks territory. The Dukes defense continued to stifle Stonehill and its run game, only allowing 4:36 in time of possession in the first quarter.

The Dukes broke the game open in the second, as running back Taj Butts ripped off a 19-yard rush on the second pla

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