SOMERSET, N.J. - Duquesne football will appear at least twice on ESPN3 as part of the Northeast Conference agreement with ESPN released today.

All seven NEC members will be represented at least once during the eight-game schedule, which will be carried on ESPN's live multi-screen sports network.

The schedule, which contains three natural rivalry games among its first four dates, closes with back-to-back “Wildcard” weekends. The open “Wildcard” slots will allow the conference and ESPN to feature the most consequential matchups in regard to the race for the NEC’s automatic bid to the Division I FCS playoffs.

Defending NEC champion Saint Francis U will kickoff off the package when it hosts Wagner on September 9. Wagner spoiled SFU’s attempt at a perfect NEC record with a win over the Red Flash in the 2016 regular season finale.

Following a two-week hiatus, Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut State will begin a stretch of natural rivalry games. SHU will welcome its Nutmeg State rival for a 5:00 pm ET start on September 30. Sacred Heart will look to avenge a 37-35 loss to CCSU last November in New Britain.

The package continues on October 14 with Duquesne heading to Robert Morris for the annual Steel City Showdown at 6:00 pm ET. Neither team has led by more than seven points during the fourth quarter in each of the past two meetings.

ESPN3 will return to Pittsburgh on October 21 when Saint Francis U visits Duquesne. The winner of the past two DU/SFU games has claimed the conference’s automatic FCS postseason bid.

Bryant at Wagner (Oct. 28) and Sacred Heart at Bryant (Nov. 4) conclude the scheduled games.

The NEC will select the final two matchups, focusing on the most-meaningful games in the quest for the title.

On November 11, the conference will choose from the following three scheduled contests – Sacred Heart at Saint Francis; Central Connecticut at Duquesne; and Bryant at Robert Morris. The 2017 finale, which is slated for November 18, will feature either Robert Morris at Central Connecticut or Duquesne at Bryant or Wagner at Sacred Heart.

Paul Dottino, a member of the New York Giants Radio Network, will serve as the lead play-by-play voice for the 15th consecutive season. Former NFL head coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Kevin Gilbride returns to the booth for the third straight season to handle the color commentary. John Schmeelk will provide sideline coverage.

2017 NEC Football TV Schedule on ESPN3
Sept. 9 - Wagner at Saint Francis U - 12 pm
Sept. 30 - CCSU at Sacred Heart - 5 pm
Oct. 14 - Duquesne at Robert Morris - 6 pm
Oct. 21 - Saint Francis U at Duquesne - 12 pm
Oct. 28 - Bryant at Wagner - 12 pm
Nov. 4 - Sacred Heart at Bryant - 12 pm
Nov. 11 - Wildcard - 12 pm
Nov. 18 - Wildcard - 12 pm

About ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually.  It is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and streaming devices through the ESPN app. The network is currently available nationwide at no additional cost to those who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.  It is also available at no cost to U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.