Week 12 Stats: 10 tackles (9 solo), 1.5 TFL (6 yards)
A junior from North Huntingdon, PA, Rizzo delivered a strong performance for the FCS Playoff-bound Dukes in Saturday’s de facto championship game at Merrimack. The linebacker posted a game-high 10 tackles — including nine solo — to anchor a Duquesne defensive effort that stymied the Warriors’ offense after halftime. Pitching a shutout during the final 30 minutes, the Dukes held Merrimack to just 61 yards of total offense, allowing them to break open a 14-14 tie and score the 26-14 win. In addition to his 10 tackles, Rizzo pushed the Warriors back six yards on 1.5 tackles-for-loss. The junior has now registered at least one tackle-for-loss in six of seven NEC contests this season. This is Rizzo’s first-ever NEC Defensive Player of the Week honor.