BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY 2023 BISON FOOTBALL MEDIA NOTES
SCHEDULE/RESULTS
All times Eastern and subject to change
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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
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
beb019@bucknell.edu
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
Bucknell goes back on the road this weekend for a non-Patriot League game against the 2-2 Cornell Big Red. The Bison are looking to put an end to a three-game losing skid and defeat the Big Red for a fifth time over the six meetings.
Cornell began the season 2-0 for the first time since 2000 but is coming off back-toback losses. The Big Red host the Bison for the first game of a three-game homestand and will look to defeat their second Patriot League Team of the season.
Bucknell is 1-2 in non-league action, capturing its only victory of the year so far against VMI.
WITH A VICTORY BUCKNELL WOULD...
• move to 2-4 on the season
• improve to 1-2 on the road
• move to 2-2 in non-league play
• improve to 16-43 in the all-time series with Cornell
• win a third straight game over Cornell
• move to 2-0 against Cornell under Coach Cecchini
BUCKNELL AT A GLANCE
• Bucknell fell to 1-4 (0-2 PL) with a loss at home to No. 12 Holy Cross last weekend. It was Bucknell’s third consecutive loss, as the Bison fell to 0-2 in Patriot League play. Teams that have beat the Bison have a combined 17-3 record.
• The Bison put up 400 yards of total offense and 27 points on Saturday, both of which were the most Bucknell has posted in a single game since March 27, 2021.
• QB Ralph Rucker has thrown for over 200 yards in three consecutive contests and now has the most single-season passing yards (1,124) by a Bison since Logan Bitikofer (1,686) in 2019.
• WR Derrick Anderson Jr. posted a career day against Holy Cross, hauling in six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. He’s now scored three touchdowns in two games and is the third Bison to record a 100-yard receiving game this season.
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
• RB Coleman Bennett also had one of the best games of his career, totaling 240 all-purpose yards with 106 rushing, 50 receiving and 84 kick return yards against the Crusaders. It was the second time this season Bucknell has had a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game.
• Bucknell currently ranks second in the league in passing but last in rushing. The Bison are averaging 236.2 pass yards per game.
• 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 HOLY CROSS BOX SCORE
• Bucknell trailed throughout Saturday’s game against the 12th-rank Crusaders but was on the verge of cutting it to a one-possession game on several occasions. Trailing 41-27 late in the third quarter, Bucknell threw an interception six yards away from the Holy Cross end zone. Then, early in the fourth quarter the Bison missed on a pass to the end zone on fourth down at the Holy Cross 23-yard line that also would have cut the deficit to a single touchdown.
• Bucknell racked up 400 yards of offense compared to 574 for Holy Cross. Penalties were a major factor for both teams. The Crusaders were penalized 12 times for 130 yards, and Bucknell seven times for 50 yards.
Captains Coleman Bennett, Blake Leake, Nick Semptimphelter, Casey Stephenson
• Bucknell came up empty on three fourth down conversions in the game, and Holy Cross was stopped on its only fourth down try. The Crusaders were 6-for-6 in the red zone, while Bucknell was 1-for-3.
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)
Note: Number in parentheses indicates streak of consecutive starts
• QB Ralph Rucker completed 19 of 35 pass attempts for 248 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. It was Rucker’s second three-touchdown game of the season and only his second pick.
• Sophomore WR Derrick Anderson Jr. caught six balls for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while WR Eric Weatherly scored a 40-yard touchdown on his only reception for Bucknell.
• RB Coleman Bennett totaled 240 all-purpose yards, including 106 rushing yards on 21 carries. He posted a career-long 47-yard rushing touchdown and also grabbed seven catches.
• Holy Cross QB Matthew Sluka completed 19 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 122 yards. RB Jordan Fuller rushed for 147 yards and four touchdowns.
• Both teams recorded just one sack each.
CORNELL AT A GLANCE
• Cornell is 2-2 (1-1 IVY) on the season and coming off back-to-back losses to Colgate and No. 21/19 Harvard. The Big Red’s two wins to open the season were at Lehigh and at Yale. The 2-0 start was Cornell’s first since 2000.
• The Big Red was trailing 14-0 to Yale in the second quarter before outscoring the Bulldogs 23-7 the rest of the way.
• Cornell was picked to finish seventh in the 2023 Ivy League Preseason Poll after going 5-5 (2-5 IVY) last season. The Big Red went 2-0 against Patriot League teams in 2022 and was 3-0 against non-Ivy League foes.
• Cornell’s team features nine Phil Steele Preseason All-Ivy League players, including First Team honoree senior linebacker Jake Stebbins and Second Team quarterback Jameson Wang. Wang is currently third in the Ivy League in passing and seventh in rushing.
• Cornell ranks top-30 in the FCS in passing offense (249.5, 25th), passing defense (177.2, 20th), punt return yards (13.6, 25th) and time of possession (23:27, 2nd).
