Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
#13 Delaware
Bucknell Football Comes Up Short at No. 13 Delaware, 19-3
9/15/2012 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 15, 2012
NEWARK, Del. - Bucknell's defense limited the high-powered Delaware offense to just three field goals in the first 35 minutes of play, but the Bison offense could not capitalize and tallied just three points of its own all day and the Blue Hens scored 13 second-half points to defeat Bucknell, 19-3, in football action Saturday afternoon at Delaware Stadium.
The Bucknell defense was strong in the Red Zone, keeping the nationally ranked Blue Hens that entered averaging nearly 40 points per game out of the end zone on their first three trips inside the 20-yard line, but Sean Baner tied a school record by connecting on four field goals (41, 20, 32 and 21 yards) for Delaware (3-0).
Bucknell's (1-1) lone score came on a 21-yard field goal by Sean Cobelli on the first play of the second quarter. His kick, his third of the year, capped a 13-play drive that covered 80 yards and took 6:37 off the clock. QB Brandon Wesley nearly got to the end zone on a draw play on third down, but he was stopped four yards shy.
The Bison outgained the Blue Hens 174-132 in the first half and trailed just 6-3 at halftime, but Delaware held a 190-93 yardage edge in the second half. The Blue Hens scored on their first three possessions of the second half. During that span Bucknell was forced to punt three times.
Evan Byers led the Bison defense with a career-high 10 tackles, while Ryan Morgan chipped in nine. Bucknell totaled seven tackles for loss and two sacks (1.5 by Sean Sellers, 0.5 by Tracey Smith).
Sellers set the tone for the Red Zone success for the defense as he had a 15-yard sack on third down in the first quarter, forcing the first field goal for the Blue Hens. Later in the half, the defense again held Delaware to a field goal after a turnover at the 10-yard line.
The Bison defense also forced a late fumble in the Red Zone, extending its streak to 15 straight games with at least one forced turnover. Additionally, Bucknell has held five of its last six opponents under 20 points.
Wesley was 21-for-37 for 197 yards passing, while Jeremiah Young led Bucknell in rushing for a second straight game, gaining 44 yards on 11 carries. WR Victor Walker moved over 1,000 yards in his career as he caught six passes for 74 yards, pushing his career yardage figure to 1,071.
Delaware's Andrew Pierce rushed 21 times for 101 yards, while Michael Johnson caught five passes for 67 yards. Trent Hurley was 14-for-21 passing for 161 yards and he rushed for the contest's lone touchdown late in the third quarter to make the score 16-3.
The game was a homecoming of sorts for Bucknell head coach Joe Susan, a 1978 Delaware graduate and a former Blue Hen offensive lineman (1973-76). Additionally, Bison offensive coordinator Bryan Bossard is a 1989 Delaware graduate.
Bucknell will open its five-game home schedule next Saturday, Sept. 22, when it hosts Lafayette in a 12 p.m. game at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The contest will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.
Bucknell-Delaware Highlights
