Bucknell Football Game Notes at Lafayette

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY 2023 BISON FOOTBALL MEDIA NOTES

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

subject to change

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Hashtag #ACT | #rayBucknell

MEDIA INFORMATION

MID-WEEK INTERVIEWS: All interview requests for Cecchini and Bison players should be directed to Ben Blumenthal at beb019@bucknell.edu or 570-577-1835.

POST-GAME INTERVIEWS: After the NCAA-mandated 10-minute “cooling off” period, Cecchini and Bison players will be available for interviews. Check with the host SID for interview location. Please submit player requests to Ben Blumenthal no later than five minutes before the end of regulation.

CREDENTIAL REQUESTS: Requests for media credentials at Bucknell home games are required and are issued to working members of the press only. Season credentials will be granted to media members who cover Bucknell football on a regular basis. Requests for single-game credentials should arrive no later than three days prior to the game. All single-game credentials may be picked up in the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium press box on game day. Please contact Ben Blumenthal to request a credential.

PROJECTED BUCKNELL STARTERS

SPECIAL TEAMS

BISON NOTES QUICK FACTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location Lewisburg, Pa.

Founded (Enrollment) 1846 (3,925)

Affiliation NCAA Division I

Nickname Bison

Colors Blue and Orange

Conference The Patriot League

President Dr. John C. Bravman

Director of Athletics Jermaine Truax

ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact .......................................................................... Ben Blumenthal

E-Mail beb019@bucknell.edu

Office 570-577-1835

Cell 703-618-5139

Web BucknellBison.com

Athletics Twitter (Football Twitter) @Bucknell_Bison (@Bucknell_FB)

Athletics Instagram (Football Instagram) BucknellBison (Bucknell_FB)

Athletics Facebook Bucknell Athletics

COACHING & SUPPORT STAFF

Head Coach Dave Cecchini

Alma Mater Lehigh University, ‘95

Record at Bucknell 10-30 (5th season)

Career Record ...................................................................... 27-68 (10th season)

Offensive Coordinator John Bear

Defensive Coordinator Chris Bowers

Special Teams Coordinator Colin Schaeffer

Assistant Coaches Vinny Giacalone, Jordan Johnson, Greg Parker Braelon Roberts, Sean Pearson, Pat Clark, McNeil Parker

Strength & Conditioning Coach Mark Kulbis

Student Managers Gia White, Gana Mukhtar, Amina Reyes, Timmy Facey

Video Coordinator Garvey Biggers

Athletic Trainers Kaiti Hager, Rayna Murphy, Maddy Miller

Equipment Manager Liel Karstetter

FOOTBALL HISTORY

First Season ................................................................................................. 1883

All-Time Record 612-624-51

All-Time Patriot League Record 81-123-1

Patriot League Championships 1 (1996)

MAC Championships 1 (1965)

Lambert Cup Titles 2 (1960,1964)

AP All-Americans 59 (most recent Alex Pechin, ‘19)

AFCA All-Americans 12 (most recent Alex Pechin, ‘19)

Academic All-Americans 25 (most recent Rick Mottram, ‘19)

NFL Draft Picks 7 (most recent Julién Davenport, ‘17)

TEAM INFORMATION

2023 Patriot League Preseason Poll T-6th

2022 Record .................................................................................................... 3-8

2022 Patriot League Record (Finish) 2-4 (T-4th) Offensive

Bucknell is looking to spoil Lafayette’s Homecoming and open Patriot League play 1-0 when it visits Easton, Pa. on Saturday. It’s the fourth consecutive season that the Bison have opened league play against the Leopards.

A win on Saturday would even Bucknell’s record at 2-2 after it fell to Penn at home on Saturday. After getting off to a slow start in the first half, the Bison offense came alive over the final two quarters and put up 21 points on three Ralph Rucker passing touchdowns. Wide receiver Eric Weatherly put together a breakout performance against the Quakers and was on the receiving end of two of Bucknell’s touchdown passes.

Lafayette is seeking a third straight victory after dispatching Columbia 24-3 on Sept. 16 and defeating Monmouth 28-3 last weekend. A 4-1 start would be Lafayette’s best since 2009, and second-year head coach John Troxell is looking to capture his 100th career victory at the NCAA level.

Saturday is the 101st edition of the Bucknell-Lafayette matchup. It’s Bucknell’s oldest rivalry, dating back to the team’s first-ever game in 1883. The series is even at 5-5 over the last 10 years, and the Bison are looking to avenge a 24-14 Homecoming loss at Christy last October.

WITH A VICTORY BUCKNELL WOULD...

• move to 2-2 on the season

• move to 1-1 on the road

• improve to 39-56-6 in all-time meetings with Lafayette

• improve to 17-34-5 against Lafayette in Easton

• defeat the Leopards for the first time since the spring 2021 season

• move to 2-3 against Lafayette under Dave Cecchini

BUCKNELL AT A GLANCE

• Bucknell is 1-2 (0-0 PL) on the season after falling to Penn 37-21 at home last weekend. Bucknell opened the season with a 38-3 loss at James Madison and defeated VMI 21-13 in its home opener on Sept. 9.

• Bucknell opens Patriot League play this weekend and is 1-3 in league openers over the last four years. Bucknell has gone 7-15 in league play under head coach Dave Cecchini.

• The Bison were picked to finish in a tie for sixth in the Patriot League based on a vote by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors ahead of the 2023 season.

• Bucknell went 3-8 (2-4 PL) during the 2022 campaign, finishing in a tie for fourth. The Bison, who were picked to finish last in that season’s Patriot League preseason poll, earned league wins over Lehigh (19-17) and Georgetown (24-21, OT) before ending the year with a victory over Marist (24-13).

• Bucknell is in its fifth season under Cecchini, who spent the previous five as head coach at Valparaiso. Cecchini was honored as the Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year during the four-game spring 2021 campaign.

• Bucknell returned a total of 56 letterwinners in 2023, a group that includes 23 seniors, 20 juniors and 13 sophomores. 12 seniors are three-time letterwinners.

• RB Coleman Bennett, LB Blake Leake, QB Nick Semptimphelter and OL Casey Stephenson are serving as 2023 team captains, as voted on by their teammates.

• Bucknell welcomed a host of new faces to the staff this season, including new offensive coordinator John Bear. Wide receivers coach Braelon Roberts, offensive line coach Sean Pearson, defensive backs coach Pat Clark and safeties coach McNeil Parker are all new assistants on the staff as well.

INSIDE THE PENN BOX SCORE

• Bucknell struggled to the tune of just 11 yards in the first half against the Quakers before the offense came alive over the final 30 minutes. Bucknell managed just eight net rushing yards in the game while throwing for 230.

• Penn racked up 515 yards of offense in the game, gaining 354 through the air and another 161 on the ground. The Quakers built a 17-0 lead before the Bison finally got on the board in the third quarter. Penn added two more quick touchdowns in five minutes in response to Bucknell’s score to take a 30-7 lead into the fourth quarter.

Captains Coleman Bennett, Blake Leake, Nick Semptimphelter, Casey Stephenson

Returning All-Patriot League Selections Ethan Pitzel (2nd Team in ‘22)

• WR Eric Weatherly scored two touchdowns for the Bison, reaching the end zone on a 40-yard reception and a 31-yard reception. QB Ralph Rucker also threw a 13-yard touchdown to WR Josh Gary with under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter. It was the first touchdown of Gary’s career.

• Bucknell was unable to get to QB Aidan Sayin, who completed 35 of 49 passes and

INDIVIDUAL HONORS & AWARDS START CHART

BISON NOTES

TYLER ALSTON (2) 2023

• Preseason All-Patriot League Team

COLEMAN BENNETT (3) 2023

• William V. Campbell Trophy nominee 2022

• Academic All-Patriot League Team

• Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week (11/14)

• Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar 2021

• Preseason All-Patriot League

MIKE BRIGHT JR. (44) 2021 Spring

• Patriot League Rookie of the Week (4/5)

JUSTIN FISHER (99) 2021

• Patriot League Rookie of the Week (9/6)

• HM STATS National Freshman of the Week (9/6)

ETHAN PITZEL (77) 2022

• Second Team All-Patriot League

• Academic All-Patriot League Team

MATT SCHEARER (62) 2023

• Preseason All-Patriot League Team 2022

• Two-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week (10/24), (11/14)

ANEESH VYAS (90) 2023

• Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week (9/25)

Damian Harris 24 (16)

Blake Leake 23 (21)

Connor Carretta 23 (5)

Ethan Pitzel 23 (0)

Tyler Alston 21 (13)

Ethan Robinson 20 (20)

Mike Bright Jr. 19 (3)

Zack Tarburton 18 (0)

Aneesh Vyas 16 (1)

Coleman Bennett 16 (0)

Jake Guy 15 (0)

John Schlendorf 14 (14)

Harrison Shepherd 14 (0)

Will Ohler 14 (0)

Fredrick Sturgis 13 (0)

Rushawn Baker 12 (9)

Casey Stephenson 11 (1)

Mason Taylor 9 (0)

Charlie Kreinbucher 8 (6)

Sean Quarterman 7 (1)

Nick Semptimphelter 7 (0)

Marques Owens 7 (0)

Josh Gary 7 (0)

Christian Spugnardi ........................ 7 (0)

Alex Smith Jr. 6 (3)

Okeyo Ayungo 5 (3)

Kyle Fontes 5 (2)

Christian Tait 5 (0)

Roman Pearson 3 (3)

Brad Jamison 3 (3)

Mason Jones 3 (3)

John Ohnegian 3 (3)

Ralph Rucker 3 (3)

Cade Rooney 3 (0)

Tyler Beverett 3 (0)

Adam Barakat 2 (0)

Colby Grames 2 (0)

Nathaniel Carson 2 (0)

Nathan Natoli 1 (1)

Gavin Willis 1 (1)

Eric Weatherly 1 (0)

Danny Meuser 1 (0)

Note: Number in parentheses indicates streak of consecutive starts

three touchdowns. The Bison did, however, win the turnover battle by intercepting Sayin twice. One of Bucknell’s interceptions was in the red zone, and the other came one play before the 40-yard touchdown to Weatherly.

• Bucknell’s Aneesh Vyas blocked both an extra point and a 33-yard field goal in the game, earning him Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week. They were Vyas’ fourth and fifth blocked kicks in two seasons.

LAFAYETTE AT A GLANCE

• Lafayette is one of three Patriot League teams with a 3-1 record and is coming off back-to-back home victories over Monmouth (28-20) and Columbia (24-3). The Leopards’ one loss was to Duke (42-7) after and opening the season with a 19-14 win over Sacred Heart.

• Lafayette currently ranks 10th in the FCS in sacks per game (3.25/g), 18th in rushing offense (199.5/g) and 19th in scoring defense (19.8/g). The Leopards have rushed for over 200 yards in three of their four games.

• Lafayette QB Dean DeNobile was named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week on Monday after passing two touchdowns and rushing for two more in the win over Monmouth.

• RB Jamar Curtis leads the Patriot League and is fifth in the FCS with 509 rushing yards. He’s eclipsed 140 rushing yards three times this season, including a season-high 181 yards against Sacred Heart.

• Lafayette was picked to finish fourth in the 2023 Patriot League Preseason Poll. TE Mason Gilbert, LB Marco Olivas and DB Saiku White were each named to the 2023 Preseason All-Patriot League Team.

• Lafayette finished the 2022 season 4-7 (3-3 PL) and in third place in the Patriot League. The Leopards posted wins over Sacred Heart, Bucknell, Colgate and Lehigh.

• Lafayette is playing under second-year head coach John Troxell. Before arriving in Easton, Troxell spent 15 seasons as head coach at Franklin & Marshall and is seeking his 100th victory on Saturday with a 99-75 career record.

THE BUCKNELL/LAFAYETTE SERIES

• Saturday marks the 101st all-time meeting between Bucknell and Lafayette. The Leopards hold a 56-38-6 edge in the series, which dates back to 1883. Lafayette was Bucknell’s first-ever opponent.

• The series is even at 5-5 over the last 10 matchups, with Bucknell winning four in a row between 2014 and 2017. Lafayette has won four of the last five, as Bucknell last defeated the Leopards during the spring 2021 campaign.