• Cornell is led by head coach David Archer, who has led the Big Red to a 28-66 record in his 10 seasons with the team. Cornell is 2-4 against Bucknell under Archer.
THE BUCKNELL/CORNELL SERIES
• Cornell leads the all-time series 43-15 against the Bison, bolstered by a 23-game winning streak that stretched from 1892 to 1979.
• The series began in 1888, which was Bucknell’s third season and Cornell’s second.
• Bucknell and Cornell played every season from 2002 to 2017. The Big Red won 10 of those 16 contests.
• The Bison are 4-1 against Cornell in the last five meetings. In 2014, the Bison halted a seven-game losing skid to the Big Red with a 20-7 win at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.
• Bucknell is 7-33 when playing Cornell on the road and has won the last two in Ithaca in 2015 and 2017.
• Bucknell’s last meeting with Cornell was the Bison’s only win of the 2021 season, a 21-10 home victory.
THE LAST MEETING WITH THE BIG RED
• Bucknell rallied to defeat Cornell, 21-10, in its Homecoming game on Oct. 2 by scoring two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
• The Bison defense generated four key turnovers, including two by S Jonathan Searcy that halted Big Red drives in the red zone.
• QB Nick Semptimphelter orchestrated Bucknell’s go-ahead scoring drive, which covered 78 yards in 10 plays and was capped by a touchdown throw to TE Christian Spugnardi.
• Three plays after going up by a 14-10 margin, the Bison got the ball back after CB Sterling Deary intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards to Cornell’s 28-yard line. They took advantage of their favorable field position, with Semptimphelter finishing off the abbreviated drive with a two-yard touchdown run.
• Suddenly down by a 21-10 margin, the Big Red responded with a march all the way to Bucknell’s one-yard line. After a pass interference penalty gave Cornell a fresh set of downs on 3rd and goal, QB Richie Kenney faked the handoff and went for the quarterback keeper score. Searcy leveled him inches before the goal line, knocking the ball free; LB Ben Allen ultimately came up with it in the end zone.
• With the teams tied at 7-7, the Big Red had an opportunity to take a lead into halftime. Cornell began the first half’s final drive on its own 19-yard line and advanced all the way to the Bison’s 11-yard line. Searcy picked off a pass four yards outside of the end zone,
PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS
PATRIOT LEAGUE SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Saturday, Oct. 7
12, Princeton 9 Holy Cross 55, Bucknell 27 Penn 42, Georgetown 39 Fordham 38, Lehigh 35
Saturday, Oct. 14
at Cornell, 1 p.m. Dartmouth at Colgate, 1 p.m. Georgetown at Lehigh, 1 p.m. Fordham at Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Lehigh at Bucknell, 1 p.m. Lafayette at Holy Cross, 1 p.m. Colgate at Georgetown, 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28 Lafayette at Georgetown, 12:30 p.m. Holy Cross at Fordham, 1 p.m. Bucknell at Colgate, 1 p.m.
LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL
PATRIOT LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
BISON NOTES
giving Bucknell the momentum entering the break.
• Semptimphelter threw for 85 yards and one touchdown while also running for a score; both his touchdown throw and run were the first of his career.
• QB Tyler Beverett posted a career-high 61 yards through the air and added a career-best 28 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
• RB Coleman Bennett (41) and WR Marques Owens (49) were the Bison leaders in rushing yards and receiving yards respectively, each setting a new career-high total.
• The Bison held advantages in time of possession (31:44-28:16) and rushing yards (97-34) while the Big Red led in total offense (340-243) and passing yards (306-146); the teams finished tied at 15-15 in first downs.
INSIDE THE BUCKNELL DEPTH CHART
• Bucknell’s projected starters on offense have made a combined 107 starts.
• Bucknell’s projected starters on defense have made a combined 165 starts.
• On offense, three seniors, three juniors and four sophomores and one freshman (OL Xavier Allen) are expected to start.
• On defense, four seniors, five juniors one sophomore (CB Roman Pearson) and one freshman (S Deuce Geter) are expected to start.
• 18 Bison have made at least 10 career starts. Eight have started 20 games or more.
• Four Bison have starting streaks of 10 or more games in a row: Leake (23), Robinson (22) Harris (18), S John Schlendorf (16).
• 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 31 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 27 of the team’s games over three seasons.
• 12 Bison have made their first career starts this season, including three freshmen. In 2022, seven players each made their first career starts. Two were juniors, two were sophomores, and three were freshmen.
MILESTONES TO WATCH
• Ralph Rucker needs one passing touchdown to reach 10 on the season.
• Brad Jamison needs 20 tackles to reach 100 in his career.
MILESTONES MET LAST WEEK
• Tyler Alston eclipsed 100 career tackles.
• Blake Leake eclipsed 200 career tackles.
