Flyers fall at Duquesne 17-7

The University of Dayton football team squandered too many opportunities in the first three quarters and Duquesne took advantage in the fourth, as the Dukes came from behind to defeat Dayton 17-7 Saturday in Pittsburgh.

 

UD led 7-3 and had outgained Duquesne 274-171 after three quarters, but the Flyers also missed out on numerous opportunities to put the game away.  UD had a 30-yard touchdown pass called back due to a late personal foul call that in the line, missed two field goals and started three other drives near midfield that only resulted in punts.

 

That would come back to bite the Flyers as Duquesne offensive stars Larry McCoy and Sean Patterson took over in the fourth quarter.  Patterson completed five passes in as many attempts on a 77-yard scoring drive to put the Dukes ahead 10-7 with 10:01 left in the game, and then McCoy scored the backbreaker on a seven-yard run with 3:03 left.

 

Duquesne gained over half its 348 yards in total offense in the fourth quarter.  Patterson was six-for-six for 76 yards, while McCoy gained 68 of his game-high 124 yards in the final period.  In four years against UD, McCoy had four 100-yard games. 

 

Dayton’s statistical leader was Will Bardo, who completed 21 of 42 passes for a career-high 232 yards.  He also ran 15 times for 50 yards and scored UD’s touchdown.  Dan Jacob gained 58 yards on 17 carries to lead the Flyers in rushing.  At the receiving end of things, Branden Johnson caught a career-best seven passes for 98 yards.  Gabe Macis added four receptions for 59 yards.

 

Cornerback Kyle Sebetic and Flyer Joe Janasek led the Dayton defense with nine tackles.  Sebetic had eight solo hits.  Linebacker Colin Monnier added eight with a sack.  Safety Ben Welsh and cornerback Howard Savage both had seven tackles, and Savage had his first career interception.

 

UD is 0-2 for the first time since 1999.  Duquesne, who was picked to finish second in the Northeast Conference, is 1-1 on the year.

After the first two games of the year on the road, the Flyers will return to Welcome Stadium for the 2012 home opener against Robert Morris next Saturday, Sept. 15.  Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. ET.