STAT LINE: 236 yards total offense, 4 total TD, 81.2 completion pct., 9.7 yards per pass attempt, 81 rush yards, 3 rush TD
Making his first career start, Duke powered the Pioneers' offense to a 42-3 lead over Pioneer League member Stetson through three quarters of play on Saturday night. Prior to watching the final 15:00 from the sideline, the veteran signal caller completed 81.2 percent of his pass attempts and put his running ability on display. Out-gained by only one NEC running back in Week 1, Duke totaled 81 net rushing yards and used his legs to find paydirt thrice. Duke began his day by going 2-for-2 passing for 29 yards on the game's opening possession and proceeded to cap the six-play scoring drive with a two-yard touchdown rush. The Empire State product completed his first 12 pass attempts, including a 9-for-9 clip as the Pioneers quickly built a 21-0 edge. Adding to SHU's 7-0 advantage, Duke hooked up with Andrew O'Neill through the air for a 26-yard scoring strike midway through the first quarter. The quarterback's third touchdown came on a 10-yard scamper with 42 second remaining in the opening period. Following an early second-quarter field goal by Stetson, Duke directed the Pioneers' on fourth touchdown drive. With the Pioneers facing a 4th-and-1 from the Stetson 26, Duke hurried the offense up to the line of scrimmage and took a quick snap all the way to paydirt with 8:45 to go before halftime. In addition to being ony one of three NEC players to rush for at least 80 yards, Duke posted the highest pass completion percentage in the league during Week 1.