Bucknell secured a 34-18 victory over Marist in a college football game on Saturday. The Bison’s TJ Cadden scored a touchdown on a punt return, while Alex Smith Jr. added a pick-6 to extend their lead. Quarterback Ralph Rucker IV played a standout game, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 21 of 27 passes for 272 yards.

Rucker’s short touchdown pass early in the second quarter put Bucknell ahead 13-7, and they further extended their lead to 27-7 without the offense having to take the field again. Cadden’s 73-yard punt return and Smith’s interception return solidified the Bison’s dominance.

At halftime, Bucknell held a 27-17 lead, and Rucker’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Cadden further padded their advantage, making it 34-10 with around six minutes remaining. Marist’s Sonny Mannino and Enzo Arjona combined for 30 completions on 45 attempts, tallying 333 passing yards, each throwing for a touchdown and an interception.

Bucknell improved their record to 2-2, while Marist fell to 0-3 after the game. It was a solid performance by Bucknell’s offense and special teams, effectively sealing the win against Marist.