• Bucknell last defeated Lafayette in Easton in 2017 and is 16-34-5 all-time on the road against the Leopards.

• Bucknell and Lafayette have met every season since 1945, a stretch that will reach 79 consecutive seasons with the 2023 contest. It’s also the fourth straight season that Bucknell has opened league play against the Leopards.

THE LAST MEETING WITH THE LEOPARDS

• Bucknell led 6-3 late in the second quarter during the 2022 meeting, but Lafayette scored 21 unanswered to hold on for the 24-14 win in Lewisburg.

• The Bison held the advantage in total offense (307-259) and first downs (18-14), but it wasn’t enough to overcome three thrown interceptions. Two of the three interceptions led to touchdowns, including a pick-six in the fourth quarter.

• Bucknell also turned it over on downs twice, including once at the Lafayette 5-yard line.

• Two of Lafayette’s touchdowns were scored on the ground by Montie Rent, who carried the ball nine times for 34 yards.

• Bucknell’s Rushawn Baker rushed 15 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, and Coleman Bennett ran for 34 yards on nine carries and a score.

NSIDE THE BUCKNELL DEPTH CHART

• Bucknell’s projected starters on offense have made a combined 95 starts.

• Bucknell’s projected starters on defense have made a combined 157 starts.

• On offense, four seniors, four juniors and three sophomores are expected to start.

• On defense, four seniors, six juniors and one sophomore (CB Roman Pearson) are expected to start.

• Two Bison made their first career starts last weekend: OL Nathan Natoli and LB/S Gavin Willis.

• 17 Bison have made at least 10 career starts. Five have started 20 games or more:

WR Damian Harris (24), LB Blake Leake (23), DL Connor Carretta (23), OL Ethan Pitzel (23) and DL Tyler Alston (21).

PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS

BISON NOTES

• Five Bison have starting streaks of 10 or more games in a row: Leake (21), Robinson (20) Harris (16), S John Schlendorf (14), and DL Tyler Alston (13).

• Five Bison, Harris, Leake, Robinson, Schlendorf and Vyas, started all 11 of Bucknell’s games in 2022.

• Only seniors P Ruben Anderson and Alston have played in all 29 of Bucknell’s games over their four years. Leake has missed just one appearance during his career.

• Of the junior class, Schlendorf, Robinson and S Alex Smith Jr. have played in all 25 of the team’s games over three seasons.

PATRIOT LEAGUE SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Saturday, Sept. 23 Columbia 30, Georgetown 0 Fordham 44, Stonehill College 0 Dartmouth 34, Lehigh 17 Holy Cross 47, Colgate 7

37, Bucknell 21 Lafayette 28, Monmouth 20

Saturday, Sept. 30 Lehigh at Monmouth, 1 p.m.

Colgate at Cornell, 2 p.m.

Fordham at Georgetown, 2 p.m.

Bucknell at Lafayette, 3:30 p.m.

Harvard at Holy Cross, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Lafayette at Princeton, 1 p.m.

Holy Cross at Bucknell, 1 p.m.

Georgetown at Penn, 1 p.m.

Lehigh at Fordham, 1 p.m.

POLL

• Six Bison, Nathan Natoli, Gavin Willis, John Ohnegian, Mason Jones, Ralph Rucker and Eric Weatherly, have made their first career starts this season. In 2022, seven players each made their first career start. Two were juniors, two were sophomores, and three were freshmen.

MILESTONES TO WATCH

• Tyler Alston needs 4 tackles to reach 100 for his career.

• Blake Leake needs 17 tackles to reach 200 in his career.

MILESTONES MET LAST WEEK

• Coleman Bennett reached 1,000 career kick return yards.

BISON AWARD WINNERS

• DL Aneesh Vyas was named the Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday (9/25) for blocking an extra point and a field goal against Penn. He’s the first Bison to earn a Patriot League weekly award this season.

• The Bison returned one All-Patriot League player, OL Ethan Pitzel (2nd Team in ’22). DL Tyler Alston and K Matt Schearer were both voted to the 2023 Preseason All-Patriot League Team. Coleman Bennett was a 2021 Preseason All-League honoree as a return specialist.

• The Bison graduated three All-Patriot League players following the 2022 season: LB Ben Allen (2nd Team in ’22), S Brent Jackson (2nd Team in ’22), and CB Gavin Pringle (2nd Team in ’22 and ’19, 1st Team in ‘S21).

• In 2022, Bennett was named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar by the publication Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. The award recognizes undergraduate students of color who have excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic fields.

• Last week, Bennett was named Bucknell’s 2023 nominee for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded by the National Football Foundation to player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance. Bucknell and Dayton are the only schools that have had a Campbell Trophy semifinalist each of the past 17 years.

• Six Bison were named to the 2022 CSC Academic All-District Team: Ben Allen, Connor Carretta, Brent Jackson, Ethan Pitzel, Jonathan Searcy and Aneesh Vyas.

• Bucknell returned two of its three Academic All-Patriot League honorees from the 2022 season: Bennett and Pitzel.

• In March, 50 Bucknell football players were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for achieving a 3.2 GPA or higher. The Bison led all Patriot League teams in the category.

HEAD COACH DAVE CECCHINI

• Dave Cecchini, one of the all-time great wide receivers in Patriot League history who has since gone on to achieve tremendous success in the coaching ranks, was named the 27th Bob Odell Head Football Coach at Bucknell University on February 6, 2019.

PATRIOT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

• Cecchini was voted as the 2021 Spring Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year for guiding the team to a spot in the Patriot League Championship Game. In addition, he was selected as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented by STATS to the FCS Coach of the Year, for the second time in his career.

• In his first season at the helm, Cecchini led the Bison to a hird-place finish in the Patriot League, their highest placement since they were the 2014 runners-up. Their Patriot League victories came over defending champion Colgate (32-14), rival Lehigh (20-10) and Georgetown (20-17); two of their three league losses came by a touchdown or less.

• In 2017 while at Valparaiso, Cecchini was a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s FCS National Coach of the Year and the STATS FCS Coach of the Year awards; he was also voted as the Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year and the AFCA FCS Region 4 Coach of the Year.

• Since arriving at Bucknell, Cecchini’s players have combined to earn 20 All-Patriot League First/Second Team awards as well as one First Team All-American.

INSIDE THE 2023 SCHEDULE

• This is the 138th season of football at Bucknell. The Bison played their first-ever game in 1883 and have played continuously since 1887.

• The Bison opened the 2023 slate against FBS opponent James Madison, which tied for first

PLAYERS

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Dara Adeyemi DAH-ruh ah-de-YEM-ee

Okeyo Ayungo uh-KAY-oh uh-YOUNG-go

Adam Barakat BEAR-a-CAT

Tyler Beverett BEV-er-it.

Princeton Cahee KAY-hee

Aidan Catania Cuh-TAN-ee-ah

Drew Cormier CORE-mee-aye

Kieran Coscia KAH-shuh

Anthony DiLascio di-LASS-ee-oh

Kyle Fontes FON-tess

Deuce Geter GEE-tur

Jack Inserra in-SER-uh

Brad Jamison JAM-uh-sin

Ryan Jedlicka jed-LICK-uh

Matt Karic CARE-ic

Charlie Kreinbucher KRANE-bucker

David LoGrasso luh-GRASS-oh

Danny Meuser MUE-ser

Nathan Natoli na-TOLL-ee

Nick Niemynski Na-MIN-ski

Jeff Odongo Oh-DONG-oh

Will Ohler OH-ler

John Ohnegian oh-NEE-gin

Marques Owens MARCUS

Bradley Pao POW

Ethan Pitzel PIT-zuhl

James Poulos POO-los

Patrick Quinlivan quin-LIV-in

Ryan Schatzel SHAT-zul

John Schlendorf SCHLEN-dorf

Ashton Sempervive semper-VEE-vay

Nick Semptimphelter SEMP-tim-fel-ter

Nick Severin SEV-rin

Daniel Sierk SEER-k

Finn Sposato spo-SA-to

Christian Spugnardi spug-NAR-dee

Aneesh Vyas uh-NEESH VEE-yas

Takai Whitmore tuh-KYE

COACHES

Dave Cecchini cha-KEE-nee

Vinny Giacalone JACK-a-loan

Mark Kulbis KUL-bis

Braelon Roberts BRAY-lon

place in the Sun Belt East Division during its inaugural season in the conference with an 8-3 (6-2 SBC) record.

• After hosting VMI for the home opener on Sept. 9, the Bison remain at Christy MathewsonMemorial Stadium to face Penn, which is coming off its winningest season in more than a decade. It marks the 44th time in the last 45 seasons that Bucknell has had an Ivy League program on the schedule.

• Bucknell’s other non-league games include Cornell on Oct. 14 and Marist to close out the regular season on Nov. 18.

• Bucknell opens Patriot League play on the road at Lafayette on Sept. 30. The Bison will play host to reigning league champion Holy Cross, Lehigh and Georgetown.

• Bucknell’s 2023 opponents went a combined 58-64 last season. They are off to a combined 23-16 record this season.

FACILITY UPGRADES

• Thanks to the support of the Pascucci family, Bucknell’s new artificial turf practice field was broken in last preseason camp. Offering additional training and practice space for several men’s and women’s teams, the new field provides even greater training opportunities for a variety of programs beyond the ones that call Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium home.

• The stadium’s new state-of-the-art video board made its debut in 2021, greatly heightening the fan experience at home events.

• Currently under construction is The Pascucci Team Center which, upon completion, will include a new strength and conditioning center, locker rooms, and a team meeting and event space.

• In recognition of Pascucci’s historic commitment to both financial aid and athletics, the area of campus that includes the stadium and the Christy Mathewson Gates was named the Pascucci Family Athletics Complex.

• The picturesque Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium was dedicated in 1924 and was known originally as Memorial Stadium as a tribute to Bucknell’s numerous war veterans. The stadium underwent a major renovation in 1989, and at that time it was rededicated to honor the iconic Christy Mathewson, who was a three-sport star and model student-athlete during his playing days at Bucknell.

• Bucknell is 256-184-10 all-time at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE BISON

• All of Bucknell’s games this season, with the exception of the season finale at Marist, will be broadcast on ESPN+.

• All of the Bison’s games will be broadcast on 100.9 The Valley (WVLY). The broadcast will also be available for internet streaming on BucknellBison.com.

• Bucknell is active on Twitter (@Bucknell_FB) and Instagram (Bucknell_FB). Interact with the team using the hashtags #ACT and #rayBucknell.

UP NEXT

• Bucknell is back home at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 7 to host reigning Patriot League Champion Holy Cross.

Ryan Sakamoto, Patriot League Media Relations Director (FB) rsakamoto@patriotleague.com >> 610-289-1963 >> PatriotLeague.com

WIDE RECEIVER

29 — Okeyo Ayungo (So. / 6-1 / 185 / Rockville, Md.)

25 — Derrick Anderson Jr. (So. / 6-3 / 175 / Fort Washington, Md.)

LEFT TACKLE

59 — Sean Quarterman (Sr. 6-3 260 Chicago, Ill.)

54 — Harrison Shepherd (Sr. 6-5 280 Wyoming, Ohio)

LEFT GUARD

74 — Casey Stephenson (Sr. / 6-2 / 290 / Philadelphia, Pa.)

71 — Fredrick Sturgis (Jr. 6-4 285 Cincinnati, Ohio)

CENTER

78 — John Ohnegian (So. 6-2 285 Ramsey, N.J.)

71 — Fredrick Sturgis (Jr. 6-4 285 Cincinnati, Ohio)

RIGHT GUARD

73 — Mason Jones (Jr. / 6-6 / 295 / Franklin, Tenn.)

75 — Jake Guy (Jr. / 6-2 / 285 / Philadelphia, Pa.)

RIGHT TACKLE

65 — Zack Tarburton (Sr. 6-3 275 Perkasie, Pa.)

79 — Rowan McGwin (So. / 6-6 274 / Rochester, N.Y.)

TIGHT END

82 — Charlie Kreinbucher (So. 6-5 230 Butler, Pa.)

87 — Kyle Fontes (Jr. 6-4 220 York, Pa.)

WIDE RECEIVER

1 — Eric Weatherly (So. / 5-7 / 171 St. John’s, Fla.)

