Bucknell triumphs over Marist with special teams in 34-18 victory

On Saturday, Bucknell faced Marist in a competitive football game in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Bucknell's Ralph Rucker IV had an impressive performance, completing 21 of 27 passes for 272 yards and throwing three touchdown passes. The game saw Bucknell take an early lead with a short touchdown pass, establishing a 13-7 advantage in the second quarter. The Bison's special teams played a crucial role, with TJ Cadden returning a punt for a 73-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 20-7. Following Cadden's touchdown, Bucknell's defense stepped up significantly. Alex Smith Jr. intercepted a pass that had deflected off a Marist receiver, returning it 38 yards for another touchdown, which pushed the score to 27-7. At halftime, Bucknell maintained a 27-17 lead, showcasing their strong performance on both offense and defense. In the second half, Rucker connected with Cadden again for a 12-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 34-10 with just six minutes remaining in the game. Marist attempted to rally with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Sonny Mannino to Reed Dexter, followed by a successful two-point conversion, but it was not enough to close the gap. Ultimately, Bucknell's combination of effective offensive plays and impactful special teams secured their victory, improving their record to 2-2, while Marist fell to 0-3. This game highlighted Bucknell's strengths and set a positive tone for the remainder of their season.