The VMI Football Team is set to welcome Bucknell for its 2024 home opener on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Alumni Memorial Field. Fans are encouraged to wear white shirts, as the players will don their all-white uniforms, with opportunities to support the team by purchasing merchandise at the VMI Bookstore both in-store and online.
As part of the event, VMI will honor members of Rockbridge schools, with discounted tickets available for them. These individuals will also be recognized during halftime. Additionally, prior to the game, an All-Veteran Group will parachute into the stadium.
VMI faced a challenging start to the season last week, losing to William & Mary 41-7. Despite the loss, the Keydets showcased their promising rushing attack, while player VMI managed to achieve 126 total yards and the team’s only touchdown. Following their victory, William & Mary climbed from 15th to 13th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
The matchup against Bucknell has become a familiar one, as the two teams have competed six times in the last 11 years, with the home team winning the last two encounters. Although Bucknell leads the all-time series 4-3, the Keydets celebrated a victory at home two years ago, winning 24-14 under difficult weather conditions. In the most recent encounter, Bucknell emerged victorious with a 21-13 win last season, after a punt return touchdown by VMI was called back.
Bucknell began its 2024 season with a tough loss against Navy, falling 49-21. The Bison will rely on their talented quarterback, Ralph Rucker, who previously led the team to victory over VMI with strong performance stats, including two touchdown passes. In their latest game against Navy, Bucknell achieved a total of 312 yards, with Rucker connecting with Nate Anderson for a 47-yard touchdown.
In the preseason Patriot League poll, Bucknell was projected to finish seventh. Coach Dave Cecchini, who has been leading the Bison since 2019, guided the team to a 4-7 record last year. Historically, VMI has performed better at home than on the road, concluding last season with a 3-2 home record, which included an upset over No. 14 Western Carolina. The Keydets averaged 18.6 points per game at home, in contrast to just 12.3 points when playing away, and exhibited a defensive average of 19.2 points at home compared to 29.6 on the road.