24 — Josh Gary (So. / 5-11 190 Upper Marlboro, Md.)

WIDE RECEIVER

11 — Damian Harris (Sr. / 6-0 185 / Durham, N.C.)

5 — Christian Tait (Sr. / 6-3 / 185 / Staten Island, N.Y.)

RUNNING BACK

23 — Rushawn Baker (Jr. / 5-11 225 Victor, N.Y.)

3 — Coleman Bennett (Sr. / 5-11 / 185 / Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

QUARTERBACK

10 — Ralph Rucker (Jr. 6-0 207 Lucas, Texas.)

14 — Nick Semptimphelter (Sr. / 6-1 / 190 / Franklin, Tenn.)

BUCKNELL TWO DEEP AT LAFAYETTE

DEFENSIVE END

44 — Mike Bright Jr. (Sr. / 6-4 / 225 Woodland Park, N.J.)

52 — Jack Barnes (Jr. / 6-2 / 220 / Fayetteville, N.C.)

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

90 — Aneesh Vyas (Jr. 6-2 265 West Chester, Ohio)

15 — Cade Rooney (Jr. / 6-3 / 250 / Berwyn, Pa.)

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

0 — Connor Carretta (Sr. 6-2 280 Columbus, Ohio)

92 — Daniel Sierk (So. 6-5 250 Greensburg, Pa.)

DEFENSIVE END

2 — Tyler Alston (Sr. / 6-2 / 230 / Downingtown, Pa.)

22 — Donquarius Parker (So. / 6-1 / 220 / Durham, N.C.)

INSIDE LINEBACKER (MIKE)

33 — Brad Jamison (Jr. / 6-2 / 220 / Upper Township, N.J.)

47 — Jack Goheen (So. 6-2 210 Fishers, Ind.)

INSIDE LINEBACKER (WILL)

34 — Blake Leake (Sr. / 6-1 / 215 / Culpeper, Va.)

13 — Gavin Willis (Fr. / 6-0 / 212 / Louisville, Ky.)

SAFETY

45 — John Schlendorf (Jr. / 5-10 / 180 / Toms River, N.J.)

31 — Drew Cormier (Fr. / 6-1 / 200 / Burlington, Conn.)

SAFETY

20 — Mason Taylor (Jr. / 6-2 / 185 San Pedro, Calif.)

38 — Brad Gerken (Fr. 5-11 / 195 / San Clemente, Calif.)

SAFETY

6 — Alex Smith Jr. (Jr. / 6-2 / 185 / Charlotte, N.C.)

16 — Caleb Gillen (Sr. 5-11 / 185 / White Plains, N.Y.)

CORNERBACK

14 — Roman Pearson (So. 6-2 180 Pickerington, Ohio)

28 — Chris Sims (Jr. 5-9 170 Haverford, Pa.)

CORNERBACK

9 — Ethan Robinson (Jr. 6-0 175 Montgomery, N.Y.)

19 — England Allen (Fr. 5-10 180 Monclova, Ohio)

GAME-BY-GAME STARTERS

PLACE KICKER

62 — Matt Schearer (So. 5-11 / 170 Canonsburg, Pa.)

10 — Ryan Schatzel (Sr. / 6-0 / 160 / Sleepy Hallow, N.Y.)

PUNTER

98 — Ruben Anderson (Sr. 6-2 215 Lenexa, Kan.)

62 — Matt Schearer (So. 5-11 / 170 Canonsburg, Pa.)

LONG SNAPPER

93 — Aidan Davenport (Sr. / 6-3 / 210 / Chatham, N.J.)

61 — Ryan Jedlicka (So. 5-10 180 Greenwich, Conn.)

HOLDER

98 — Ruben Anderson (Sr. 6-2 215 Lenexa, Kan.)

62 — Matt Schearer (So. 5-11 / 170 Canonsburg, Pa.)

KICKOFF RETURN 1

11 — Damian Harris (Sr. 6-0 185 Durham, N.C.)

29 — Okeyo Ayungo (So. / 6-1 185 / Rockville, Md.)

KICKOFF RETURN 2

3 — Coleman Bennett (Sr. 5-11 185 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

1 — Eric Weatherly (So. / 5-7 / 171 / St. John’s, Fla.)

PUNT RETURN

9 — Ethan Robinson (Jr. / 6-0 175 / Montgomery, N.Y.)

1 — Eric Weatherly (So. / 5-7 / 171 / St. John’s, Fla.)

4

2023 BUCKNELL ROSTER

James Madison Ayungo Quarterman Sturgis Ohnegian* Jones* Tarburton Kreinbucher Harris Weatherly* Baker Rucker*

VMI Ayungo Shepherd Sturgis Ohnegian Jones Tarburton Kreinbucher Harris Fontes (TE) Baker Rucker

Penn Ayungo Quarterman Stephenson Ohnegian Jones Natoli* Kreinbucher Harris Fontes (TE) Baker Rucker

Lafayette

Holy Cross

Cornell

Lehigh

Colgate

Fordham

Georgetown Marist

Opponent DE DT DT DE WILL MIKE S S S CB CB

James Madison Bright Jr. Carretta Rooney Alston Leake Jamison* Schlendorf Smith Jr. Taylor Robinson Pearson*

VMI Bright Jr. Carretta Rooney Alston Leake Jamison Schlendorf Smith Jr. Taylor Robinson Pearson

Penn Bright Jr. Carretta Vyas Alston Leake Jamison Schlendorf Smith Jr. Willis* Robinson Pearson

Lafayette

Holy Cross

Cornell

Lehigh

Colgate Fordham

Georgetown Marist

Name

1 ** Marques Owens Jr. WR 5-10 170 Austell, Ga. Harrison

***

* indicates player’s first career start

Weatherly So. WR 5-7 171 St. John’s, Fla./Bartram Trail

Tyler

Sr. P/K 6-0 160 Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. / Sleepy Hollow

11 ** Damian Harris Sr. WR 6-0 185 Durham, N.C. / Hillside

12 * Luke Freeman So. S 6-2 190 Tulsa, Okla. / Victory Christian School 13 ** Tyler Beverett Sr. QB 6-3 205 Scottsdale, Ariz. / Saguaro

13 Gavin Willis Fr. LB 6-0 212 Louisville, Ky. Ballard

14 * Roman Pearson So. CB 6-2 180 Pickerington, Ohio Pickerington Central

(C) Sr. QB 6-1 190 Franklin, Tenn. / Battle Ground Academy 15 * Cade Rooney Jr. DL 6-3 250 Berwyn, Pa. St. Joseph’s Prep 15 Daniel Shuster So. WR 6-1 190 Camp Hill, Pa. Camp Hill 16 *** Caleb Gillen Sr. S 5-11 185 White Plains, N.Y. / White Plains

17

49 Tyler Bower Sr. LB 5-11 215 Weston, Conn. Weston

50 Nick Hoying Fr. S/LB 6-0 195 Kings Mills, Ohio Kings

51 ** Will Ohler Jr. DL 6-3 235 Sudbury, Mass. / Lincoln-Sudbury Regional

51 Kalun Blair Fr. DL 6-1 215 Decatur, Ga. / Burleson

52 ** Jack Barnes Jr. DL 6-2 220 Fayetteville, N.C. Blair Academy (N.J.)

53 Tim Andersen Fr. OL 6-2 280 Madison, N.J. / Delbarton

54 ** Harrison Shepherd Sr. OL 6-5 280 Wyoming, Ohio / Wyoming

55 Mark Dunckle Sr. DL 5-9 220 Factoryville, Pa. Lackawanna Trail

55 Ryan O’Connor Fr. OL 6-2 285 Milford, Mass. Milford

56 Mark Mulhern Fr. OL 6-6 320 Chicago, Ill. / Bethlehem Catholic (PA)

57 Peyton Wilp Fr. DL 6-2 270 Cincinnati, Ohio / Archbishop Moeller

58 Aidan Catania Jr. LB 5-11 200 West Chester, Pa. / Malvern Prep

59 ** Sean Quarterman Sr. OL 6-3 260 Chicago, Ill. / Marist H.S.

60 Kieran Coscia So. OL 6-3 260 Pittsfield, Mass. / Pittsfield

61 * Ryan Jedlicka So. LS 5-10 180 Greenwich, Conn. Greenwich

62 * Matt Schearer So. P/K 5-11 170 Canonsburg, Pa. / Central Catholic

63 Jack Inserra Fr. DL 6-2 215 Saddle River, N.J. Northern Highlands

65 *** Zack Tarburton Sr. OL 6-3 275 Perkasie, Pa. / Pennridge

67 Nathan Natoli So. OL 6-6 260 Olney, Md. / Sherwood

68 D.K. Kim So. OL 6-5 290 Gimpo, South Korea Allentown Central Catholic (Pa.)

69 Dominic DiBlasio Fr. OL 6-5 295 Lumberton, N.J. Bishop Eustace Prep

70 Xavier Allen Fr. OL 6-5 270 Silver Spring, Md. / Gonzaga

71 ** Fredrick Sturgis Jr. OL 6-4 285 Cincinnati, Ohio / Archbishop Moeller

73 ** Mason Jones Jr. OL 6-6 295 Franklin, Tenn. / Franklin

74

** Casey Stephenson (C) Sr. OL 6-2 290 Philadelphia, Pa. / St. Joseph’s Prep

** Jake Guy Jr. OL 6-2 285 Philadelphia, Pa. / Don Bosco Prep (N.J.)

Head Coach: Dave Cecchini (Lehigh ’95)

COACHING & SUPPORT STAFF

Coordinators: John Bear (Trinity International ‘06) (Offensive/QBs); Chris Bowers (Wittenberg ’99) (Defensive); Colin Schaeffer (Juniata College ‘16) (Special Teams/LBs); Offensive Assistant Coaches: Vinny Giacalone (Carnegie Mellon ’10) (TEs/Operations); Jordan Johnson (Buffalo ’16) (RBs); Braelon Roberts (Utah State ‘17) (WRs); Sean Pearson (Wagner ’14) (OL)

Defensive Assistant Coaches: Greg Parker (University of Phoenix) (DL); Pat Clark (Georgia Tech ‘08) (DBs); McNeil Parker (Kenyon College ‘10)) (Safeties)

Student Managers: Timmy Facey, Gana Mukhtar, Amina Reyes, Gia White

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Mark Kulbis (Bowling Green ’13)

Sport Administrator: Tim Pavlechko (Bucknell ’91) (Deputy AD)

Support Staff: Doug Birdsong (Marshall ’87) (Voice of the Bison); Ben Blumenthal (Longwood ’16) (Athletic Communications); Jon Terry (Bucknell ‘93) (Athletic Communications); Garvey Biggers (Video); Kaiti Hager (Cal U (Pa.) ’12) (Athletic Training); Rayna Murphy (Ball State ’17) (Athletic Training); Liel Karstetter (Lock Haven ’10) (Equipment); Tom Ford

ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

18 Pao, Bradley CB

22 Parker, Donquarius DL

14 Pearson, Roman CB

77 Pitzel, Ethan OL

86 Poulos, James OL

59 Quarterman, Sean OL

96 Quinlivan, Patrick DL

9 Robinson, Ethan CB

15 Rooney, Cade DL

10 Rucker, Ralph QB

27 Russell, Ray CB

10 Schatzel, Ryan P/K

62 Schearer, Matt P/K

45 Schlendorf, John S

76 Sempervive, Ashton DL

14 Semptimphelter, Nick ..................................... QB

41 Severin, Nick S

54 Shepherd, Harrison OL

15 Shuster, Daniel WR

92 Sierk, Daniel ...................................................... DL

28 Sims, Chris CB

6 Smith Jr., Alex S

32 Sposato, Finn S

81 Spugnardi, Christian .......................................... TE

74 Stephenson, Casey OL

71 Sturgis, Fredrick OL

5 Tait,

Superlatives

Oldest Mike Bright Jr. (10/27/00)

Youngest ................................ Xavier Allen (7/31/05)

Tallest Dara Adeyemi (6-7)

Shortest Eric Weatherly (5-7)

Heaviest Mark Mulbern (320)

Lightest Ryan Schatzel (160)

