Rucker leads Bucknell to victory over VMI with 3 TDs
- Ralph Rucker IV threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, leading Bucknell to a 35-28 win over VMI.
- The game featured multiple lead changes, with key plays including a punt return touchdown and two touchdown passes from Rucker to Josh Gary.
- Rucker's performance marked a significant achievement, making him the second Bucknell quarterback with three 300-yard passing games.
On Saturday, Ralph Rucker IV led Bucknell to a thrilling 35-28 victory over VMI in Lexington, Virginia. Rucker showcased his skills by throwing for 340 yards and three touchdowns, marking a significant performance for the Bison. The game was competitive, with both teams exchanging touchdowns throughout the match. VMI initially took the lead with a defensive touchdown, but Bucknell quickly responded with a special teams score from T.J. Cadden. The second quarter saw both teams trading rushing touchdowns, with VMI's Hunter Rice making a notable 58-yard run. However, it was Rucker's connection with Josh Gary that proved pivotal, as they combined for two touchdowns in the third quarter, giving Bucknell a crucial lead. Rucker's 10-yard pass to Gary capped an impressive 81-yard drive, followed by a 41-yard touchdown connection on the next possession. In the fourth quarter, Rucker continued to excel, finding Cadden for a 35-yard touchdown, extending Bucknell's lead to 35-14. Despite a late surge from VMI, which included a touchdown from Rice and a subsequent 80-yard drive culminating in a pass from Chandler Wilson, the Keydets could not overcome the deficit. They attempted an onside kick in the final moments, but it failed to travel the required distance. Rucker's performance not only secured the win for Bucknell but also highlighted his growing legacy, as he became only the second quarterback in the program's history to achieve three 300-yard passing games. The Bison improved to 1-1 for the season, while VMI fell to 0-2.