2024 Bucknell Bison football team

The 2024 Bucknell Bison football team represented Bucknell University as a member of the Patriot League during the 2024 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Bison were led by sixth-year head coach Dave Cecchini and played their home games at Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

ConferencePatriot League

Record6–6 (4–2 Patriot)

Headcoach

Dave Cecchini (6th season)

OffensivecoordinatorJohn Bear (1st season)

Quick facts Bucknell Bison football, Conference ...

2024 Bucknell Bison football

Conference	Patriot League
Record	6–6 (4–2 Patriot)
Head coach	Dave Cecchini (6th season)
Offensive coordinator	John Bear (1st season)
Defensive coordinator	Chris Bowers (3rd season)
Home stadium	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium
Seasons ← 2023 2025 →

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More information Conf., Overall ...

2024 Patriot League football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 20 Lehigh +^	5	–	1	9	–	4
Holy Cross +	5	–	1	6	–	6
Bucknell	4	–	2	6	–	6
Lafayette	2	–	4	6	–	6
Georgetown	2	–	4	5	–	6
Fordham	2	–	4	2	–	10
Colgate	1	–	5	2	–	10

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

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Schedule

More information Date, Time ...

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 31	12:00 p.m.	at Navy*	Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, MD	CBSSN	L 21-49	28,763
September 7	1:30 p.m.	at VMI*	Alumni Memorial Field Lexington, VA	ESPN+	W 35–28	6,295
September 14	6:00 p.m.	Merrimack*	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	L 21–31	1,943
September 21	6:00 p.m.	Marist*	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	W 34–18	2,474
September 28	12:00 p.m.	at Lehigh	Goodman Stadium Lower Saucon, PA	ESPN+	W 38–35 ^2OT	4,003
October 12	1:00 p.m.	at Penn*	Franklin Field Philadelphia, PA	ESPN+	L 21–31	2,054
October 19	1:00 p.m.	Cornell*	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	L 21–34	1,245
October 26	2:00 p.m.	at Georgetown	Cooper Field Washington, DC	ESPN+	L 20–21	3,579
November 2	1:00 p.m.	Lafayette	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	W 21–14	808
November 9	1:00 p.m.	Fordham	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	W 28–27	881
November 16	12:00 p.m.	at Holy Cross	Fitton Field Worcester, MA	ESPN+	L 38–40	11,357
November 23	1:00 p.m.	Colgate	Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium Lewisburg, PA	ESPN+	W 48–34	762
*Non-conference game Homecoming All times are in Eastern time

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Game summaries

at Navy (FBS)

Game One – Bucknell Bison (0–0) vs Navy Midshipmen (FBS) (0–0) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bison	7	0	7	7	21
Midshipmen (FBS)	6	22	7	14	49

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at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland

Date: Saturday August 31, 2024
Game time: 12:00 PM
Game weather: Cloudy • Temperature: 78 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SE at 9 miles per hour (14 km/h)
Game attendance: 28,763
Referee: Steven Anderson
TV announcers (CBSSN): Carter Blackburn (play-by-play), Randy Cross (analyst), Sheehan Stanwick-Burch (sideline reporter)

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter (13:37) BUCK – Nate Anderson 47 yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:23; Bucknell 7–0) (10:44) NAVY – Daba Fofana 49 yard run, kick failed (Drive: 1 play, 49 yards, 0:09; Bucknell 7–6) Second quarter (14:56) NAVY – Alex Tecza 3 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:36; Navy 13–7) (5:29) NAVY – Eli Heidenreich 9 yard pass from Blake Horvath, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:29; Navy 20–7) (0:14) NAVY – Brandon Chatman 42 yard pass from Blake Horvath, 2-point pass (Drive: 1 play, 42 yards, 0:14; Navy 28–7) Third quarter (11:12) NAVY – Eli Heidenreich 20 yard pass from Braxton Woodson, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:41; Navy 35–7) (3:06) BUCK – Paul Neel 3 yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 2:44; Navy 35–14) Fourth quarter (8:33) NAVY – Braxton Woodson 1 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:07; Navy 42–14) (2:10) NAVY – Shane Reynolds 5 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 4:34; Navy 49–14) (0:30) BUCK – Michael Cadden 2 yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:40; Navy 49–21)

Game information

First quarter

(13:37) BUCK – Nate Anderson 47 yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:23; Bucknell 7–0)
(10:44) NAVY – Daba Fofana 49 yard run, kick failed (Drive: 1 play, 49 yards, 0:09; Bucknell 7–6)

Second quarter

(14:56) NAVY – Alex Tecza 3 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:36; Navy 13–7)
(5:29) NAVY – Eli Heidenreich 9 yard pass from Blake Horvath, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:29; Navy 20–7)
(0:14) NAVY – Brandon Chatman 42 yard pass from Blake Horvath, 2-point pass (Drive: 1 play, 42 yards, 0:14; Navy 28–7)