In-Season

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

Note: Bold indicates

87 Kyle Fontes Political Science

12 Luke Freeman Undeclared

43 Owen Garwood Undeclared

24 Josh Gary Undeclared

38 Brad Gerken .............. Undeclared Management

26 Deuce Geter Undeclared

16 Caleb Gillen Civil Engineering

47 Jack Goheen Undeclared

88 Colby Grames Biology/Biochemistry

75 Jake Guy Political Science

9 Michael Hardyway Environmental Science

11 Damian Harris Education

50 Nick Hoying Chemical Engineering

63 Jack Inserra Undeclared

33 Brad Jamison Mechanical Engineering

61 Ryan Jedlicka Undeclared

73 Mason Jones Biology

91 Matt Karic Undeclared Management

83 Rourke Kennedy Undeclared Management

68 D.K. Kim Undeclared

82 Charlie Kreinbucher Undeclared Management

95 Grant Laws ....... International Relations/Spanish

34 Blake Leak Markets, Innovation & Design

7 Quentin Lemon Psychology

37 David LoGrasso Undeclared

17 Aidan Mack Undeclared Management

79 Rowan McGwin Undeclared Management

40 Charlie McIntyre Undeclared

4 Danny Meuser Geology/Environmental Science

84 Sam Milligan Undeclared Management

56 Mark Mulhern Biology

67 Nathan Natoli Undeclared Management

21 Paul Neel Finance

94 Nick Niemynski Finance

55 Ryan O’Connor Undeclared

8 Jeff Odongo International Relation

51 Will Ohler Economics

78 John Ohnegian ................................ Undeclared

BISON MAJORS

1 Marques Owens Environmental Science

18 Bradley Pao Undeclared

22 Donquarius Parker Undeclared

14 Roman Pearson Undeclared

77 Ethan Pitzel Finance

86 James Poulos Undeclared

59 Sean Quarterman Finance

96 Patrick Quinlivan Computer Science

9 Ethan Robinson Economics

15 Cade Rooney Finance

10 Ralph Rucker Psychology

27 Ray Russell Computer Science

10 Ryan Schatzel Finance

62 Matt Schearer Mechanical Engineering

45 John Schlendorf Political Science

76 Ashton Sempervive Undeclared Management

14 Nick Semptimphelter ............ Business Analytics

41 Nick Severin Undeclared

54 Harrison Shepherd Finance

15 Daniel Shuster Business Analytics

92 Daniel Sierk Mechanical Engineering

28 Chris Sims Economics

6 Alex Smith Jr. Animal Behavior

32 Finn Sposato Mechanical Engineering

81 Christian Spugnardi Economics

74 Casey Stephenson ........ Environmental Science

71 Fredrick Sturgis Civil Engineering

5 Christian Tait Environmental Studies

65 Zack Tarburton Environmental Studies

20 Mason Taylor Political Science

90 Aneesh Vyas Business Analytics

1 Eric Weatherly Humanities

35 Takai Whitmore Undeclared Management

13 Gavin Willis Undeclared

57 Peyton Wilp

HEAD COACH DAVE CECCHINI

Dave Cecchini, one of the all-time great wide receivers in Patriot League history who has since gone on to achieve tremendous success in the coaching ranks, was named the 27th Bob Odell Head Football Coach at Bucknell University on February 6, 2019.

During the 2021 spring campaign, Cecchini was voted as the Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year for leading the Bison to a spot in the first-ever Patriot League Championship Game. Bucknell, which was picked to finish last in the Patriot League preseason poll, knocked off Pennsylvania rivals Lafayette (38-13) and Lehigh (6-0) to earn a date with defending champion Holy Cross. In addition, Cecchini was selected as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented by STATS to the FCS Coach of the Year, for the second time in his career.

Cecchini’s Bison placed 11 on the 2021 Spring All-Patriot League Team, headlined by a school-record seven First Team selections. Senior linebacker Simeon Page became the fifth Bison to make four All-Patriot League Teams; he later joined Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year Rick Mottram on the Academic All-Patriot League Team.

In 2019, Cecchini led the Bison to a third-place finish in the Patriot League, their highest placement since they were the 2014 runners-up. Their Patriot League victories came over defending champion Colgate (32-14), rival Lehigh (20-10) and Georgetown (20-17); two of their three league losses came by a touchdown or less. Bucknell faced a grueling non-conference schedule, featuring FBS opponent Temple and three nationally ranked FCS teams; the Bison ultimately finished the year with a 3-8 overall record.

Cecchini’s offense set school records in completions (229) and passing attempts (426) during the 2019 season. All-Patriot League First Team wide receiver Brandon Sanders became the sixth Bison to make at least 50 catches in a single campaign while quarterback Logan Bitikofer cracked Bucknell’s top 10 in single-season completions (8th, 175) and single-season passing attempts (t-8th, 305). Defensively, the Bison excelled, leading the Patriot League in conference action in yards per play allowed (4.4), takeaways (14), sacks (32) and defensive touchdowns (4); they also finished second in total defense (319.7) and rushing defense (96.3).

Following the 2019 campaign, five Bison were recognized on the All-Patriot League Team while two made the Academic All-Patriot League squad. Punter Alex Pechin closed his recordbreaking career by capturing numerous awards. Most notably, he was honored as an AllAmerican by every entity that selects an All-America team, became the first football player to earn three-straight Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards, won the inaugural FCS Punter of the Year award and was presented the prestious STATS FCS Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award.

In 2021, Bucknell faced another challenging schedule highlighted by road games at then No. 11/12 Villanova and FBS opponent Army West Point. The Bison were a young team that sent 30 first-time starters to the field, a group that included two seniors, four juniors, 12 sophomores and 12 freshmen and represented just over 30 percent of the roster. At the conclusion of the season, wide receiver Dominic Lyles, who matched the school standard with three touchdown catches in a tight loss to Georgetown, and safety Brent Jackson, who became the first non-senior to be presented the Bison Gridiron Club Award as Team MVP since 2012, were voted to the Academic All-Patriot League Team.

Bucknell made massive strides defensively during the 2022 season, allowing nearly 10 fewer points per game than the year prior and finishing third in the Patriot League in points allowed per game. The Bison also gave up the fewest passing yards among Patriot League teams and led the league in interceptions. Three Bison earned spots on the Academic AllPatriot League Team – the most during Cecchini’s tenure – and four landed on the All-Patriot League Team. Highlighting the All-League honorees was Jackson, who received the Bison Gridiron Club Award for a second time after leading the FCS in solo tackles per game.

The 2022 Bison pulled out several dramatic victories, defeating Pennsylvania-rival Lehigh with a last-minute field goal and upending Georgetown on the road in the team’s first overtime victory since 2017. Bucknell won its last two games of the season, concluding with a 24-13

win over Marist at home.

The head coach at Valparaiso University from 2014 to 2018, Cecchini has a long track record of building explosive offenses at elite academic institutions. Previously the offensive coordinator at Lehigh University, The Citadel and Harvard University, his offenses have shattered school records at his every stop, propelling his teams to a combined seven conference championships. An AllAmerican wide receiver at Lehigh during his playing days in the early 1990s, Cecchini spent 13 of his previous 24 seasons as a coach at his alma mater.

In 2014, Cecchini took over a Valparaiso football program that had won just three games, all against the same opponent, in the four seasons before his arrival. The 2017 campaign saw Valparaiso reach new heights thanks to a potent offense that totaled 330 points and 4,398 yards, both good for second in school history. Picked to finish 10th of 11 teams in the Pioneer Football League, Valparaiso tied for third with a 5-3 record, its most league wins since 1961. Overall, Valparaiso finished above .500, at 6-5, for the first time since 2003.

For guiding Valparaiso’s turnaround, Cecchini was a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s FCS National Coach of the Year and the STATS FCS Coach of the Year awards; he was also voted as the Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year and the AFCA FCS Region 4 Coach of the Year.

Cecchini left Valparaiso as the program’s winningest coach through 50 games since 1986. Other highlights of his time at Valparaiso included defeating rival Butler in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2005, going 4-0 in conference games at Brown Field in 2017 and sending two student-athletes to the 2018 FCS National Bowl, which showcases the FCS’s top players.

Before becoming the 17th head football coach in Valparaiso history, Cecchini spent four seasons as the offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach at Lehigh. During his second stint on the Mountain Hawk staff, Cecchini built one of the most proficient and explosive offenses in the nation. In 2011, Lehigh ranked in the FCS’s top five in total offense (469.6) and passing offense (340.6) while averaging a Patriot League-best 32.5 points per game. Ten offensive players captured All-Patriot League laurels that season, headlined by Offensive Player of the Year Chris Lum. Lum, who was also the runner-up for the Walter Payton Award, broke the Patriot League’s single-season record for passing yards (4,378) and touchdown passes (32). For his role in Lehigh’s success, Cecchini was a finalist for the FootballScoop FCS Coordinator of the Year award.

HEAD COACH DAVE CECCHINI

With Cecchini guiding the offense, the Mountain Hawks went a combined 39-9 and won two Patriot League titles. Wide receiver Lee Kurfis led the nation in receiving yards per game (122.8) in 2013 while quarterback Mike Colvin finished fifth nationally in total offense (326.64) the year before. Under Cecchini’s watch, four Mountain Hawks garnered All-America honors.

From 2007 to 2009, Cecchini served as The Citadel’s offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. During his first season in Charleston, the Bulldogs finished with their best record in 15 years, bolstered by an offense that set 16 school records, including points per game (39.5) and total offense (437.6). Cecchini mentored wide receiver Andre Roberts, a First Team AllAmerican who set Citadel records in single-season receptions (95), receiving yards (1,334) and touchdown catches (15). Roberts, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2010 National Football League Draft, is currently a member of the Buffalo Bills organization.

Beginning in 2003, Cecchini spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at Harvard. His fast-paced offense paid immediate dividends, as the Crimson averaged 461 yards per game during his first campaign, a figure good for fourth nationally. The next season, Harvard went 10-0 and won the Ivy League championship. After the Crimson led the Ivy League in aggregate offense, the AFCA selected Cecchini as its 2005 Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award winner.

Under Cecchini’s tutelage, 14 Harvard records fell, including points per game (33.9). Among his charges was quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the 2004 Ivy League Player of the Year who was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 2005 NFL Draft. Fitzpatrick, who is currently the quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, has also spent time in six other NFL organizations.

Before his tenure in Cambridge, Cecchini spent nine seasons on his alma mater’s staff. In 2000, Cecchini’s first campaign as offensive coordinator, Lehigh went 11-0 during the regular season and reached the Division I-AA (now FCS) quarterfinals. Following that season, Cecchini was promoted to assistant head coach while retaining his responsibilities as offensive coordinator. In 2001, his up-tempo offense averaged 38.3 points per game, helping the Mountain Hawks secure their second-straight undefeated regular season and championship quarterfinal appearance. In Cecchini’s first three seasons directing the offense, Lehigh posted a combined 31-6 record and captured two Patriot League titles.

During his playing days at Lehigh, Cecchini became a consensus First Team All-American after leading the nation in receptions and receiving yards per game in 1993. That season, he set Patriot League records in receptions (88), receiving yards (1,318) and touchdown receptions (15); his 15 touchdown catches remain the Patriot League standard to this day. Cecchini, who was later named to the Patriot League 15th Anniversary Team, graduated from Lehigh in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

Cecchini first joined the Mountain Hawk football staff as a tight ends coach. He also served as a running backs coach, quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator. During Cecchini’s first stint in Bethlehem, Lehigh averaged more than 350 yards of offense and over 26 points per game.

Cecchini and his wife, Tammy, have two sons: Evan and Will.

Personal

Date of Birth: March 9, 1972

Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota

Wife: Tammy (head women’s tennis coach at Bucknell)

Children: Sons Evan and Will

Education

Lehigh University, B.S. in marketing, 1995

Head Coaching Career Year School Record Pct.

