Venue & Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Kickoff Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Special Note: Duquesne’s 2025 home opener and the 33rd season at Rooney Field
Weather Forecast (Pittsburgh, PA)
Conditions: Mostly sunny with light clouds
Temperature at Kickoff: ~77°F (25°C)
Wind: 4–6 mph from the northwest
Impact: Ideal football weather — minimal wind effect on passing or special teams.
Injury & Availability Report
Duquesne Dukes
Questionable: WR2 (ankle sprain), starting LB (shoulder soreness)
Out: Backup CB (knee)
Lincoln Lions
Questionable: RB1 (hamstring tightness), starting DE (groin strain)
Out: None reported from preseason camp
Recent Form & Trends
Duquesne: Coming off a competitive showing at Pitt, highlighted by WR Joey Isabella’s 8 catches for 120 yards, including a 59-yard reception. Defense extended its takeaway streak to 11 straight games.
Lincoln: Opened 2025 with a 45–9 loss to Grand Valley State; defense will need to tighten against a high-powered FCS offense.
Series History
All-Time Series: First recorded meeting between the programs.
Duquesne vs. Non-DI Opponents: 18–3 since joining FCS in 1993; 13 straight wins vs. non-DI foes.
Key Player Matchups
Duquesne QB Tyler Riddell vs. Lincoln Secondary – Riddell went 13/17 for 206 yards and 4 TDs vs. Lincoln in this game; his efficiency will be key.
Lincoln RB Rondarius Gregory vs. Duquesne Front Seven – Gregory had 16 rushing yards and 86 kick return yards; explosive plays on special teams could flip momentum.
Special Teams Edge – Duquesne’s punt return unit, led by Isabella (36 yards on 4 returns), can create short fields.
Betting Trends
Duquesne has won 17 straight home openers and 25 of the last 26.
Lincoln is 0–4 in its last four games vs. Division I opponents, all by 30+ points.
The Over has hit in 3 of Duquesne’s last 4 home-opening wins.
Game Odds
Lincoln (PA) Lions 55.5
Duquesne Dukes – 28.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
