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The VMI Keydets fell to the Bucknell Bison 35-28 on Saturday making it two games in a row the Bison have beaten the Keydets. VMI is now 3-5 in the series with both a losing home and away record against the Bison.
VMI struck first when true freshman Asa Locks snagged an interception and took it to the house for a 7-0 lead. Bucknell wasted no time responding, evening the score by returning a Ben Shrewsbury punt for a touchdown.
Bucknell's passing attack proved particularly potent against the Keydets. Ralph Rucker went 28-34 for 340 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. On the other hand, VMI could barely get anything going through the air, at one point they had more yards accumulated in penalties (51) than passing (47) late into the 3rd quarter. However, VMI had a strong ground game, rushing for 212 yards on 28 attempts.
In the second quarter, Bison running back Paul Neel punched in a rushing touchdown, but VMI's Hunter Rice answered with a scoring run of his own to keep things tight. However, the third quarter proved to be the turning point. Bucknell found the end zone twice and held the Keydets scoreless, building a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
VMI showed resilience in the fourth quarter, with Rice scoring his second touchdown of the day. Backup quarterback Chandler Wilson added another score with just 29 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, it it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Penalties inpacted both teams, with VMI flagged nine times for 67 yards and Bucknell six times for 60 yards.
Despite the loss, VMI's ground game and late-game tenacity were positive takeaways. Hunter Rice's two-touchdown performance underscored his value to the Keydet offense, while Chandler Wilson's late scoring drive demonstrated the team's "next man up" mentality.
Looking ahead, the Keydets must address their pass defense, which allowed Bucknell's 340-yard aerial assault. VMI's next challenge takes them to Atlanta, GA, where they'll face Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, Bucknell returns home to host Merrimack in their home opener on Saturday, September 14th.