2014 Valparaiso 4-8 .333

2015 Valparaiso 1-9 .100

2016 Valparaiso 4-7 .364

2017 Valparaiso 6-5 .545

2018 Valparaiso 2-9 .182

2019 Bucknell 3-8 .273

2021 Spring Bucknell 2-2 .500

2021 Bucknell 1-10 .091

2022 Bucknell 3-8 .273

2023 Bucknell 1-2 .333

Totals 27-68 .284

Coaching Experience

Years School Position

1994-02 Lehigh Tight Ends (1994)

Running Backs (1995) Quarterbacks (1996) Wide Receivers (1997-99)

Offensive Coordinator/WR (2000)

Assistant Head Coach/ Offensive Coordinator/QB (2001-02)

2003-05 Harvard Offensive Coordinator/QB/WR

2006-09 The Citadel Offensive Coordinator/WR

2010-13 Lehigh Offensive Coordinator/QB

2014-18 Valparaiso Head Coach

2019-pres. Bucknell Head Coach

Career Highlights

• Winner of seven conference championships

• 2021 Spring Patriot League Dick Biddle Coach of the Year

• 2021 Spring STATS FCS National Coach of the Year Finalist

• 2017 AFCA FCS National Coach of the Year Finalist

• 2017 STATS FCS National Coach of the Year Finalist

• 2017 FCA FCS Region 4 Coach of the Year

• 2017 Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year

• 2011 FootballScoop FCS Coordinator of the Year

• Coached WR Andre Roberts, a 2010 NFL Draft pick, at The Citadel

• 2005 AFCA Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award

• Coached QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a 2005 NFL Draft pick, at Harvard

• 1993 consensus First Team All-American as Lehigh wide receiver

• Voted to the Patriot League 15th Anniversary Team

THE LAST TIME A BUCKNELL TEAM...

BUCKNELL’S RECORD WHEN...

ABOUT LAFAYETTE

Shut out an opponent

Was shut out by an opponent

Finished a game with a tie score

Scored 40-49 points

Scored 50-59 points

Scored 60-69 points

Apr. 3, 2021 at Lehigh (6-0)

Oct. 8, 2022 at Holy Cross (0-57)

Nov. 14, 1987 vs. Lehigh (21-21)

Sept. 2, 2017 vs. Marist (45-6)

Nov. 1, 2003 vs. Holy Cross (53-31)

Oct. 24, 1987 vs. Columbia (62-20)

Scored 70-79 points Oct. 10, 1964 vs. Ohio Wesleyan in Newark, Del. (72-0)

Allowed 40-49 points

Allowed 50-59 points

Allowed 60-69 points

Allowed 70-79 points

Allowed 80+ points

Did not commit a turnover

Forced five turnovers

Forced six turnovers

Forced seven turnovers

Committed five or more turnovers

Did not commit a penalty

Was penalized for at least 100 yards

Won an overtime game

Played an overtime game

Had two 100-yard rushers in the same game

Sept. 17, 2022 at Central Michigan (0-41)

Oct. 8, 2022 at Holy Cross (0-57)

Nov. 13, 2021 at Army West Point (10-63)

Nov. 25, 1916 at Georgetown (0-78)

Oct. 8, 1966 at Temple (28-82)

Sept. 23, 2023 vs. Penn (21-37)

Oct. 15, 2022 at Yale (4 INT, 1 fumble) (9-29)

Sept. 3, 2016 at Marist (4 INT, 2 fumbles) (26-10)

Oct. 29, 2011 at Lafayette (3 INT, 4 fumbles) (39-13)

Apr. 17, 2021 vs. Holy Cross (5 INT) (10-33)

Sept. 19, 2009 at Cornell (9-33)

Oct. 17, 2015 at Army West Point (105) (14-21)

Nov. 12, 2022 at Georgetown (24-21)

Nov. 12, 2022 at Georgetown (24-21)

Sept. 26, 2007 vs. Marist (Terrance Wilson 108 & Justin Pulgrano 101) (17-16)

Had two 100-yard receivers in the same game Nov. 1, 2014 vs. Lafayette (Jake Hartman 134 & Will Carter 104) (27-24 OT)

Defeated a nationally ranked opponent

Played a nationally ranked opponent

Played an FBS opponent

Oct. 26, 2013 vs. No. 15 Lehigh (48-10)

Nov. 5, 2022 vs. No. 24/18 Fordham (17-59)

Sept. 2, 2023 at James Madison (3-38)

Won 10 games 1997 (10-1)

Won eight games 2014 (8-3)

Had a winning season 2014 (8-3)

THE LAST TIME A BUCKNELL PLAYER...

Had 30 rushing attempts Nov. 12, 2016 (Joey DeFloria (31) at Georgetown, 21-7)

Had 40 rushing attempts Oct. 29, 2011 (Tyler Smith (42) at Lafayette, 39-13)

Had 100 yards rushing Sept. 9, 2023 (Rushawn Baker (105) vs. VMI, 21-13)

Had 200 yards rushing Nov. 12, 2011 (Tyler Smith (204) at Fordham, 21-0)

Had a 60+ yard run Oct. 15, 2022 (Rushawn Baker (75) at Yale, 9-29)

Had a 70+ yard run Oct. 15, 2022 (Rushawn Baker (75) at Yale, 9-29)

Had three rushing touchdowns Nov. 4, 2017 (Chad Freshnock vs. Lehigh, 21-42)

Had four rushing touchdowns Sept. 30, 2000 (Jabu Powell vs. Duquesne, 35-14)

Had five rushing touchdowns Nov. 13, 2004 (Daris Wilson vs. Colgate, 42-7)

Completed a 50+ yard pass Sept. 28, 2019 (Logan Bitikofer to Dominic Lyles (52) at Towson, 7-56)

Had three passing touchdowns Sept. 23, 2023 (Ralph Rucker vs. Penn, 21-37)

Had four passing touchdowns Oct. 31, 2015 (R.J. Nitti at Lafayette, 35-24)

Had five passing touchdowns Sept. 24, 1994 (Rob Glus at Harvard, 42-23)

Had 20 completions Nov. 12, 2022 (Nick Semptimphelter (21) at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)

Had 30 completions Oct. 27, 2001 (Todd Wenrich (36) at Fordham, 12-17)

Had 50 passing attempts Nov. 23, 2019 (Logan Bitikofer (50) at Fordham, 14-31)

Had 60 passing attempts Oct. 27, 2001 (Todd Wenrich (67) at Fordham, 12-17)

Had 200 yards passing Sept. 23, 2023 (Ralph Rucker (230) vs. Penn, 21-37)

Had 300 yards passing Oct. 24, 2015 (R.J. Nitti (338) vs. Georgetown, 9-17)

Had 100 yards receiving Sept. 9, 2023 (Damian Harris (101) vs. VMI, 21-13)

Had 200 yards receiving Oct. 11, 2014 (Will Carter (246) at Lehigh, 45-24)

Had 10 receptions Apr. 3, 2021 (Dominic Lyles (14) at Lehigh, 6-0)

Had two touchdown receptions Sept. 23, 2023 (Eric Weatherly vs. Penn, 21-37)

Had three touchdown receptions Oct. 23, 2021 (Dominic Lyles vs. Georgetown, 21-29)

Made a 40-yard field goal Sept. 2, 2023 (Matt Schearer (49) at James Madison, 3-38)

Made a 50-yard field goal Nov. 12, 2022 (Matt Schearer (50) at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)

Had three field goals in a game Nov. 12, 2022 (Matt Schearer at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)

Had four field goals in a game Oct. 14, 2017 (John Burdick at Cornell, 26-18)

Passed for a two-point conversion Nov. 12, 2022 (Nick Semptimphelter to Josh Gary at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)

Rushed for a two-point conversion Nov. 3, 2018 (Jared Cooper at Lehigh, 17-45)

Made seven extra points Oct. 16, 1999 (Chris Lundberg vs. Duquesne, 49-20)

Made 10 extra points Oct. 10, 1964 (Mike Seigfried vs. Ohio Wesleyan in Newark, Del., 72-0)

Had 10+ punts Oct. 19, 2019 (Alex Pechin (11) at Towson, 7-56)

Had a 70+ yard punt Nov. 23, 2019 (Alex Pechin (70) at Fordham, 14-31)

Had an 80+ yard punt Sept. 22, 1984 (Mike Morrow (80) at Northeastern, 33-34)

Returned a punt for a touchdown Aug. 30, 2014 (Josh Brake (62) vs. VMI, 42-38)

Returned a kickoff for a touchdown Nov. 12, 2022 (Coleman Bennett (93) at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)

Returned an interception for a touchdown Mar. 27, 2021 (Blake Leake (41) vs. Lafayette, 38-13)

Returned a fumble for a touchdown Nov. 23, 2019 (Rick Mottram (5) at Fordham, 14-31)

Returned a blocked punt for a touchdown Oct. 13, 2018 (Gerrit Van Itallie (0) at Monmouth, 19-36)

Recorded two interceptions in a game Sept. 15, 2018 (Bryan Marine at Penn, 17-34)

Recorded three interceptions in a game Nov. 20, 2004 (Dante Ross at Duquesne, 30-20)

Recorded four interceptions in a game Sept. 30, 2000 (Kevin Eiben vs. Duquesne, 35-14)

Forced two fumbles in a game Oct. 16, 2021 (Ben Allen at Fordham, 22-66)

Recovered two fumbles in a game Oct. 16, 2021 (Aneesh Vyas at Fordham, 22-66)

Had 15 tackles in a game Oct. 29, 2022 (Brent Jackson (16) vs. Colgate, 7-13)

Had two sacks in a game Sept. 9, 2023 (Connor Carretta vs. VMI, 21-13)

Had three sacks in a game Nov. 23, 2019 (Grayson Cherubino at Fordham, 14-31)

Had four sacks in a game Nov. 18, 2017 (Simeon Page at Fordham, 9-20)

Had four tackles for a loss in a game Nov. 23, 2019 (Gerrit Van Itallie at Fordham, 14-31)

Blocked a punt Sept. 9, 2023 (Jack Goheen vs. VMI, 21-13)

Blocked an extra point attempt Sept. 23, 2023 (Aneesh Vyas vs. Penn, 21-37)

Blocked a field goal attempt Sept. 23, 2023 (Aneesh Vyas vs. Penn, 21-37)

Recorded a safety Nov. 19, 2016 vs. Fordham (22-36)

FOOTBALL INFORMATION

Head Coach: John Troxell

Record at Layette: 7-8 (2nd season)

Career Record: 99-75 (17th season)

Conference: Patriot League Stadium: Fisher Stadium

Capacity: 13,123

Surface: Turf

2022 Record: 4-7

2022 Conference Record: 3-3 (3rd, PL)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: Easton, Pa.

Founded: 1826

Enrollment: 2,729

Nickname: Leopards

Colors: Maroon and White

President: Nicole Hurd

Athletic Director: Sherryta Freeman

Website: GoLeopards.com

SERIES INFORMATION

Series record 38-56-6

Last 10 meetings ................................................................... 5-5

First meeting............... Lafayette 59, Bucknell 0 (Nov. 30, 1883)

Last meeting Lafayette 24, Bucknell 14 (Oct. 1, 2022)

Record at home 22-22-1

Record on road 16-34-5

Record at neutral site 0-0

Streak Lafayette won 2

Last meeting in Easton Oct. 9, 2021

.............................................................Lafayette 27 – Bucknell 0

Last Bison win in Easton ........................ Oct. 21, 2017

Bucknell 13 – Lafayette 7

Last Bison win ........................ March 27, 2021 (Lewisburg, Pa.)

Bucknell 38 – Lafayette 13

Last Lafayette win Oct. 1, 2022 (Lewisburg, Pa.)

...........................................................Lafayette 24 – Bucknell 14

ALL-TIME RESULTS

Year Site Result

1883 Lewisburg, PA LC, 59-0

1888 Easton, PA LC, 54-0

FCS PLAYER RANKINGS

1890 Easton, PA tie, 0-0

1891 Easton, PA BU, 16-10

1894 Easton, PA LC, 44-0

1898 Easton, PA LC, 6-0

1899 Easton, PA LC, 12-0

1905 Easton, PA LC, 47-0

1907 Easton, PA LC, 34-0

1908 Easton, PA tie, 6-6

1910 Easton, PA LC, 12-0

1911 Easton, PA LC, 6-0

1912 Easton, PA tie, 0-0

1920 Easton, PA LC, 10-7

1921 Lewisburg, PA LC, 20-7

1922 Easton, PA LC, 28-7

1924 Lewisburg, PA LC, 21-3

1928 Lewisburg, PA tie, 0-0

1929 Easton, PA BU, 6-3

1932 Lewisburg, PA BU, 14-6

1933 Easton, PA BU, 21-0

1942 Lewisburg, PA BU, 13-7

1945 Easton, PA BU, 26-2

1946 Lewisburg, PA BU, 29-0

1947 Easton, PA LC, 27-7

1948 Lewisburg, PA LC, 19-7

1949 Easton, PA BU, 21-14

TALE OF THE TAPE

(97th) Ralph Rucker (594 yards)

Passer Dean DeNobile (375 yards) Rushawn Baker (164 yards) Leading Rusher Jamar Curtis (509 yards) Damian Harris (164 yards) Leading Receiver Elijah Steward (126 yards) Blake Leake (28 tackles) Leading Tackler Saiku White (34 tackes)

FCS rank in parenthesis Top-30 marks in bold

ALL-TIME RESULTS (CONT.)

