Bucknell Bison
2016 Record: 4-7 Overall, 3-3 in Patriot League
Head Coach: Joe Susan, 8th Season (32-45 Overall, 16-25 in PL)
Last Patriot League Title: 1996
Last FCS Playoff Appearance: Never
Key Players Returning
Offense: QB Matt Muh (Sr.), RB Joey DeFloria (Sr.), RB Chad Freshnock (So.), WR Alan Butler (Jr.), TE Andrew Podbielski (Sr.)
Defense: DT Abdullah Anderson (Sr.), LB Ben Richard (Sr.), LB Mark Pyles (Sr.), CB Bryan Marine (Jr.)
2016 Review
After reaching 8 wins (most since 1996) in 2014 the Bison posted their second consecutive 4-7 record in 2016. Bucknell did manage a .500 record in league play which was an improvement after going 1-5 in 2015. The season started with a 26-10 win over Marist. Unfortunately for the Blue & Orange the good vibes quickly vanished with 3 straight losses. The third defeat being a gut wrenching triple-OT loss to VMI. Bucknell arguably played their best football of the year in late October against Lafayette and Lehigh. The Bison crushed the Leopards 42-17 and nearly upset eventual league champion Lehigh the following week in Bethlehem. Bucknell ended the year with a 14 point loss to Fordham.
The strength of the team, as has been the case under Susan, remained the defense. Potential NFL draft pick Abdullah Anderson gave opposing offensive lines nightmares all season. Abdullah earned 1st Team All-PL for his efforts. Joining him on the 1st Team Defense were linebackers Bret Berg and Ben Richard along with defensive back Bryan Marine. The unit limited teams to just under 24 ppg which was good for 3rd fewest in the Patriot League.
What prevented Bucknell from notching a winning season was another pedestrian offense. The pieces seemed to be in place for a rather explosive unit but the point production (21.1 ppg) never materialized. The biggest issue was instability at QB. RJ Nitti battled injuries all season and never could get things going. Matt Muh (169 ypg 4 TD 5 INT) and freshman John Chiarolanzio had their share of ups and downs filling in. The instability at QB meant record breaking senior WR Will Carter was never able to get going. Hard nose RB Joey DeFloria ( 107 ypg 10 TD) emerged as the most consistent skill player for the Bison. DeFloria was the first Bison RB to tally 1,000 yards in a season in twelve years. His breakout campaign earned him 2nd Team All-PL honors. The strength of the offense was easily the OL. Eventual 4th round NFL draft pick Julie’n Davenport anchored an OL that started 5 seniors.
2017 Offense
Returning player to keep an eye on: WR Alan Butler
Freshman to keep an eye on: OL P.J Barr
Questions abound for the Bison on the offensive side of the ball as the 2017 season is about to begin. The loss of once in a generation WR Will Carter and OT Julie’n Davenport leaves a major void on and off the field. Then there’s the issue at QB. Senior Matt Muh is likely to have the inside track to the starting gig but expect Chiarolanzio and junior Jake Wilson to be in the mix too. There’s also a good chance Susan opts for the two headed QB system at times.
While the QB position is certainly a concern, priority #1 has to be getting the offensive line rebuilt. Susasn and Co. have plenty of faces to choose from but what the ultimate combination will be is anyone’s guess heading into fall camp. There appears to be some good OL talent in the 2017 recruiting class. With that in mind, keep an eye on P.J Barr (6’3 305), Justis Peppers (6’4 320) and Simon Krizak (6’4 305). Junior Chuck Sanders (6’2 270) earned the Most Improved OL Award during the spring which could result in a chance to start.
The backfield is one area that is set in stone heading into the 2017 season. Joey DeFloria busted onto the scene last year with 1,070 yards and 10 TDs in 10 games. DeFloria displayed his versatility by finishing second on the team in receptions with 29. Joey’s running mate, sophomore Chad Freshnock, also returns. Like DeFloria, Freshnock accounted for 10 TDs last year. The 6’0 220 pound bruiser will once again give line backers headaches around the goal line. Of course, the dynamic combo will be counting on the retooled offensive line to assert themselves.