• Ralph Rucker eclipsed 1,000 passing yards on the season.
• Coleman Bennett eclipsed 500 career receiving yards.
BISON AWARD WINNERS
• Coleman Bennett was one of 201 college football players to be named a 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist. Bucknell and Dayton are the only schools to have a Campbell Trophy semifinalist in each of the last 18 years.
• DL Aneesh Vyas was named the Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, Sept. 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.
PLAYERS
Dara Adeyemi
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
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
BISON NOTES
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.
• 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 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.
• 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 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 opened 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 33-26 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 plays host to Pennsylvania rival Lehigh on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Bison defeated the Mountain Hawks on the road in comeback fashion last fall.
WIDE RECEIVER
BUCKNELL TWO DEEP AT CORNELL
OFFENSE DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS
29 — Okeyo Ayungo (So. / 6-1 / 185 / Rockville, Md.)
25 — Derrick Anderson Jr. (So. / 6-3 / 175 / Fort Washington, Md.)
LEFT TACKLE
70 — Xavier Allen (Fr. / 6-5 / 270 / Silver Spring, Md.)
59 — Sean Quarterman (Sr. / 6-3 / 260 / Chicago, Ill.)
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.)
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
26 — Deuce Geter (Fr. / 6-1 / 205 / Ashburn, Va.)
16 — Caleb Gillen (Sr. / 5-11 / 185 / White Plains, N.Y.)
SAFETY
6 — Alex Smith Jr. (Jr. / 6-2 / 185 / Charlotte, N.C.)
38 — Brad Gerken (Fr. / 5-11 / 195 / San Clemente, Calif.)
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,
1 — Eric Weatherly (So. / 5-7 / 171 / St. John’s, Fla.)
*
2023 BUCKNELL ROSTER
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 (Cazenovia College ’19)
ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
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)
Ryan Schatzel (160)
Niemynski
ROSTER BREAKDOWN
BISON MAJORS
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 1-4 .200
Totals 27-70 .278
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...
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
Scored 70-79 points
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
Had two 100-yard receivers in the same game
Defeated a nationally ranked opponent
Played a nationally ranked opponent
Played an FBS opponent
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)
Oct. 10, 1964 vs. Ohio Wesleyan in Newark, Del. (72-0)
Sept. 30, 2023 at Lafayette 22-56)
Sept. 30, 2023 at Lafayette 22-56)
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)
Nov. 1, 2014 vs. Lafayette (Jake Hartman 134 & Will Carter 104) (27-24 OT)
Oct. 26, 2013 vs. No. 15 Lehigh (48-10)
Oct. 7, 2023 vs. No. 12/12 Holy Cross (27-55)
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
Had 40 rushing attempts
Had 100 yards rushing
Had 200 yards rushing
Had a 60+ yard run
Had a 70+ yard run
Had three rushing touchdowns
Had four rushing touchdowns
Had five rushing touchdowns
Completed a 50+ yard pass
Had three passing touchdowns
Had four passing touchdowns
Had five passing touchdowns
Had 20 completions
Had 30 completions
Had 50 passing attempts
Had 60 passing attempts
Had 200 yards passing
Had 300 yards passing
Had 100 yards receiving
Had 200 yards receiving
Had 10 receptions
Had two touchdown receptions
Had three touchdown receptions
Made a 40-yard field goal
Made a 50-yard field goal
Had three field goals in a game
Had four field goals in a game
Passed for a two-point conversion
Rushed for a two-point conversion
Made seven extra points
Made 10 extra points
Had 10+ punts
Had a 70+ yard punt
Had an 80+ yard punt
Returned a punt for a touchdown
Returned a kickoff for a touchdown
Returned an interception for a touchdown
