VMI Football to host Bucknell in home opener Saturday

Football
9/5/2024 12:33:00 PM

Game is a White Out, Educators’ Day

LEXINGTON, Va. – Ready to get in front of its own fans, the VMI Football Team will host Bucknell Saturday for its 2024 home opener. Kickoff from Alumni Memorial Field is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

GAME PROMOTIONS
Saturday’s game will be a White Out as fans are encouraged to wear a white shirt to the game and the players will be in the all-white uniforms. Visit the VMI Bookstore in-person or online to purchase and support!

VMI will also honor members of Rockbridge schools on Saturday as part of Educators’ Day. In addition to discounted tickets, members of Rockbridge City and County Schools will be recognized at halftime. Prior to the game, the All-Veteran Group will parachute into the stadium. 
 

A LOOK AT LAST WEEK
The Keydets had a tough go of it to open the season last week in Williamsburg, falling to William & Mary 41-7. The highly-touted rushing attack lived up to the billing, as the Tribe combined for 205 yards and three scores on the ground. For VMI, Hunter Rice picked up where he left off, accounting for 126 total yards and the lone score of the game for VMI. After the win, the Tribe moved up from 15^th to 13^th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
 

THE SERIES
Bucknell has become a familiar non-conference foe for VMI, squaring off six times in the last 11 years, including the last two seasons. The home team has come out on top the past two matchups, with the all-time series slanted in favor of Bucknell 4-3. Two years ago in Lexington, Rice led VMI to victory with 112 yards and a touchdown as the Keydets were victorious 24-14 in rainy conditions. Last season, the Keydets had a punt return for a touchdown called back on a late flag and Bucknell was able to prevail 21-13 in Lewistown.
 
SCOUTING THE BISON
Bucknell started its 2024 season with its FBS-contest, falling at Navy 49-21. The Bison return their talented quarterback Ralph Rucker from last season, as the 6-foot, 210-pound Rucker went 19-of-30 with 224 yards and two touchdowns – adding 47 yards on the ground – in the 2023 win over VMI. Last week, Bucknell was able to total 312 yards at Navy, with Rucker finding Nate Anderson for a 47-yard touchdown. The defense played tough as well, creating two interceptions. In the preseason Patriot poll, Bucknell was selected to finish seventh while it continues to be guided by Dave Cecchini, who has been at the helm since 2019 and coached the Bison to a 4-7 record last year.

HOME COOKING 
Like many teams, VMI fared better at home than on the road last season, going 3-2 at Foster Stadium, including the upset victory over No. 14 Western Carolina to cap off Head Coach Danny Rocco‘s first season in Lexington. The Keydets averaged 18.6 points at home and just 12.3 points per game on the road in 2023. The VMI defense conceded 19.2 points per game versus 29.6 points on the road.