Defense helps Youngstown State beat Duquesne 34-14

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Nathan Mays threw for 131 yards and ran for 63 yards and a score and the defense played a major role in Youngstown State's 34-14 win over Duquesne on Saturday. The Penguins (3-0) forced three Duquesne turnovers, converting two of them into scores. A pair of quick touchdown runs by Mark Waid gave the Penguins an early 14-0 lead. After the second score, defensive back Bryce Gibson intercepted Duquesne's Daniel Parr and on the next play Joe Craycraft threw a 31-yard strike to London Pearson for a 21-0 advantage with 14:14 left in the first half. A Parr touchdown throw to Jake Dixon made it 21-7 at halftime. The Dukes (1-1) opened the second half by penetrating deep into Penguins territory, but Kyle Hegedus put an end to the drive by forcing a Mark Allen fumble, which was recovered by Zaire Jones for a 7-yard return.