Year Site Result

1950 Lewisburg, PA BU, 32-0

1951 Easton, PA BU, 40-21

1952 Lewisburg, PA BU, 45-13

1953 Easton, PA LC, 7-6

1954 Lewisburg, PA BU, 7-0

1955 Easton, PA LC, 34-13

1956 Lewisburg, PA LC, 13-7

1957 Easton, PA LC, 35-13

1958 Lewisburg, PA LC, 34-6

1959 Easton, PA LC, 12-6

1960 Lewisburg, PA BU, 28-0

1961 Easton, PA BU, 13-0

1962 Lewisburg, PA BU, 28-6

1963 Easton, PA LC, 14-13

1964 Lewisburg, PA BU, 54-12

1965 Easton, PA LC, 14-13

1966 Lewisburg, PA LC, 25-7

1967 Easton, PA LC, 21-6

1968 Lewisburg, PA BU, 13-10

1969 Easton, PA BU, 21-20

1970 Lewisburg, PA BU, 30-28

1971 Easton, PA BU, 33-0

1972 Lewisburg, PA BU, 26-7

1973 Easton, PA tie, 0-0

1974 Lewisburg, PA BU, 10-6

1975 Easton, PA BU, 15-5

1976 Lewisburg, PA LC, 17-7

1977 Easton, PA LC, 34-7

1978 Lewisburg, PA LC, 14-7

1979 Easton, PA tie, 0-0

1980 Lewisburg, PA BU, 14-0

1981 Easton, PA LC, 37-0

1982 Lewisburg, PA LC, 37-6

1983 Easton, PA LC, 33-3

1984 Lewisburg, PA BU, 10-3

1985 Easton, PA LC, 47-0

1986 Lewisburg, PA LC, 52-34

Year Site Result

1987 Easton, PA LC, 42-21

1988 Lewisburg, PA LC, 52-35

1989 Lewisburg, PA BU, 54-33

1990 Easton, PA BC, 24-14

1991 Easton, PA LC, 20-16

1992 Lewisburg, PA LC, 49-7

1993 Easton, PA LC, 31-14

1994 Lewisburg, PA LC, 56-14

1995 Lewisburg, PA BU, 30-11

1996 Easton, PA LC, 23-7

1997 Easton, PA BU, 23-21

1998 Lewisburg, PA BU, 33-22

1999 Easton, PA LC, 22-21

2000 Lewisburg, PA BU, 42-30

2001 Easton, PA BU, 17-16

2002 Lewisburg, PA LC, 19-3

2003 Easton, PA LC, 35-17

2004 Lewisburg, PA LC, 14-13

2005 Easton, PA LC, 33-20

2006 Lewisburg, PA LC, 31-0

2007 Easton, PA LC, 34-7

2008 Lewisburg, PA LC, 38-21

2009 Easton, PA LC, 35-14

2010 Lewisburg, PA LC, 33-22

2011 Easton, PA BU, 39-13

2012 Lewisburg, PA LC, 20-14

2013 Easton, PA LC, 31-7

2014 Lewisburg, PA BU, 27-24 OT

2015 Easton, PA BU, 35-24

2016 Lewisburg, PA BU, 42-17

2017 Easton, PA BU, 13-7 OT

2018 Lewisburg, PA LC, 29-27

2019 Easton, PA LC, 21-17

2021 Spring Lewisburg, PA BU, 38-13

2021 Easton, PA LC 27-0

2022 Lewisburg, PA LC 24-14

BISON CAREER HIGHS THE LAST TIME THE BISON AND LEOPARDS MET

Football Falls 24-14 at Home to Lafayette

Rushawn Baker barreled two yards into the end zone to give Bucknell a 6-3 lead late in the second quarter of Saturday’s Homecoming game against Lafayette, but the Leopards went on to score 21 unanswered. Coleman Bennett added another Bison touchdown and a two-point conversion late, but it wasn’t enough as the Leopards held on for a 24-14 victory at a rain-soaked Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

Lafayette quarterback Rent Montie ran for touchdowns in the second and third quarters, including one of 42 yards 3:11 into the second half. Lafayette put the lead just out of reach when defensive back

A.T. Ntantang returned an interception 80 yards with 8:01 to play in the game to make the score 24-6.

Bucknell quarterback Ethan Grady completed 20 of 40 attempts for 199 yards and three interceptions. Baker finished with 71 yards rushing on 15 attempts. Marques Owens hauled in three catches for 44 yards, and Josh Gary caught three for 41 yards.

Bucknell piled up 307 yards for the game compared to 257 for the Leopards.

Bucknell saw several opportunities to score points in the first quarter, including on the opening kickoff of the game when Bennett ran it back 97 yards to the end zone, but a holding penalty wiped it off the board and pushed the Bison all the way back to their own 10-yard line. After forcing a Lafayette punt, Bucknell drove 45 yards on eight plays down to the five, but again it couldn’t capitalize and turned it over on downs.

The Leopards opened the scoring on their second possession, moving the ball 88 yards on 13 plays and settling for a 24-yard field goal to make it 3-0 at the 13:42 mark in the second quarter. La

fayette had a chance to add on another field goal on its following drive, but the attempt hi the upright from 21 yards out.

The Bison caught a break when they punted the ball away from their own 27-yard line with 4:12 to go in the half and Lafayette’s returner dropped it, allowing Caleb Gillen to recover it at the Leopards’ 20. Bucknell took advantage, as Bennett hauled in a one-handed catch for 14 yards, and two plays later Baker turned in his second touchdown of the season. The extra point attempt was missed, however, and the Bison settled for a 6-3 lead.

TEAM STATISTICS GAME NOTES

• The Bison scored two rushing touchdowns, including a 2-yarder by RB Rushawn Baker later in the second quarter and a 13-yarder by RB Coleman Bennett in the fourth quarter. Bennett also caught a 2-point conversion.

• QB Ethan Grady took every snap under center and completed a career-high 20 passes on 40 attempts while throwing for 199 yards.

• Grady threw three interceptions, and it was the first time the Bison lost the turnover battle this season.

• Nine different Bison caught passes, including three each for Marques Owens, Josh Gary and Derrick Anderson Jr. Owens led the way with 44 yards receiving, including a 20-yard catch.

• Bucknell posted three sacks in the game, including 1.5 for Tyler Alston. Ben Allen led the team in tackles with 10.

• Lafayette QB Rent Montie scored two rushing touchdowns in the game while throwing for 122 yards.

• Lafayette RB Jamar Curtis posted a team-high 56 rush yards.

With just 2:05 to play in the half, Lafayette drove 45 yards on seven plays and scored on a 1-yard run by Montie to make it 10-6 going into the locker rooms.

After forcing Lafayette to punt on its opening drive of the third quarter, the Bison gave it back three plays later as Ntantang grabbed his first of two interceptions in the game. It was on Lafayette’s second drive of the half that Montie ripped off the 42-yard run up the middle of the defense to push the lead to 17-6.

Bucknell saw another chance to score points two possessions later after moving the ball 36 yards on 13 plays down to the Lafayette 23, but a 40-yard field goal attempt was blocked with 4:14 to go in the third.

Lafayette added its final touchdown on the pick-six with just over eight minutes to play in the game. On Bucknell’s final drive, Grady connected with Derrick Anderson Jr. for 23 yards, Christian Tait for 12 yards, and Josh Gary for 14 yards down to the Lafayette 13. Bennett ran it in from there for his first score of the season. He also caught the two-point conversion and ran it in, making it 24-14 with 2:16 to go. The Bison were unable to get the ball back the rest of the way.

Ben Allen led Bucknell in tackles with 10, including one for a loss. Tyler Alston, who finished with nine tackles, posted 1.5 sacks. Patrick Quinlivan had a sack for 12 yards as well.

SCORING SUMMARY

TYLER ALSTON (2)

DL SR | 6-2 230

Tackles: 9 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Sacks: 1.5 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22), vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Tackles for Loss: 2 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Interceptions: 1 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

DERRICK ANDERSON JR. (25)

WR SO | 6-3 | 175

Receptions: 3 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Receiving Yards: 32 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Long Reception: 14 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

RUBEN ANDERSON (98)

P/K SR | 6-2 215

Punt Average: 44.0 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Long Punt: 58 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Punt Attempts: 9 at Fordham (10/16/21), at JMU (9/2/23)

Punts of 50+ Yards: 3 vs. Towson (9/3/22), at JMU (9/2/23)

Punts Inside the 20: 3, 4 times (last vs. Colgate, 10/29/22)

Kickoff Attempts: 1 vs. Holy Cross (4/17/21)

Kickoff Average: 52.0 vs. Holy Cross (4/17/21)

OKEYO AYUNGO (29)

WR SO | 6-1 | 185

Receptions: 3 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

Receiving Yards: 35 at VMI (9/10/22)

Long Reception: 34 at VMI (9/10/22)

RUSHAWN BAKER (23)

RB | JR | 5-11 225

Rushing Attempts: 22 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Rushing Yards: 120 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Long Rush: 75 at Yale (10/15/22)

Rushing TDs: 2 at Lehigh (10/22/22)

Receptions: 4 2x (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Receiving Yards: 20 at VMI (9/10/22)

Receiving TDs: 1 at VMI (9/10/22)

Long Reception: 13 at VMI (9/10/22)

All-Purpose Yards: 122, 2 times (last vs. Marist, 11/19/22)

ADAM BARAKAT (85)

WR SR | 6-3 220

Receptions: 4 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

Receiving Yards: 44 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

Long Reception: 16 at JMU (9/2/23)

JACK BARNES (52)

DL JR 6-2 | 220

TEAM LEADERS

Tackles: 7 at Villanova (9/11/21)

Tackles for Loss: 1, 2 times (last vs. VMI, 9/9/23)

Forced Fumbles: 1 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Blocked Punts: 1 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Pass Breakups: 1 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

COLEMAN BENNETT (3)

RB | SR 5-11 | 185

Rushing Attempts: 16 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Rushing Yards: 80 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Long Rush: 23 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

Rushing TDs: 1 3x (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Receptions: 4, 3 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Receiving Yards: 58 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Long Reception: 38 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Kickoff Returns: 5 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Kickoff Return Yards: 128 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

Long Kickoff Return: 93 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Kickoff Return TDs: 1 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Punt Returns: 1 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

Punt Return Yards: 4 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

Long Punt Return: 4 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

All-Purpose Yards: 198 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

TYLER BEVERETT (13)

QB | SR 6-3 | 205

Passing Attempts: 12 at Central Michigan (9/17/22), vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Passing Completions: 6 at Central Michigan (9/17/22), vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Passing Yards: 61 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Long Pass: 28 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Rushing Attempts: 8 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Rushing Yards: 28 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Long Rush: 25 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Rushing TDs: 1 vs. Cornell (10/2/21), vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

TYLER BOWER (49)

LB | SR 5-11 | 215

Tackles: 1 at Villanova (9/11/21)

MIKE BRIGHT JR. (44)

DL | SR | 6-4 | 225

Tackles: 6 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

Tackles for Loss: 2 at Lehigh (4/3/21)

Sacks: 2 at Lehigh (4/3/21)

Pass Breakups: 1, 2 times (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

ALEX BROWN (8)

WR | SO 6-3 | 195

Passing Attempts: 9 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Passing Completions: 5 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Passing Yards: 62 vs. Colgate (10/29/22)

Long Pass: 40 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Rushing Attempts: 11 vs. Colgate (10/29/22)

