The Bucknell University football team concluded its season with a 38-19 loss to Colgate on Saturday. The Bison finished the year with a 1-10 overall record and a 1-5 mark in the Patriot League. Colgate, on the other hand, improved to 5-6 overall and 3-3 in the league.
The game got off to a tough start for Bucknell, as Colgate scored on its opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead. The Bison struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, and the Raiders took advantage by adding another touchdown to go up 14-0. Bucknell’s offense finally got going in the second quarter, with quarterback Nick Semptimphelter leading a drive that resulted in a field goal to cut the deficit to 14-3.
However, Colgate responded with another touchdown to push its lead to 21-3. The Bison managed to score a touchdown of their own just before halftime, with Semptimphelter connecting with wide receiver Dominic Lyles for a 25-yard score. The extra point attempt was missed, leaving the score at 21-9 in favor of Colgate at the break.
The second half was more of the same, with Colgate’s offense continuing to move the ball at will. The Raiders added 17 more points in the third and fourth quarters, while Bucknell managed just 10 points. The Bison’s lone touchdown of the second half came on a 1-yard run by running back Jared Cooper, but it was too little, too late.
Semptimphelter finished the game with 221 passing yards and a touchdown, while Cooper rushed for 64 yards and a score. Lyles caught five passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, and kicker Ethan Torres made two field goals. Defensively, linebacker Nick Grabowski led the way with 12 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
Despite the loss, Bucknell head coach Dave Cecchini was proud of his team’s effort. “I’m proud of the way our guys fought and competed today,” he said. “We had some bright spots on both sides of the ball, and we’ll build on those as we head into the offseason.” The Bison will look to regroup and come back stronger in 2023, with a focus on improving their offense and defense. With a young core of players returning, there is optimism that the team can turn things around and make a push for a winning record next season.