Marist at Bucknell – September 2nd 6 PM Christy Matthewson Stadium Lewisburg, PA

TV: None

Streaming: Patriot League Network

For the 13th straight year Bucknell will face the Marist Red Foxes in an out of conference game. This will mark the 3rd consecutive year the two have squared off in the season opener. Bucknell has won six straight over Marist and owns an 11-1 all-time record in the series. If the Bison want to continue their dominance over the Red Foxes the defense will likely have to lead the way. Marist returns 14 starters including numerous redshirt players so this will be a rather experienced Red Fox team that Bucknell welcomes to Lewisburg.

As is often the case, the Bison defense figures to lead the way. Led by preseason 1st team All-Patriot League DT Abdullah Anderson, the Bucknell “D” will have to contain a sneaky talented Marist offense. The Red Foxes have an experienced QB in Mike White and two preseason 1st team All-Pioneer selections in WR Juston Christian (48 rec 992 yards 8 TDs) and RB Marcellus Calhoun (167 carries 605 yards 8 TDs). Marist also brings back 3 out of their 5 starting offensive linemen from 2016.  The Bison will likely try to take away Calhoun away and force to be one Marist dimensional.

The Bison’s fate in this game, and the season for that matter, will come down to their offense. Outside of running backs Joey DeFloria (1,070 yards 10 TDs) and Chad Freshnock (604 yards 10 TDs) the Bison return very little proven talent and experience on offense. Marist will certainly try to take advantage of the Bucknell offensive line that’s breaking in 5 new starters. The Red Foxes are led by 3 preseason 1st team Pioneer selections on defense. Willie Barrett (41 solo tackes, 6 TFL) leads the linebacker core while Wesley Beans (52 solo tackles, 6 INTs) and Jordyn Jean-Felix (29 solo tackles, 3 INTs) are two excellent safeties. Bucknell will need a solid game from expected starting QB Matt Muh if they want to continue their dominance over Marist. The Red Foxes will try to key on the Bison’s two headed monster at RB and take their chances that Bucknell won’t be able to beat them through the air. That is often the recipe to beat Bucknell.

This should be an extremely competitive game. Bucknell has the slightly more talented defense while Marist has the more proven offense. Marist is also the more experienced team top to bottom. However, Bucknell should have a slight overall talent advantage and are at home. After posting a 4-7 record last year the Bison can’t afford to lose to a Pioneer team to start the 2017 campaign. It won’t be easy but the Bison should be able to escape with a win.

Prediction: Bucknell 17 Marist 14