ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell welcomes Bucknell to Schoellkopf Field on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.
The Bison come into the matchup with a 4-3 overall record (1-2 Patriot) after falling to Lafayette 62-24 on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Bucknell averages 253.9 passing yards per game with QB Ralph Rucker IV leading the way with 1,510 yards and 10 TDs through seven games. The top targets are WR Sam Milligan, who has been exceptional with 37 catches for 640 yards and five TDs, and WR TJ Cadden with 33 catches for 495 yards and five TDs.
The Bison run for 127.7 yards per game behind Tariq Thomas (86 att., 380 yards, 3 TDs, 4.4 ypc) and Ralph Rucker IV (55 att., 151 yards, 3 TDs).
Bucknell has forced five interceptions while only throwing five, showing balanced ball security. Leading tacklers Brandon Biagiarelli (49) and Deuce Geter (45) anchor a defense that has recorded 10 sacks on the season.
Bucknell Overview
Record: 4-3 (1-2 Patriot)
Home: 3-1
Away: 1-2
Patriot Preseason Poll: 4th
Last Week: L, 62-24 at Lafayette (Oct. 11, 2025)
Head Coach: Dave Cecchini (7th season, 23-44)
Offensive Outlook
Total Offense: 382.7
Rushing Offense: 128.9
Passing Offense: 253.9
Third Down: 38-92 (41.3%)
Red Zone: 26-28 (92.9%)
Time of Possession: 28:57
Penalties: 59.0
Fumbles Lost: 5-1
Defensive Outlook
Scoring Defense: 36.3
Total Defense: 488.9
Rush Defense: 208.9
Pass Defense: 280.0
Opponent Third Down Conversions: 43-87 (49.4%)
Opponent Red Zone: 25-32 (78.1%)
Sacks: 10
Forced Fumbles-Recoveries: 2-1
Key Players to Watch
QB: #10 Ralph Rucker IV (5th.) -- 111-163, 1,510 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT
RB: #7 Tariq Thomas (So.) -- 86 att., 380 yards, 3 TD
WR: #84 Sam Milligan (Jr.) -- 37 rec., 640 yards, 5 TD
WR: #21 TJ Cadden (Jr.) -- 33 rec., 495 yards, 5 TD
DEF: #10 Brandon Biagiarelli (So.) - 49 tackles (29 solo, 20 asst.), 4.0 TFL
DEF: #4 Deuce Geter (Jr.) - 45 tackles (19 solo, 26 asst.), 3.0 TFL, 1.0 sack
Statistical Comparison
| Category (Per Game Avg.) |
Cornell |
Bucknell |
| Points |
16.25 |
27.6 |
| Points Allowed |
32.25 |
36.3 |
| Total Yards |
327.8 |
382.7 |
| Total Yards Allowed |
340.5 |
488.9 |
| Rushing Offense |
134.8 |
128.9 |
| Rush Defense |
166.3 |
208.9 |
| Passing Offense |
193.0 |
253.9 |
| Pass Defense |
174.25 |
280.0 |
| Turnover Margin |
-6 |
0 |
| 3rd Down Conversions |
7-31 (22.58%) |
38-92 (41.30%) |
| Red Zone: Scores/Attempts |
5-6 (83.3%) |
26-28 (92.9%) |
Series History
Record: Cornell leads, 44-16
Last Meeting: Cornell 34, Bucknell 21 (Oct. 19, 2024)
First Meeting: Cornell 20, Bucknell 0 (Nov. 17, 1888)
Cornell Home Record: Cornell leads 34-8
Cornell Road Record: Cornell leads, 10-8