Rushing Yards: 39 vs. Colgate (10/29/22)

Long Rush: 14 at Holy Cross (10/8/22)

CONNOR CARRETTA (0)

DL | SR | 6-2 | 280

Tackles: 7, 3 times (last vs. VMI, 9/9/23)

Tackles for Loss: 2.5 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Sacks: 2 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

NATHANIEL CARSON (97)

OL | SR 6-6 | 270

Tackles: 3 at Colgate (10/30/21)

Pass Breakups: 1 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Fumble Recoveries: 1 at Sacred Heart (9/4/21)

DREW CORMIER (31)

S | FR 6-1 | 200

Tackles: 1 at JMU (9/2/23)

AIDAN DAVENPORT (93)

LS SR | 6-3 | 210

Tackles: 1 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

SAM DELUCA (42)

LB | SO 6-2 210

Tackles: 1 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

MARK DUNCKLE (55)

DL | SR | 5-9 | 220

Tackles: 1 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

JUSTIN FISHER (99)

DL | JR | 6-6 235

Tackles: 9 at Sacred Heart (9/4/21)

KYLE FONTES (87)

TE | JR | 6-4 220

Receptions: 3 at VMI (9/10/22)

Receiving Yards: 13 at VMI (9/10/22)

Receiving TDs: 1 at VMI (9/10/22)

Long Reception: 7 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

LUKE FREEMAN (12)

S SO 6-2 | 190

Tackles: 2 at Central Michigan (9/17/22), at VMI (9/10/22)

JOSH GARY (24)

WR | SO | 5-11 190

Receptions: 3, 2 times (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Receiving Yards: 41 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Receiving Touchdowns: 1 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Long Reception: 22 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Kickoff Returns: 1 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

DEUCE GETER (26)

S FR 6-1 205

Tackles: 3 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Pass Breakups: 1 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

CALEB GILLEN (16)

S SR | 5-11 185

Fumble Recoveries: 1 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

JACK GOHEEN (47)

LB SO | 6-2 210

Tackles: 3, 2 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

COLBY GRAMES (88)

TE | SR 6-3 | 225

Receptions: 1 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

Receiving Yards: 1 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

Long Reception: 1 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

MICHAEL HARDYWAY (9)

QB | JR | 6-0 180

Rushing Attempts: 1 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

Rushing Yards: 6 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

Long Rush: 6 at Lafayette (10/9/21)

DAMIAN HARRIS (11)

WR | SR 6-0 | 185

Rushing Attempts: 5 vs. Georgetown (10/23/21)

Rushing Yards: 19 vs. Georgetown (10/23/21)

Long Rush: 8 vs. Georgetown (10/23/21)

Receptions: 8 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Receiving Yards: 101 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Long Reception: 48 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Receiving TDs: 1, 2 times (last vs. VMI, 9/9/23)

Punt Return Yards: 6 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Kickoff Returns: 5 at Yale (10/15/22)

Kickoff Return Yards: 117 at Yale (10/15/22)

JACK INSERRA (63)

DL | FR | 6-2 | 215

Tackles: 2 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

BRAD JAMISON (33)

LB JR 6-2 | 220

Tackles: 12 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Tackles for Loss: 1 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Sacks: 1 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

RYAN JEDLICKA (61)

LS SO | 5-10 | 180

Tackles: 1 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

CHARLIE KREINBUCHER (82)

TE SO | 6-5 230

Receptions: 2, 3 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Receiving Yards: 43 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Long Reception: 34 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Receiving Touchdowns: 1 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

GRANT LAWS (95)

DL JR 6-3 | 280

Tackles: 1 at VMI (9/10/22), at JMU (9/2/23)

Tackles for Loss: 0.5 at VMI (9/10/22)

BLAKE LEAKE (34)

LB SR | 6-1 215

Tackles: 16 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Tackles for Loss: 1.5, 2 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23(

Sacks: 1, 3 times (last vs. VMI, 9/9/23)

Pass Breakups: 2 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Interceptions: 1, 2 times (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Interception Return Yards: 41 vs. Lafayette (3/27/21)

Long Interception Return: 41 vs. Lafayette (3/27/21)

Interception Return TDs: 1 vs. Lafayette (3/27/21)

Forced Fumbles: 1 vs. Georgetown (10/23/21)

Fumble Recoveries: 1 at Fordham (10/16/21)

QUENTIN LEMON (7)

LB SR | 6-1 200

Tackles: 3 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

Tackles for Loss: 0.5 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Sacks: 0.5 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

DANNY MEUSER (4)

RB | SR 6-0 200

Rushing Attempts: 21 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Rushing Yards: 90 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Long Rush: 36 at Yale (10/15/22)

Rushing TDs: 1 at Fordham (10/16/21), vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Receptions: 4 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Receiving Yards: 13 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Long Reception: 10 vs. Fordham (4/10/21)

Kickoff Returns: 1 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Kickoff Return Yards: 11 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Long Kickoff Return: 11 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Punt Returns: 1 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

Punt Return Yards: 19 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

Long Punt Return: 19 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

All-Purpose Yards: 92 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Blocked Punts: 1 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

PAUL NEEL (21)

RB | JR | 5-10 | 190

Rushing Attempts: 3 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Rushing Yards: 15 at Villanova (9/11/21)

Long Rush: 12 at Villanova (9/11/21)

Receptions: 1, 3 time (last at JMU, 9/2/23)

Receiving Yards: 6 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Long Reception: 6 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

BISON CAREER HIGHS

JEFF ODONGO (8)

CB | SR 6-2 | 190

Tackles: 2 at Villanova (9/11/21)

WILL OHLER (51)

DL JR | 6-3 | 235

Tackles: 6 at Lafayette (10/9/21), at VMI (9/10/22)

Tackles for Loss: 1, 3 times (last at Lehigh, 10/22/22)

Sacks: 1.5 at Yale (10/15/22)

Pass Breakups: 1, 2 times (last vs. Marist, 11/19/22)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at Yale (10/15/22), vs. Towson (9/3/22)

MARQUES OWENS (1)

WR JR | 5-10 | 170

Receptions: 4, 2 times (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Receiving Yards: 69 at Colgate (10/30/21)

Long Reception: 40 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Kickoff Returns: 7 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Kickoff Return Yards: 111 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Long Kickoff Return: 21 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

All-Purpose Yards: 128 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

DONQUARIUS PARKER (22)

DL SO | 6-1 | 220

Tackles: 3 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

ROMAN PEARSON (14)

CB | SO | 6-2 180

Tackles: 4, 2 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Pass Breakups: 2 at JMU (9/2/23)

Interceptions: 1 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

SEAN QUARTERMAN (59)

OL/DL SR | 6-3 | 260

Tackles: 2 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

PATRICK QUINLIVIAN (96)

DL JR | 6-2 | 205

Tackles: 2 at VMI (9/10/22)

Sacks: 2 at VMI (9/10/22)

Tackles for Loss: 2 at VMI (9/10/22)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at VMI (9/10/22)

Fumble Recoveries: 1 at Yale (10/15/22), at VMI (9/10/22)

ETHAN ROBINSON (9)

CB | JR | 6-0 175

Tackles: 15 at Fordham (10/16/21)

Tackles for Loss: 2 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Pass Breakups: 3 vs. Georgetown (10/23/21)

Interceptions: 1, 4 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at Fordham (10/16/21), vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Sacks: 1 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Punt Returns: 3 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Punt Return Yards: 20 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Long Punt Return: 15 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

CADE ROONEY (15)

DL JR | 6-3 | 250

Tackles: 6 vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Tackles for Loss: 1 at JMU (9/2/23)

RALPH RUCKER (10)

QB JR | 6-0 | 207

Passing Attempts: 34 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Passing Completions: 19 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Passing Yards: 230 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Passing Touchdowns: 3 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Long Pass: 40 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Rushing Attempts: 15 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Rushing Yards: 47 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

Long Rush: 17 vs. VMI (9/9/23)

RAY RUSSELL (27)

CB | JR 6-1 185

Tackles: 1, 3 times (last at Lehigh, 10/22/22)

RYAN SCHATZEL (10)

P/K | SR 6-0 | 160

PATs: 3, 3 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Field Goals: 2 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

Long Field Goal: 45 vs. Lehigh (11/6/21)

Points: 10 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Kickoff Attempts: 4, 5 times (last vs. Fordham, 11/5/22)

Kickoff Average: 65.0 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

MATT SCHEARER (62)

K | SO 5-11 | 170

Field Goals: 3 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Long Field Goal: 50 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

PATs Made: 2 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Kickoffs: 5, 2 times (last vs. Marist, 11/19/22)

Kickoff Average: 45.2 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

JOHN SCHLENDORF (45)

S JR 5-10 | 180

Tackles: 14, 2 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Sacks: 1, 3 times (last vs. VMI, 9/9/23)

Tackles for Loss: 1, 6 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Pass Breakups: 2 at VMI (9/10/22)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at Yale (10/15/22)

Fumble Recoveries: 1 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

NICK SEMPTIMPHELTER (14)

QB | SR 6-1 190

Passing Attempts: 33 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Pass Completions: 21 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Passing Yards: 198 at Georgetown (11/12/22)

Long Pass: 48 vs. Penn (9/18/21)

Passing TDs: 2 at VMI (9/10/22)

Rushing Attempts: 12 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Rushing Yards: 35 vs. Marist (11/19/22)

Long Rush: 12 at Lehigh (10/22/22)

Rushing TDs: 1, 2 times (last vs. Marist, 11/19/22)

DANIEL SIERK (92)

DL | SO | 6-5 250

Tackles: 1 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

CHRIS SIMS (28)

CB | JR 5-9 170

Tackles: 5 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

Pass Breakups: 1, 3 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Interceptions: 1 at Holy Cross (10/8/22)

Interception Return Yards: 17 at Holy Cross (10/8/22)

ALEX SMITH JR. (6)

S JR 6-2 | 185

Tackles: 9 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Tackles for Loss: 1 vs. Cornell (10/2/21), vs. Penn

(9/18/21)

Interceptions: 1, 3 times (last at Lehigh, 10/22/22)

Interception Return Yards: 20 at Lehigh (10/22/22)

Sacks: 1 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Pass Breakups: 2 vs. Towson (9/3/22), vs. Holy Cross (11/20/21)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

CHRISTIAN SPUGNARDI (81)

TE JR | 6-6 | 215

Receptions: 5 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

Receiving Yards: 30 at Army West Point (11/13/21)

Long Reception: 11 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)

Receiving TDs: 2 vs. Towson (9/3/22)

CHRISTIAN TAIT (5)

WR SR | 6-3 185

Receptions: 4 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

Receiving Yards: 35 at Central Michigan (9/17/22)

Long Reception: 19 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

MASON TAYLOR (20)

S | JR 6-2 185

Tackles: 5 at JMU (9/2/23)

Tackles for Loss: 0.5 vs. Cornell (10/2/21)

Pass Breakups: 1, 3 times (last vs. Georgetown, 10/23/21)

ANEESH VYAS (90)

DL JR 6-2 | 265

Tackles: 6 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Tackles for a Loss: 1, 2 times (last at Georgetown, 11/12/22)

Sacks: 0.5 vs. Lafayette (10/1/22)

Forced Fumbles: 1 at Fordham (10/16/21)

Fumble Recoveries: 2 at Fordham (10/16/21)

Pass Breakup: 1 at Yale (10/15/22)

Blocked kicks: 2 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

ERIC WEATHERLY (1)

WR SO | 5-7 | 171

Receptions: 6 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Receiving Yards: 95 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Long Reception: 40 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Receiving Touchdowns: 2 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Punt Returns: 1, 2 times (last vs. Penn, 9/23/23)

Punt Return Yards: 21 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

Long Punt Return: 21 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

GAVIN WILLIS (13)

LB FR 6-0 212

Tackles: 11 vs. Penn (9/23/23)

BISON CAREER HIGHS

2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 1 BUCKNELL

Football Falls to James Madison on the Road, 38-3

The Bucknell football team held the James Madison offense, which ranked 13th in the nation in scoring last season, in check through most of Saturday’s 38-3 loss at Bridgeforth Stadium. The Bison defense limited the FBS foe to 30 passing yards and 24 points through the first three quarters. Bucknell made its way onto the scoreboard with a 49-yard Matt Schearer field goal as time expired in the first half to make it a 17-3 game at the break.

