Pitt to open vs. Duquesne

PITTSBURGH — For the first time in 86 years, Pitt and Duquesne will meet on the football field.

The neighboring universities announced the Panthers and Dukes will open the 2025 college football season against each other at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff time will be announced a later date.

The last gridiron meeting between Pitt and Duquesne took place on Oct. 21, 1939. The Dukes won that contest, 21-13, in Pitt Stadium.

The Panthers hold a 5-2 advantage in the series that began in 1901.

Pitt’s full 2025 football schedule will be announced later in January by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Driver pleads not guilty

PHILADELPHIA — The driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, as they cycled on a rural New Jersey road pleaded not guilty to the indictment Tuesday after turning down a prosecution offer of 35 years in prison.

Sean M. Higgins, 44, appeared briefly in court in Salem County, New Jersey, and entered a formal plea to the recent indictment in the Aug. 29 deaths. The case will now move toward trial.

Defense lawyers described Higgins as a combat veteran who has faith in the legal system.

The Associated Press