Returned a fumble for a touchdown
Returned a blocked punt for a touchdown
Recorded two interceptions in a game
Recorded three interceptions in a game
Recorded four interceptions in a game
Forced two fumbles in a game
Recovered two fumbles in a game
Had 15 tackles in a game
Had two sacks in a game
Had three sacks in a game
Had four sacks in a game
Had four tackles for a loss in a game
Blocked a punt
Blocked an extra point attempt
Blocked a field goal attempt
Nov. 12, 2016 (Joey DeFloria (31) at Georgetown, 21-7)
Oct. 29, 2011 (Tyler Smith (42) at Lafayette, 39-13)
Oct. 7, 2023 (Coleman Bennett (106) vs. Holy Cross, 27-55)
Nov. 12, 2011 (Tyler Smith (204) at Fordham, 21-0)
Oct. 15, 2022 (Rushawn Baker (75) at Yale, 9-29)
Oct. 15, 2022 (Rushawn Baker (75) at Yale, 9-29)
Nov. 4, 2017 (Chad Freshnock vs. Lehigh, 21-42)
Sept. 30, 2000 (Jabu Powell vs. Duquesne, 35-14)
Nov. 13, 2004 (Daris Wilson vs. Colgate, 42-7)
Sept. 28, 2019 (Logan Bitikofer to Dominic Lyles (52) at Towson, 7-56)
Oct. 7, 2023 (Ralph Rucker vs. Holy Cross, 27-55)
Oct. 31, 2015 (R.J. Nitti at Lafayette, 35-24)
Sept. 24, 1994 (Rob Glus at Harvard, 42-23)
Sept. 30, 2023 (Ralph Rucker (28) at Lafayette, 22-56)
Oct. 27, 2001 (Todd Wenrich (36) at Fordham, 12-17)
Nov. 23, 2019 (Logan Bitikofer (50) at Fordham, 14-31)
Oct. 27, 2001 (Todd Wenrich (67) at Fordham, 12-17)
Oct. 7, 2023 (Ralph Rucker (248) vs. Holy Cross, 27-55)
Oct. 24, 2015 (R.J. Nitti (338) vs. Georgetown, 9-17)
Oct. 7, 2023 (Derrick Anderson Jr. (115) vs. Holy Cross, 27-55)
Oct. 11, 2014 (Will Carter (246) at Lehigh, 45-24)
Apr. 3, 2021 (Dominic Lyles (14) at Lehigh, 6-0)
Oct. 7, 2023 (Derrick Anderson Jr. vs. Holy Cross, 27-55)
Oct. 23, 2021 (Dominic Lyles vs. Georgetown, 21-29)
Sept. 2, 2023 (Matt Schearer (49) at James Madison, 3-38)
Nov. 12, 2022 (Matt Schearer (50) at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)
Nov. 12, 2022 (Matt Schearer at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)
Oct. 14, 2017 (John Burdick at Cornell, 26-18)
Nov. 12, 2022 (Nick Semptimphelter to Josh Gary at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)
Nov. 3, 2018 (Jared Cooper at Lehigh, 17-45)
Oct. 16, 1999 (Chris Lundberg vs. Duquesne, 49-20)
Oct. 10, 1964 (Mike Seigfried vs. Ohio Wesleyan in Newark, Del., 72-0)
Oct. 19, 2019 (Alex Pechin (11) at Towson, 7-56)
Nov. 23, 2019 (Alex Pechin (70) at Fordham, 14-31)
Sept. 22, 1984 (Mike Morrow (80) at Northeastern, 33-34)
Aug. 30, 2014 (Josh Brake (62) vs. VMI, 42-38)
Nov. 12, 2022 (Coleman Bennett (93) at Georgetown, 24-21 OT)
Mar. 27, 2021 (Blake Leake (41) vs. Lafayette, 38-13)
Nov. 23, 2019 (Rick Mottram (5) at Fordham, 14-31)
Oct. 13, 2018 (Gerrit Van Itallie (0) at Monmouth, 19-36)
Sept. 15, 2018 (Bryan Marine at Penn, 17-34)
Nov. 20, 2004 (Dante Ross at Duquesne, 30-20)
Sept. 30, 2000 (Kevin Eiben vs. Duquesne, 35-14)
Oct. 16, 2021 (Ben Allen at Fordham, 22-66)
Oct. 16, 2021 (Aneesh Vyas at Fordham, 22-66)
Oct. 29, 2022 (Brent Jackson (16) vs. Colgate, 7-13)
Sept. 9, 2023 (Connor Carretta vs. VMI, 21-13)
Nov. 23, 2019 (Grayson Cherubino at Fordham, 14-31)
Nov. 18, 2017 (Simeon Page at Fordham, 9-20)
Nov. 23, 2019 (Gerrit Van Itallie at Fordham, 14-31)
Sept. 9, 2023 (Jack Goheen vs. VMI, 21-13)
Sept. 23, 2023 (Aneesh Vyas vs. Penn, 21-37)
Sept. 23, 2023 (Aneesh Vyas vs. Penn, 21-37)
Recorded a safety Nov. 19, 2016 vs. Fordham (22-36)
FCS PLAYER RANKINGS
FOOTBALL INFORMATION
Head Coach: David Archer
Record at Cornell: 28-66 (10th season)
Career Record: 28-66 (10th season)
Conference: Ivy League
Stadium: Schoellkopf
Capacity: 21,500
Surface: FieldTurf
2022 Record: 5-5
2022 Conference Record: 2-5 (6th, IVY)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Ithaca, N.Y.
Founded: 1865
Enrollment: 15,735
Nickname: Big Red
Colors: Red
President: Martha E. Pollack
Athletic Director: Nicki Moore
Website: CornellBigRed.com
SERIES INFORMATION
Red win Sept. 17, 2016 (Lewisburg, Pa.)
..............................................................Cornell 24 – Bucknell 16
ALL-TIME RESULTS
TALE OF THE TAPE
ALL-TIME RESULTS (CONT.)