Third quarter

(11:12) NAVY – Eli Heidenreich 20 yard pass from Braxton Woodson, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:41; Navy 35–7)
(3:06) BUCK – Paul Neel 3 yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 2:44; Navy 35–14)

Fourth quarter

(8:33) NAVY – Braxton Woodson 1 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:07; Navy 42–14)
(2:10) NAVY – Shane Reynolds 5 yard run, Nathan Kirkwood kick (Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 4:34; Navy 49–14)
(0:30) BUCK – Michael Cadden 2 yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:40; Navy 49–21)

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	NAVY
First downs	14	20
Total yards	337	437
Rushing yards	131	264
Passing yards	206	173
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	15–29–0	10–19–2
Time of possession	26:59	33:01

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing	Ralph Rucker IV	11/24, 122 yards, 1 TD
	Rushing	Paul Neel	12 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	TJ Cadden	5 receptions, 97 yards
Navy	Passing	Blake Horvath	7/12, 108 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Daba Fofana	8 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Eli Heidenreich	4 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TD

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at VMI

Game Two – Bucknell Bison (0–1) vs VMI Keydets (0–1) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bison	7	7	14	7	35
Keydets	7	7	0	14	28

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at Alumni Memorial Field, Lexington, Virginia

Date: Saturday September 7, 2024
Game time: 1:30 PM
Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
Game attendance: 6,295
Referee: Brian Hilpisch
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter (8:04) VMI – Asa Locks 48-yard interception, Caden Beck kick (VMI 7–0) (2:29) BUC – TJ Cadden 40-yard punt return, Matt Schearer kick (Tied 7–7) Second quarter (9:22) BUC – Paul Neel 2-yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:04; Bucknell 14–7) (4:55) VMI – Hunter Rice 58-yard run, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:03; Tied 14–14) Third quarter (11:35) BUC – Josh Gary 10-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:25; Bucknell 21–14) (6:35) BUC – Josh Gary 41-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:20; Bucknell 28–14) Fourth quarter (12:14) BUC – TJ Cadden 35-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:23; Bucknell 35–14) (8:13) VMI – Hunter Rice 2-yard run, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:01; Bucknell 35–21) (0:29) VMI – Ryan von Brandt 17-yard pass from Chandler Wilson, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:25; Bucknell 35–28)

Game information

First quarter

(8:04) VMI – Asa Locks 48-yard interception, Caden Beck kick (VMI 7–0)
(2:29) BUC – TJ Cadden 40-yard punt return, Matt Schearer kick (Tied 7–7)

Second quarter

(9:22) BUC – Paul Neel 2-yard run, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:04; Bucknell 14–7)
(4:55) VMI – Hunter Rice 58-yard run, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:03; Tied 14–14)

Third quarter

(11:35) BUC – Josh Gary 10-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:25; Bucknell 21–14)
(6:35) BUC – Josh Gary 41-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:20; Bucknell 28–14)

Fourth quarter

(12:14) BUC – TJ Cadden 35-yard pass from Ralph Rucker IV, Matt Schearer kick (Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 3:23; Bucknell 35–14)
(8:13) VMI – Hunter Rice 2-yard run, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:01; Bucknell 35–21)
(0:29) VMI – Ryan von Brandt 17-yard pass from Chandler Wilson, Caden Beck kick (Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:25; Bucknell 35–28)

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	VMI
First downs	22	20
Total yards	451	378
Rushing yards	111	212
Passing yards	340	166
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	28–37–1	24–37–1
Time of possession	29:14	30:46

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing	Ralph Rucker IV	28/37, 340 yards, 3 TD, INT
	Rushing	Paul Neel	8 carries, 37 yards, TD
	Receiving	Eric Weatherly	9 receptions, 105 yards
VMI	Passing	Collin Shannon	21/32, 129 yards, INT
	Rushing	Hunter Rice	18 carries, 166 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Ivan Thorpe	6 receptions, 47 yards

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Merrimack

Game Three – Merrimack Warriors (0–2) at Bucknell Bison (1–1) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Warriors	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium • Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday September 14, 2024
Game time: 6:00 PM
Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, MRMK ...

Statistics	MRMK	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Merrimack	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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Marist

Game Four – Marist Red Foxes (0–2) at Bucknell Bison (1–2) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Red Foxes	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium • Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday September 21, 2024
Game time: 6:00 PM
Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, MRST ...

Statistics	MRST	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Marist	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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at Lehigh

Game Five – Bucknell Bison (2–2) at Lehigh Mountain Hawks (3–1) – Game summary

More information Quarter, OT ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	2OT	Total
Bison	0	14	7	7	3	7	38
Mountain Hawks	7	7	7	7	7	0	35

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at Goodman Stadium • Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday September 28, 2024
Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 4,003
TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD

More information Game information ...

