Bucknell University Athletics
Ralph Rucker IV Named Bison of the Week Following Football's Road Win at VMI
9/10/2024 3:01:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell football's Ralph Rucker IV has been named Bison of the Week for the second time in his career following his performance in the team's 35-28 win over VMI over the weekend. Rucker put together a near-perfect second half against the Keydets to lead the Bison to their first win of the season.
Rucker completed 28 of 37 passes (75.7%) for 340 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran six times for 21 yards. After a somewhat-mediocre first half that saw the two team's enter the locker rooms tied at 14-14, Rucker caught fire in the third quarter. He was 14 for 15 for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the second half, including an 8 for 8 third quarter in which he threw touchdown passes on Bucknell's first two offensive drives.
Seven of Rucker's completions were over 15 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass to Josh Gary and a 35-yard touchdown to TJ Cadden.
It was only the 14th 300-yard passing game by a Bison quarterback in program history, and Rucker has accounted for three of those games. Only Jim Given '87 has as many 300-yard games. The 340 yards rank eighth, and Rucker holds the school record with 387 yards in last year's win at Colgate along with a 358-yard passing game at Fordham. The Lucas, Texas native is now one yard shy of 3,000 career passing yards, having played in just 12 games. Rucker was also an honorable mention for Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Rucker and the Bison make their home debut on Saturday, Sept. 14 when Merrimack visits Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