TEAM STATISTICS
GAME NOTES
• QB Nick Semptimphelter threw for 85 yards and one touchdown while also running for a score; both his touchdown throw and run were the first of his career. QB Tyler Beverett posted a career-high 61 yards through the air and added a career-best 28 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
• RB Coleman Bennett (41) and WR Marques Owens (49) were the Bison leaders in rushing yards and receiving yards respectively, each setting a new career-high figure.
• TE Christian Spugnardi’s touchdown catch was the first of his career.
• LB Ben Allen (9), S Brent Jackson (9) and S Jonathan Searcy (8) were Bucknell’s top three tacklers, with Jackson and Searcy each logging a new career-best total.
• Searcy’s interception and forced fumble were the firsts of his career. CB Ethan Robinson also posted his first career interception and forced fumble.
• CB Sterling Deary picked off his first pass since the 2018 campaign, his freshman year.
• CB/S Gavin Pringle registered three pass breakups, which tied Cornell’s total number and also matched his career-best figure recorded in two 2019 games.
• Bucknell snapped a 13-game losing streak to non-conference foes that dated back to 2018.
Entering the game, Bison’s last win over a non-conference foe was their 28-16 decision over Cornell on Oct. 14, 2017.
Bucknell Football Rallies to Top Cornell, 21-10
The Bucknell football team rallied to defeat Cornell, 21-10, at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium at the Pascucci Family Athletics Complex. The Bison (1-3, 0-0 PL) scored two unanswered touchdowns during the fourth quarter to pull away from the Big Red (0-3, 0-1 Ivy) in their Homecoming game. Bucknell’s defense generated four key turnovers, including two by Jonathan Searcy that halted Cornell drives in the red zone.
“This was a wonderful football game to be involved in, from the crowd to the atmosphere of Homecoming,” said head coach Dave Cecchini. “It was electric out here. And the way the game went, battling back, taking the lead and then having to protect that lead, we noticed the progress our team has made. Our players deserve 100 percent of the credit. When we needed plays, we made plays. When we needed turnovers, we got turnovers.”
Nick Semptimphelter orchestrated the Bison’s go-ahead scoring drive, which covered 78 yards in 10 plays and was capped by a touchdown throw to freshman Christian Spugnardi.During that march, Semptimphelter completed three-consecutive passes for first downs, with a 24 yarder and a 19 yarder to freshman Marques Owens sandwiched around a 15 yarder to Matt McCreight. Owens’ second catch was a highlight reel, one-handed grab that brought Bucknell to the Big Red’s 16-yard line. Later on, Rushawn Baker picked up three yards on a 4th and 1 at Cornell’s seven-yard line to keep the drive alive.
Semptimphelter’s four-yard touchdown toss to Spugnardi, followed by a good extra point by Ryan Schatzel, gave the Bison a 14-10 lead. Three plays later, they got the ball back after Sterling Deary intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards to the Big Red’s 28-yard line. They took advantage of their favorable field position, with Semptimphelter finishing off the abbreviated drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Once again, they kept their drive alive behind a fourth-down rushing conversion; on a 4th and 3 at Cornell’s 11-yard line, Danny Meuser came up with four yards.
Suddenly down by a 21-10 margin, the Big Red responded with a march all the way to Bucknell’s one-yard line following a 45-yard kickoff return by Javonni Cunningham. After a pass interference penalty gave Cornell a fresh set of downs on 3rd and goal, Richie Kenney faked the handoff and went for the quarterback keeper score. Searcy leveled him inches before the goal line, knocking the ball free; Ben Allen ultimately came up with it in the end zone.
After the Bison went three and out on their resulting drive, the Big Red got the ball back on its own 32-yard line. Bucknell’s defense held fast, with Gavin Pringle and Mason Taylor breaking up passes before Ethan Robinson picked off a third on a Cornell 4th and 10. That interception, Robinson’s first, ultimately iced the game, as the Bison offense proceeded to drain almost all of the remaining 3:27 on the clock to secure their second-straight victory over the Big Red.
Entering the final frame, Bucknell faced a 10-7 deficit. At the third quarter’s 7:34 mark, Cornell took the lead on a 27-yard field goal. It was set up by an acrobatic 29-yard catch by Turner DePalma, which brought the Big Red to the Bison’s 16-yard line. Bucknell’s defense allowed Cornell to advance only six more yards after that play, forcing the team to settle for its field goal.
Following a scoreless first quarter mired by penalties, the Bison and Big Red traded touchdowns in the second frame. Cornell opened the scoring at its 12:53 mark, with a three-yard Delonte Harrell touchdown run completing an eight-play, 58-yard drive highlighted by a 42-yard pass by Ben Mays to Curtis Raymond III.
