Cornell University will host Bucknell at Schoellkopf Field on Saturday, October 18, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. The Bucknell Bison arrive with a 4-3 overall record and a 1-2 mark in Patriot League play after a recent loss to Lafayette, where they were defeated 62-24.
Bucknell’s offense is led by quarterback Ralph Rucker IV, who has thrown for 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns across seven games. Wide receivers Sam Milligan and TJ Cadden are key targets, recording five touchdowns each and combining for over 1,100 receiving yards. On the ground, Tariq Thomas leads the team with 380 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The Bison have shown balanced ball security this season, forcing five interceptions while also throwing five. Defensive leaders include Brandon Biagiarelli with 49 tackles and Deuce Geter with 45 tackles; the defense has totaled ten sacks so far.
Bucknell’s offensive statistics show an average of nearly 383 total yards per game—254 through the air and about 129 on the ground. Their red zone efficiency stands at almost 93 percent. Defensively, however, they allow more than 36 points per game and give up nearly 489 total yards per contest.
Cornell holds a historical advantage in the series against Bucknell, leading with a record of 44 wins to Bucknell’s 16. In their most recent meeting on October 19, 2024, Cornell won by a score of 34-21.
Both teams will look to improve their records as they meet again in Ithaca this weekend.