The 38 points allowed were not indicative of the defense’s efforts, as six of JMU’s 13 drives began in Bison territory. Bucknell stood strong and allowed the Dukes to score on just three of those.

The Bison put together two goal-line stands, and Ethan Robinson grabbed an interception on JMU’s opening possession of the game.

Schearer’s 49-yard kick, which was one shy of his career long, was one of the brighter spots on special teams for the Bison. JMU racked up 94 yards on six punt returns, and Bucknell had one punt blocked.

The defense did break late in the game on a 57-yard touchdown pass from Jordan McCloud to Reggie Brown that gave the Dukes a 31-3 lead.

Bucknell’s offense created several chunk plays as well, including a 32-yard pass from Ralph Rucker to Damian Harris and a 30-yard run by Rushawn Baker that set the Bison up at the JMU 23.

Harris hauled in all three of his receptions in the first half for 61 yards. Rucker finished the game 13 of 19 (68.4%) for 140 yards. He also used his legs to escape the pocket on numerous occasions and finished with 17 rushing yards.

Blake Leake led the defense with nine tackles and one tackle for loss. Robinson added two pass breakups to go with his interception.

Both teams turned the ball over on their opening possessions of the game, as Bucknell fumbled four plays in. Bucknell punted it away on its second possession, and the Dukes returned it 25 yards to set up the game’s first score – a 36-yard field goal. JMU returned Bucknell’s next punt 35 yards and got down to the 6-yard line, but the Bison defense forced incompletions on third and fourth down to get the ball back.

TEAM STATISTICS GAME NOTES

• Bucknell entered halftime trailing 17-3 to FBS opponent James Madison in its season opener and ended up falling 38-3.

• JMU averaged 37 points in 2022, which was the team’s first season competing at the FBS level. It finished that season 8-3 after a dominant 19-year run with a .500 record or better in the FCS.

• JMU moved to 41-11 in all-time season openers. It had scored 40 or more points in 16 of those.

• Bucknell led in time of possession by more than four minutes. The Dukes ranked sixth among FBS team in the category last season.

• Bucknell’s defense limited the Dukes to just 30 passing yards through the first three quarters. Ethan Robinson intercepted JMU on its first possession, and the Bison defense made two goal-line stands to get the ball back after turnovers on downs.

• Bucknell’s three points came on a 49-yard FG by Matt Schearer at the end of the first half.

2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 2

BUCKNELL 7 0 0 `14 21

Bucknell Football Wins Home Opener Over VMI, 21-13

The Bucknell football team defeated VMI 21-13 at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium for its home opener Saturday afternoon. The Bison put up strong numbers offensively, and the defense held the Keydets off the scoreboard through three quarters with an outstanding pass rush.

Bucknell (1-1) held on to a narrow 7-0 lead after scoring late in the first quarter. The touchdown lead would remain until VMI (1-1) tied things up in the fourth. Bucknell added two more touchdowns in the final seven minutes, and the Keydets were unable to overcome the deficit.

Bucknell’s defense posted six sacks and eight tackles for loss. It limited the Keydets to 75 rushing yards (1.9 YPC). Brad Jamison supplied a team-high 12 tackles, and Connor Carretta recorded two of the Bison sacks with seven tackles.

The Bison put up 397 yards of offense, which were the most since the spring 2021 season opener. Ralph Rucker threw for 224 on 19-of-30 (63.3%) passing and tossed a pair of touchdowns. He also ran for 43 yards. Damian Harris collected eight receptions for a career-high 101 yards and a touchdown. Rushawn Baker rushed for 105 yards on 22 carries (4.8 YPC) and a touchdown. It was the third 100yard game of his career.

Bucknell’s defense forced five 3-and-outs in the game, including two in the opening quarter. The Bison scored on their second possession of the game, driving 80 yards on nine plays. Rucker hit Harris on a fade route for an 18-yard score and the team’s first touchdown of the new season. Both teams came up empty on the next 16 drives combined. The Bison punted on six consecutive drives, and the Keydets on six consecutive. VMI also missed a long field goal at the end of the first half and another in the third quarter.

Bucknell committed the only turnover of the game, fumbling with 2:53 to play in the third. After the long stalemate, the final 10 minutes of the game were packed with action. VMI’s gametying touchdown came on a 27-yard flea flicker pass from quarterback Collin Ironside to Aidan Twombly.

Goals 0-0 1-8

Sacks: Total - Yards 1-6 3-24

PAT: Total - Made 0-0 5-5

Field Goals: Total - Made 1-1 1-1

The Bison offense followed it up with a 7-play, 71-yard drive and got down to the JMU 23-yard line but were stuffed on 4th-and-1.

Bucknell got the ball back with 2:02 remaining in the first half and trailing 17-0 when Rucker led the team on a 7-play, 43-yard drive that ate up the remaining time. The Bison called timeout with one second left before Schearer split the uprights with ease.

Bucknell forced JMU to punt on its first two drives of the third quarter, but Bucknell’s offense stalled as well. The Bison managed just 16 yards of offense over the final 30 minutes after piling up 204 in the first half.

JMU added one final touchdown with 6:35 to go in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard pass from McCloud to Maxwell Moss. McCloud finished the game 7 of 11 for 144 yards and two touchdowns after entering the game in the second half. Kaelon Black led a dynamic rushing attack for the Dukes, gaining 125 yards on 12 attempts.

Also impressive for the Bison was Eric Weatherly, who pulled down three catches for 20 yards, and Adam Barakat, who made a pair of tough catches for 19.

SCORING SUMMARY

• JMU had six drives start in Bison terriroty and scored on three of them.

TEAM LEADERS

BUCKNELL

GAME NOTES

• After Bucknell scored on its second possession of the game, it turned into a defensive battle in Lewisburg. Bucknell and VMI came up empty on the next 16 drives combined.

• Both teams awoke in the fourth quarter and scored a combined 27 points over the final 13 minutes of the game.

• Bucknell’s defense racked up six sacks in the game, including two by Connor Carretta. Brad Jamison led the defensive effort with 12 tackles and a sack.

• Ralph Rucker completed 19 of 30 passes for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He hit Damian Harris on an 18-yard touchdown and Charlie Kreinbucher on a 7-yard touchdown. Rucker also ran for 47 yards.

• Harris’ 101 yard on eight receptions were a career high.

• Rushawn Baker rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

• VMI’s Collin Ironside went 20-for-30 for 220 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Keydets offense.

• Jack Goheen blocked a VMI punt in the fourth quarter.

Bucknell responded immediately. The Bison drove 79 yards on 11 plays, taking over three minutes off the clock and scoring on a 7-yard pass from Rucker to Charlie Kreinbucher. During that drive, Bucknell faced a 2nd-and-24 from its own 7-yard line before Rucker completed an 18-yard pass to Okeyo Ayungo on second down and a 31-yard pass to Harris on 3rd-and-6 on the following play. Harris had three receptions for 51 yards during the drive.

On VMI’s ensuing drive, it was Bucknell’s special teams that stepped up. Jack Goheen blocked the Keydets’ punt attempt at their own 15-yard line, and Bucknell took over inside the VMI 10. Baker scored three plays later to give the Bison a 21-7 lead.

VMI scored once more on an -play, 39-yard drive, but only 1:30 remained, and the Keydets were unable to recover their onside kick attempt.

Other notable performances for Bucknell included a team-high 117 all-purpose yards for Coleman Bennett, who had 54 receiving, 24 rushing and 39 on returns. Jamison added a sack to his career high in tackles. Leake, Schlendorf and Mike Bright Jr. posted sacks as well. Ruben Anderson averaged 40.4 yards on eight punts, landing two inside the 20.

The win gave Bucknell a 4-3 lead in the all-time series against VMI and its first win over the Keydets since 2015. The Bison have now won back-to-back games at home, including last year’s season finale against Marist.

SCORING SUMMARY

TEAM LEADERS

BUCKNELL

2 1 of 1

Red-Zone Scores-Chances 5-7 1-1

Touchdowns 4-7 1-1

Field Goals 1-7 0-1

Sacks: Total - Yards 4-29 0-0

PAT: Total - Made 4-5 3-3

Field Goals: Total - Made 1-2 0-0

2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 3

Football Downed by Penn at Home, 37-21

Bucknell’s offense came alive in the second half, scoring all 21 of its points and gaining 228 of its 239 yards over the final 30 minutes, but the Penn Quakers triumphed with a 37-21 victory. Penn (2-0) racked up 515 yards of total offense, including 354 through the air, to spoil Homecoming for Bucknell (1-2).

Penn jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Bison made their way onto the scoreboard with one of Ralph Rucker’s three touchdown passes. The Quakers responded to the Bucknell score quickly, however, punching it in twice in four minutes to lead 30-7 heading into the fourth. Bucknell added two more scores in the fourth quarter to arrive at the 37-21 final.

Penn found most of its success through the air, as Aidan Sayin completed 35 of 49 attempts for 354 yards and three touchdowns. Jared Richardson was on the receiving end of most of those passes, finishing with 12 catches for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Quakers converted 9 of 17 third downs compared to Bucknell’s 3 of 12. The Quakers were also dominant with 41:29 in time of possession. Bucknell did win the turnover battle with two interceptions.

Penn also scored twice on the ground, as Jonathan Mulatu rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown, and Liam O’Brien gained 31 yards on six carries and a score.

The Bison managed just eight net rushing yards in the game against an outstanding Penn defensive front that finished second in the nation in rushing defense in 2022.

Eric Weatherly put together a breakout performance for the Bison, hauling in six receptions for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also flashed with a 21-yard punt return. Coleman Bennett finished with a game-high 160 all-purpose yards, including 58 receiving, 13 rushing and 89 on kick returns.

Josh Gary caught Bucknell’s other touchdown, scoring for the first time in his career.

GAME NOTES

• Bucknell struggled to the tune of just 11 yards in the first half before the offense came alive over the final 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Penn totaled 515 yards of offense in the game.

• The Quakers built a 17-0 lead before the Bison got on the board. After Bucknell scored to cut it to 17-7, the Quakers scored two more quick touchdowns in five minutes to take a 30-7 lead into the fourth quarter.

• Eric Weatherly scored two touchdowns for the Bison, scoring on a 40-yard reception and a 31-yard reception. Ralph Rucker also threw a 13-yard touchdown to Josh Gary.

• Penn maintained a potent passing game throughout, as Aidan Sayin completed 35 of 49 attempts for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

• Bucknell was unable to get to the quarterback, but it did record two interceptions and did not commit a turnover in the game.

• The Bison managed just eight net rushing yards in the contest.

• Aneesh Vyas recorded a blocked field goal and a blocked extra point in the game.

The Quakers led 10-0 at halftime with a 249-11 advantage in total yards. Bucknell’s defense and special teams units squandered two other potential scoring chances for Penn. With less than a minute remaining in the first quarter, Sayin threw a ball to the end zone from five yards out that was tipped by Blake Leake and intercepted by Roman Pearson. It was Pearson’s first career pick. Midway through the second, Penn attempted a 33-yard field goal that was blocked by Aneesh Vyas. Vyas later blocked an extra point, and the junior now has five blocked kicks in his career.

With 6:02 remaining in the third quarter and Bucknell trailing by 17, Ethan Robinson intercepted a Sayin pass at the Penn 44-yard line for his second pick of the season. On the very next play, Rucker climbed the pocket and threw deep to Weatherly, who hauled in the 40-yard touchdown. Weatherly’s other touchdown came on Bucknell’s first possession of the fourth quarter when he came in motion and took a shovel pass from Rucker, then weaved through traffic for 31 yards.

The Weatherly touchdown made it a two-score game, but the Bison were unable to slow Penn down in the fourth. Trailing 37-14 with just a minute remaining in the game, Rucker connected with Gary for a 13-yard touchdown. It was the first time a Bison quarterback had thrown three touchdowns in a game since October 2021. Rucker finished with 230 yards through the air. He was sacked four times.

John Schlendorf led the Bucknell defense with 14 tackles and a pass breakup. Leake and Gavin Willis posted 11 tackles each.

SCORING SUMMARY

TEAM LEADERS

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