Bucknell responded with a touchdown of its own on its next drive, with Tyler Beverett leading an 11-play, 75-yard march to the end zone. Beverett, who finished off that drive with a one-yard touchdown scamper, most notably broke free for a career-long 25-yard rush and connected with Damian Harris for an 18-yard reception on back-to-back plays.
The Big Red had an opportunity to take a lead into the intermission. Cornell began the first half’s final drive on its own 19-yard line and advanced all the way to Bucknell’s 11-yard line. Searcy ultimately picked off a Mays pass four yards outside of the end zone, giving the Bison the momentum entering the break.
“Both of Searcy’s turnovers were huge,” Cecchini said. “That’s what we’ve been needing. We’ve been playing solid defense, bend but don’t break, but we have broken at times. It’s not just about keeping points off the board. With our young offense, we’ve needed to get the football in more advantageous field positions, and we got that. Today was also about putting our offense in a position where we’re not having to drive 75 or 80 yards every single time.”
Bucknell held advantages in time of possession (31:44-28:16) and rushing yards (97-34) while the Big Red led in total offense (340-243) and passing yards (306-146); the teams finished tied at 15-15 in first downs. The Bison, who did not turnover the ball once and held Cornell without a sack, went 3-for-3 on their trips to the red zone. They also went 2-for-3 on fourth downs, with each successful fourth down conversion occurring during a fourth quarter scoring drive.
“We’ve got a little more confidence, maybe a little more swagger, after getting this W,” Cecchini said. “This is something we need to build on. We’re not there yet. We haven’t arrived. It was an outstanding football game with a
SCORING SUMMARY
TEAM LEADERS
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: 6 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Receiving Yards: 115 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Long Reception: 36 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Touchdowns: 2 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
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
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, 2 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
COLEMAN BENNETT (3)
RB | SR | 5-11 | 185
Rushing Attempts: 21 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Rushing Yards: 106 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Long Rush: 47 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Rushing TDs: 1, 5 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Receptions: 7 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Receiving Yards: 58 vs. Penn (9/23/23)
Long Reception: 38 vs. Towson (9/3/22)
Kickoff Returns: 5, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Kickoff Return Yards: 137 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Long Kickoff Return: 93 at Georgetown (11/12/22)
BISON CAREER HIGHS
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: 240 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
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)
Receptions: 1 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Yards: 4 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
TJ CADDEN (80)
WR | FR | 6-0 | 185
Receptions: 1 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Yards: 11 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
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: 6 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Yards: 76 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Touchdowns: 1 vs. Penn (9/23/23)
Long Reception: 25 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Kickoff Returns: 1 vs. Fordham (11/5/22)
DEUCE GETER (26)
S | FR | 6-1 | 205
Tackles: 6, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Pass Breakups: 1, 2 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
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)
NICK HOYING (50)
S/LB | FR | 6-0 | 195
Tackles: 2 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
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: 2 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Sacks: 1, 2 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
Pass Breakups: 1 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
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, 4 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
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)
BISON CAREER HIGHS
PAUL NEEL (21)
RB | JR | 5-10 | 190
Rushing Attempts: 6 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Rushing Yards: 15 at Villanova (9/11/21)
Long Rush: 12 at Villanova (9/11/21)
Receptions: 1, 5 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Receiving Yards: 9 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Long Reception: 9 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
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, 2 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
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: 44 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Passing Completions: 28 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Passing Yards: 282 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Passing Touchdowns: 3, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Long Pass: 40, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
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: 5, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
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: 3 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
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, 2 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
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, 2 times (last vs Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
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, 2 times (last at Lafayette, 9/30/23)
Blocked kicks: 2 vs. Penn (9/23/23)
ERIC WEATHERLY (1)
WR | SO | 5-7 | 171
Receptions: 7 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Receiving Yards: 107 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Long Reception: 40, 2 time (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Receiving Touchdowns: 2 vs. Penn (9/23/23)
Rushing Attempts: 1 at Lafayette (9/30/23)
Punt Returns: 1, 3 times (last vs. Holy Cross, 10/7/23)
Punt Return Yards: 23 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Long Punt Return: 23 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Kick Returns: 1 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Kick Return Yards: 9 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
Long Kick Return: 9 vs. Holy Cross (10/7/23)
GAVIN WILLIS (13)
LB | FR | 6-0 | 212
Tackles: 11 vs. Penn (9/23/23)
2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 1
BUCKNELL 0 3 0 0 3
JMU 3 14 7 `14
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.
• JMU had six drives start in Bison terriroty and scored on three of them.
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
TEAM LEADERS
BUCKNELL
2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 2
VMI 0 0 0 13 13
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.
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.
