Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Georgetown*
Bucknell Defense Stifles Georgetown in 17-7 Gridiron Victory
10/14/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 14, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kevin Mullen rushed for a career-high 110 yards and a touchdown, and the Bucknell defense came within 27 seconds of a shutout in a 17-7 Patriot League victory over Georgetown Saturday at Multi-Purpose Field.
Bucknell, which improved to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the Patriot League, won its second straight road game and snapped an eight-game conference losing streak. The 4-3 start is the team's best since 2003.
The defense keyed this victory. The Bison held Georgetown (1-6, 0-4) to 269 total yards, 84 of which came on the Hoyas' final drive. Bucknell forced seven punts and three turnovers, keyed by a monster game from senior co-captain Dorian Petersen. The linebacker had a game-high 12 tackles, he recovered a fumble that led to a first-half touchdown and forced another fumble late in the game in Bucknell territory.
"The defense was spectacular today," said head coach Tim Landis. "They really carried the way and kept Georgetown pinned back all day. Phil Azarik had another great day punting and we had the field position edge the whole way."
Freshman quarterback Marcello Trigg also came up big in only his second career start. Trigg completed 8 of 20 passes for 118 yards, including three big third-down conversions on a fourth-quarter scoring drive that put the game away.
"Marcello had two or three terrific third-down passes," said Landis. "It is fun to watch him get better. We have had our share of injuries, no question, but our depth is better and young guys like Marcello are really stepping up."
Leading 10-0, Mullen plowed across the goal line from four yards out with 3:12 to play to ice the victory. Mullen, who made his first start of the season in place of injured starter Josh DeStefano, went over the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career on that final drive, and in addition to his 27 carries, the workhorse fullback also played on all four special teams units.
Also of note, Bucknell's offense did not commit a turnover for the third straight game. The Bison are now plus-6 in turnover ratio on the season.
The Bison defense was particularly outstanding in the first half, holding Georgetown to 74 total yards in 30 minutes of shutout play. Bucknell held the football for more than 18 minutes and logged 171 first-half yards.
Will Carney's 28-yard field goal in the final minute of the first quarter, set up by a big third-down conversion pass from Trigg to Cale Cadman, put Bucknell in front 3-0. The Bison were 9 of 17 on third down, compared to 6 of 14 for Georgetown.
On Georgetown's next possession Charlie Houghton fumbled a handoff and Petersen recovered at the Bison 48-yard line. A 26-yard pass from Trigg to Daniel Zvara moved the ball inside the 10, and Peter Kaufman scored from six yards out to make it 10-0 with 11:44 left in the half.
After Bucknell took the 17-0 lead on Mullen's score, Georgetown finally dented the scoreboard when Matt Bassuener, the Hoyas' third quarterback of the day, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Curtis on a fourth-down play.
Stephen Collage recovered an onside kick to officially lock up the verdict for the Bison, who have another key Patriot League road test next week at Lehigh. Kickoff from Goodman Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.
