LEWISBURG, Pa. — Ralph Rucker IV put on an impressive performance, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns, leading Bucknell to a thrilling 28-27 victory over Fordham on Saturday.

Rucker orchestrated a crucial six-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass, which ultimately secured the win with just 2:35 remaining on the clock.

The Bison defense made a pivotal stop when they halted Julius Loughridge on a fourth-and-2 attempt at the Bucknell 35-yard line, effectively sealing the game for the home team.

Fordham managed to take their first lead late in the game when Loughridge ran it in from one yard out, and with a successful two-point conversion, the Rams were ahead 27-21 with 4:18 left.

In the early stages, Fordham seemed poised to score during their second drive, going 80 yards over 12 plays within nearly five minutes. However, Gavin Willis turned the tide for Bucknell with a remarkable 79-yard scoop and score, putting the Bison ahead 7-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, the Rams equalized the game at 7 when quarterback Capaldi connected with Cole Thornton for a 59-yard touchdown pass. The Bison responded by closing out the first half with Rucker throwing a 44-yard touchdown to Nate Anderson, finishing a six-play, 75-yard drive to make the score 14-7 at halftime.

Fordham came out strong in the second half, with Capaldi throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Gonzalez II to tie the game at 14. The Bison quickly countered with another touchdown from Rucker, this time a 44-yard pass to Gonzalez, regaining the lead at 21-14.

Fordham once more attempted to score but was thwarted on fourth-and-goal when Capaldi was stopped just short of the end zone, resulting in a fumble that Bucknell recovered. Nevertheless, Bucknell faced a holding penalty in their end zone, granting Fordham a safety and narrowing the margin to 21-16. Using the momentum, Fordham’s Bennett Henderson later connected on a 25-yard field goal, closing the gap further to 21-19.

For the Rams, Capaldi finished the game with 310 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Loughridge carried the ball for 155 yards on 26 attempts, including a touchdown.