SCORING SUMMARY
TEAM LEADERS
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. BUCKNELL
2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 3
PENN 7 3 20 7 37
BUCKNELL 0 0 7 `14 21
Sept. 23 >> Lewisburg, Pa. >> Mathewson-Memorial Stadium >> 3:30 p.m. >> Attendance: 2,046
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
2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 4
Bucknell Football Drops Patriot League Opener on the Road at Lafayette
Lafayette raced to a 42-12 halftime lead, including 28 unanswered points to begin the game, en route to a 56-22 win over Bucknell at Fisher Stadium Saturday afternoon. Bucknell scored twice in the final eight minutes of the first half to cut the deficit to 35-12, but it was as close as the Bison would get the rest of the way. The Leopards piled up 545 yards of offense in the game and limited Bucknell to negative rushing yards.
The Bison posted 333 yards through the air, with Ralph Rucker throwing for 282 on 28-of-44 passing. Nick Semptimphelter entered the game late in the fourth quarter and threw for 51 yards and a touchdown. Lafayette finished the game with seven sacks compared to Bucknell’s one.
Lafayette had four plays go for 30 or more yards, including two runs for over 50 yards and a 63yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Quarterback Dean DeNobile threw for 229 yards and four touchdowns for the Leopards. Running back Jamar Curtis rushed 10 times for 106 yards and a score.
Lafayette capitalized on a number of Bucknell mistakes early, including blocking a field goal early in the first quarter. The Bison had a punt blocked on the on the first play of the second quarter, setting the Leopards up at the Bucknell 42-yard line. Lafayette went on to score on a 30-yard rush later that drive. Rucker was intercepted on the following Bucknell drive, leading to a seven-play, 20-yard touchdown drive that made it 28-0.
It was on the ensuing drive that the Bison finally made their way onto the scoreboard. With 10 minutes to go in the first half, Rucker hit Eric Weatherly on a 32-yard pass that set the Bison up in Lafayette territory. Four plays later Coleman Bennett scored on a three-yard rush up the middle for his first touchdown of the season.
Bucknell scored again on its next drive to cut the deficit to 35-12 as Rucker went 6-of-11 for 87 yards, hitting Weatherly on a 26-yard post for the score. Weatherly pulled the pass in with one hand for his third touchdown in two weeks. He ended the game with a career-high 107 yards on seven receptions.
GAME NOTES
• Lafayette raced to a 28-0 lead 20 minutes into the game before Bucknell got on the board. The Leopards held a 42-12 lead at halftime. There were a combined 40 points scored in the second quarter.
• Bucknell struggled to run the ball and ended up with -24 net rushing yards. QB Ralph Rucker was sacked seven times in the contest.
• Lafayette ended the game with 545 yards of offense, much of which came on chunk plays including a 63yard touchdown pass.
• Lafayette QB Dean DiNobile threw four touchdown passes, and four different Leopards scored on the ground.
• Rucker threw for 282 yards and a touchdown. Weatherly hauled in seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown.
• QB Nick Semptimphelter entered the game late and threw a 36-yard touchdown to Derrick Anderson Jr. A 3-yard rush by Coleman Bennett accounted for Bucknell’s other touchdown. Bennett also racked up 137 kick return yards.
• Bucknell came up empty on an extra point attempt and a field goal.
It was Lafayette that scored last in the half, however, moving the ball 75 yards in just four plays. Lafayette slowed its offensive pace in the second half, scoring seven points in the third quarter and seven in the fourth. Bucknell put together two more scoring drives. The Bison went 69 yards on eight plays early in the fourth and finished it with a 29-yard Matt Schearer field goal. Then with just a minute to go in the game, Semptimphelter his Derrick Anderson Jr. on a 36-yard touchdown pass. It was the first touchdown reception of Anderson’s career.
Josh Gary joined Weatherly with a solid game receiving, hauling in six receptions for 76 yards. Bennett finished the game with 172 all-purpose yards, posting 40 on five receptions and 137 on kick returns. He returned a kickoff 42 yards to open the second half and took another one 61 yards later in the third quarter. Blake Leake led all Bison defenders with 10 tackles.
SCORING SUMMARY
TEAM LEADERS
2023 GAME REPORTS: GAME 5
HOLY CROSS 17 17 7 14 55
BUCKNELL 7 7 13 `0 27
Oct. 7 >> Lewisburg, Pa. >> Mathewson-Memorial Stadium >> p.m. >> Attendance: 925
No. 12 Holy Cross Outlasts Bucknell Football in Offensive Affair
Trailing 41-27, Bucknell threw to the end zone on fourth and seven early in the fourth quarter with a chance to cut No. 12 Holy Cross’ lead to a single touchdown, but Ralph Rucker’s pass sailed just over Eric Weatherly’s head, and the Crusaders went on to win 55-27 Saturday at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The Bison football team spent much of the afternoon on the cusp of getting the contest down to a single possession, but the Crusaders remained just out of reach.