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	LEH
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Lehigh	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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at Penn

Game Six – Bucknell Bison (3–2) at Penn Quakers (1–2) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bison	0	0	0	0	0
Quakers	0	0	0	0	0

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at Franklin Field • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday October 12, 2024
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD

More information Game information ...

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	PENN
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Penn	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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Cornell

Game Seven – Cornell Big Red (1–3) at Bucknell Bison (3–3) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Big Red	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson–Memorial Stadium • Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday October 19, 2024
Game time: 1:00 PM
Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, COR ...

Statistics	COR	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Cornell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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at Georgetown

Game Eight – Bucknell Bison (3–4) at Georgetown Hoyas (4–3) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bison	7	10	0	3	20
Hoyas	0	14	7	0	21

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at Cooper Field • Washington, D.C.

Date: Saturday October 26, 2024
Game time: 2:00 p.m. EST
Game attendance: 3,579
TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter BUCK – Tariq Thomas 15 Yd Run (Matt Schearer Kick), 12:03. Bison 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:57. Second quarter BUCK – Tariq Thomas 27 Yd Run (Matt Schearer Kick), 14:46. Bison 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:39. GTWN – Savion Hart 40 Yd Run (Patrick Ryan Kick), 4:29. Bison 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 2:01. GTWN – Nicholas Dunneman 11 Yd pass from Danny Lauter (Patrick Ryan Kick), 0:14. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:10. BUCK – Matt Schearer 43 Yd Field Goal, 00:00. Bison 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 0:14. Third quarter GTWN – Bryce Cox 1 Yd Run (Patrick Ryan Kick), 5:56. Hoyas 21–17. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:53. Fourth quarter BUCK – Matt Schearer 32 Yd Field Goal, 9:14. Hoyas 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:25.

Game information

First quarter

BUCK – Tariq Thomas 15 Yd Run (Matt Schearer Kick), 12:03. Bison 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:57.

Second quarter

BUCK – Tariq Thomas 27 Yd Run (Matt Schearer Kick), 14:46. Bison 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 1:39.
GTWN – Savion Hart 40 Yd Run (Patrick Ryan Kick), 4:29. Bison 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 2:01.
GTWN – Nicholas Dunneman 11 Yd pass from Danny Lauter (Patrick Ryan Kick), 0:14. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 2:10.
BUCK – Matt Schearer 43 Yd Field Goal, 00:00. Bison 17–14. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 0:14.

Third quarter

GTWN – Bryce Cox 1 Yd Run (Patrick Ryan Kick), 5:56. Hoyas 21–17. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 6:53.

Fourth quarter

BUCK – Matt Schearer 32 Yd Field Goal, 9:14. Hoyas 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:25.

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	GTWN
First downs	19	24
Total yards	368	404
Rushing yards	142	274
Passing yards	226	130
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	17−29−0	13−24−1
Time of possession	22:40	37:20

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing	Ralph Rucker IV	17/29, 226 yards
	Rushing	Tariq Thomas	25 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs
	Receiving	Josh Gary	5 receptions, 91 yards
Georgetown	Passing	Danny Lauter	13/23, 130 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Savion Hart	17 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Jimmy Kibble	4 receptions, 64 yards

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Lafayette

Game Nine – Lafayette Leopards (4–4) vs Bucknell Bison (3–5) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Leopards	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium, Lewisburg, PA

Date: Saturday November 2, 2024
Game time: 1:00 PM
TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, LAF ...

Statistics	LAF	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Lafayette	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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Fordham

Game Ten – Fordham Rams (1–8) vs Bucknell Bison (4–5) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium • Lewisburg, PA

Date: Saturday November 9, 2024
Game time: 1:00 p.m.
Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, FOR ...

Statistics	FOR	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Fordham	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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at Holy Cross

Game Eleven – Bucknell Bison (5–5) at Holy Cross Crusaders (4–6) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bison	0	0	0	0	0
Crusaders	0	0	0	0	0

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at Fitton Field • Worcester, MA

Date: Saturday November 16, 2024
Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD

More information Game information ...

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, BUCK ...

Statistics	BUCK	HC
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Holy Cross	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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Colgate

Game Twelve – Colgate Raiders (2–9) at Bucknell Bison (5–6) – Game summary

More information Quarter, Total ...

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	0	0	0
Bison	0	0	0	0	0

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at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium • Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Date: Saturday November 23, 2024
Game time: 1:00 PM
Game weather: 0 °F (−18 °C)
TV: ESPN+

More information Game information ...

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

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More information Statistics, COLG ...

Statistics	COLG	BUCK
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession

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More information Team, Category ...

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Colgate	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Bucknell	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

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2024 Bucknell Bison football team

Schedule

Game summaries

at Navy (FBS)

at VMI

Merrimack

Marist

at Lehigh

at Penn

Cornell

at Georgetown

Lafayette

Fordham

at Holy Cross

Colgate

References

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