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The Sacred Heart University football concludes its season opening four-game homestand on Saturday afternoon as it hosts Bucknell University at 1 p.m. on Campus Field as part of Homecoming Weekend. The Pioneers and Bison are two of 13 FCS undefeated teams, with SHU entering the game at 3-0 and Bucknell at 2-0.
Sacred Heart and Bucknell are meeting for only the second time, with the Pioneers earning a 16-0- win in the inaugural meeting last fall. That game was played in Lewiston, Pa., September 28. 2013.
The Pioneer defense has been impressive over the first three weekends and ranks in the top-10 in the nation in six categories, including sixth in total defense. SHU has allowed just 14 points to its opponents after the first quarter, outscoring foes 71-14 over the final three quarters. The defense has held opponents to just six red zone visits over the three games, giving up scores on just two of those and are tops in the nation in red zone defense.
Sophomore linebacker Kevin Barry is fitting right in with the Pioneer defense. He ranks 38th in the nation in the nation with his 5.0 tackles for loss, driving back opponents 38 yards in the process. Half of that total are sacks, 2.5, for an opponent loss of 29 yards. Barry has made 15 stops, four solo this season and broken up one pass for the Pioneers.
Seven different Pioneers were on the receiving end of RJ Noel throws in the win over Assumption as SHU compiled a season-best 210 yards in the air. Tyler Dube, who ranked third in the nation with four touchdown passes, made six of those catches, including one for a score. Moses Webb caught his first TD pass of the year as well, putting up a game-best 85 yards receiving.
Bucknell is 2-0 on the season, with wins over VMI and Marist, before a bye week preceding today's game. The Bison are averaging 463.5 yards of total offense, with 214 of it coming on the ground, and averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per play. R.J. Nitti is 35-56 passing with four touchdowns and one interception, with Bobby Kaslander as his favorite target, having made 13 catches for 159 yards and a score. C.J. Williams has run for a team-best 325 yards on 44 carries with three touchdowns. The Bucknell defense has been equally as impressive, allowing just 279.5 total yards per game and just 66 on the ground. Evan Byers has made a team-best 29 tackles, with 13 from Lee Marvel, who also has an interception.