The failed fourth down conversion was one of three for the Bison, who otherwise put together one of their best offensive showings in some time. The 27 points were the most the Bison have scored since the spring 2021 season opener, as were the 400 yards of total offense they accumulated. The defense had its moments as well, stopping the Crusaders on their only fourth down attempt and forcing punts in several key moments of the game, but Holy Cross’ 574 yards of offense and 6-for-6 day in the red zone were too much to overcome.
A number of Bison had career days, including Coleman Bennett. The senior running back posted his first career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 106 on 21 carries and a touchdown. He also caught seven passes for 50 yards and returned five kickoffs for 84 yards, totaling 240 all-purpose yards. A week after hauling in his first career touchdown at Lafayette, sophomore wide receiver Derrick Anderson Jr. caught six balls for a game-high 115 receiving yards and two scores.
Weatherly had a quiet game compared to his last two outings but still managed to pull down a 40yard touchdown catch and return a punt 23 yards that set up the near-touchdown in the fourth quarter. Orchestrating the offensive output was Rucker, who completed 19 of 35 pass attempts for 248 yards and three touchdowns – his second three-touchdown game of the season. The junior transfer also ran nine times for 38 yards.
Holy Cross, which entered the game ranked seventh in the nation in total offense, accumulated 258 passing yards and 316 rush yards. Holy Cross running back Jordan Fuller found the end zone four times, netting 147 yards on 18 carries. Quarterback Matthew Sluka completed 19 of 28 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 15 times for 128 yards.
It was Sluka’s first play of the game, and the first play from scrimmage by either team, that set the Crusaders up for an early score. Sluka cut through the middle of the Bison defense for a 67-yard run, and one play later Fuller ran it in from four yards out to open the scoring.
Holy Cross added a field goal before Bucknell’s offense came to life with a 47-yard touchdown run by Bennett. It was Bennett’s second touchdown of the season and the longest run of his career.
As they did often throughout the game, the Crusaders responded immediately with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker.
GAME NOTES
• Holy Cross built a 34-14 lead by halftime, but Bucknell saw several opportunities to cut it to a one-possession game. Trailing 41-27 early in the fourth quarter, a Bucknell pass to the end zone went just over the receiver’s head on fourth down. The Crusaders then scored 14 points to run out the rest rest of the game.
• Bucknell’s offense had its best game since the spring 2021 opener, despite turning the ball over twice and failing on three fourth-down conversions. The Bison racked up 400 yards of offense and 27 points.
• Bison QB Ralph Rucker threw for 248 yards and three touchdowns - his second three-touchdown game of the season. He also ran for 38 yards.
• Derrick Anderson Jr. had a breakout game, catch six passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Coleman Bennett had a career day as well, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown and adding 50 receiving yards.
• Holy Cross RB Jordan Fuller scored four times on the ground, and QB Matthew Sluka threw for 258 yards and two TDs.
• The Crusaders totaled 574 yards of offense.
Bucknell scored on its first possession of the second quarter as well, as Rucker completed a 17-yard pass to Damian Harris before hitting Anderson on a 33-yard touchdown that helped the Bison draw within three of tying. Holy Cross, however, scored 17 unanswered points to close out the first half with a 34-14 lead. The Bison were at their sharpest in the third quarter. After receiving the opening kickoff of the second half, Bucknell marched 75 yards down the field on 10 plays, picking up three first downs in the process. Rucker connected with Anderson on back-to-back passes of 32 yards and seven yards, the latter being Anderson’s second touchdown and cut Holy Cross’ lead to 13.
Bucknell forced a 3-and-out on the ensuing Crusaders possession, but again the Bison were unable to take advantage of the opportunity to cut it to a one-score game, turning it over on downs at the Holy Cross 48-yard line. The Crusaders made them pay, scoring just 45 seconds later thanks to two deep passes by Sluka.
Bucknell saw another opportunity to draw within a touchdown late in the third quarter. Trailing 41-27, Rucker once again hit Anderson deep on a 27-yard play that got the Bison down to the Holy Cross six-yard line. Two plays later he threw a costly interception in the end zone while attempting a jump pass.
Holy Cross added two more scores in the fourth quarter, including a 12-yard touchdown run by Fuller that put the game on ice with 6:12 to play, and a 70-yard Fuller touchdown with under a minute to play.
Flags were another major factor in the game, as Holy Cross was penalized 12 times for 130 yards and Bucknell seven times for 50. Linebacker Blake Leake led all tacklers with 13 stops, while Tyler Alston and Connor Carretta shared one of only two sacks by either team in the game.
SCORING SUMMARY
TEAM LEADERS
2023-24 Bucknell Football
Team Results
2023-24 Bucknell Football Combined Team Statistics All games
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Team Statistics
Rushing
Passing
Receiving
Interceptions
Rushing
2023-24 Bucknell Football
Bucknell - Individual Game Highs
2023-24 Bucknell Football
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as of Oct 08, 2023