Alan Butler (20 rec 232 yards in 8 games) is the team’s most talented returning WR. Butler should see significantly more balls thrown his way with the departure of Will Carter. Andrew Podbielski could be in line for a breakout year at TE. The senior showed flashes in 2016 but like the rest of the receiving corps, was limited by a revolving door at QB. At 6’3 210 pounds, Jack Horan (16 rec 239 yards 2 TD) has proven to be able capable option as well. This Bison still need depth and a true difference make to emerge in 2016 at receiver. Sophomore WR Justin Bethea is the most likely to bust one the scene this season.
Defense
Returning player to keep an eye on: Joe Lauro
Freshman to keep an eye on: LB Simeon Page
Bucknell has had some great defenses over the years. It’s been the hallmark of Susan’s teams since he took over in 2010. As good as some of those previous editions were none might be better than the one that will take the field this fall. The front 7 is easily the best in the Patriot League. Abdullah Anderson is one of the top DT in FCS. His ridiculous strength and motor allows him to take on defeat double teams. Fellow defensive linemen Doug Whitlock (6 TFL, 3.5 sacks) was a starter and impact player in 2016 but currently is not on the roster as fall camp begins. If Whitlock is a no go at defensive end in 2017 expect senior Trevor Fennimore and sophomore Blake Fletcher to have an increased role. At 6’7 230 pounds, freshman DE Nnambi Unachuckwu has the physical tools to perhaps contribute as well.
The linebacker positions are in great hands with a pair of excellent seniors, Ben Richards (2nd in PL in tackles 95 solo in ’16) and Mark Pyles (35 Solo, 4.5 TFL) manning the posts in Bucknell’s 4-2-5 scheme. Outside of Richards and Pyles there is very little experience at LB so depth is a concern. Thankfully for Bucknell, the freshman class appears deep with talent. Odds are Susan calls upon one of the rookies to contribute significantly. The most likely to see time are Rick Mottram and Simeon Page. Both arrive in Lewisburg with resumes worthy of keeping an eye on.
The secondary is the third level of the defense that features a 1st Team Preseason All-PL player. Bryan Marine has proven more than capable of shutting down opposing receivers and defending the ball. His 13 pass breakups were the most by a Bison player since 2004. Fisayo Oluleye or Trey Johnson will likely be the other starting CB. Both have seen significant time on defense and special teams. SS Joe Lauro (39 solo tackles, 1 INT) and WS Connor Golden (22 solo tackles, 3 INT) will once again be called upon to defend the backend of the defense. Junior Brice Snydor seems like the leading candidate to replace Bret Berg at strong safety.
Special Teams
The Bison special teams return several key contributors in 2017. Kickers, Alex Pechin Jack Chambers and John Burdick will battle it out for place kicking duties. All 3 had opportunities to kick field goals in 2016. Chambers and Burdick handled kick off responsibilities. Freshman Ethan Torres who was considered to be one of the top punters coming out of high school will start from day one. Bryan Marine will likely see time at kick/punt returner but don’t be surprised to see WR Justin Bethea get a few opportunities as well.
2017 Outlook
There’s little doubt Bucknell will have one of the top defenses in the Patriot League this year. With a wealth of talent at every level it should be good enough to keep the Bison in most games. How many of those close games the Bison are able to win will come down to QB play and the ability to figure out the right offensive line combination. If Matt Muh and/or John Chiarolanzio elevate their game behind an effective offensive line the Bison have the potential to finish in the top half if of the Patriot League. However, based on Bucknell’s recent spotty QB play, including that of Muh and Chiarolanzio, there’s quite a bit of hope involved at this point.
The schedule, while not overly daunting, does present its fair share of challenges with an out of conference game at William & Mary along with late season trips to Colgate and Fordham. The key for Bucknell will be protecting their home turf in September (Marist, Holy Cross, @ W&M, Sacred Heart Monmouth). With 4 out of the first 5 games at home to start the year, including league foe Holy Cross in week two, the Bison have an opportunity to get out of the gate strong. Conversely, if they stumble out of the block things could spiral downhill quickly with all 3 games in October on the road.
2017 Schedule
9/2 Marist 6 PM
9/9 Holy Cross 12 PM
9/16 @ William & Mary 6 PM
9/23 Sacre Heart 6 PM
9/30 Monmouth 6 PM
10/7 Bye
10/14 @ Cornell 1:30 PM
10/21 @ Lafayette 3:30 PM
10/28 @ Colgate 1 PM
11/4 Lehigh 12 PM
11/11 Georgetown 12 PM
11/18 @ Fordham 1 PM
Projected Record: 4-7 overall, 1-5 in league play