2026 schedule
Bucknell Bison
2026 season so far
Bucknell is 1-7 against the 115th-toughest schedule so far, scoring 9.4 and allowing 26.1 points per game (-16.7 per game).
Bucknell plays below the FBS level, so its projections against FBS opponents include the measured gap between divisions.
Next up: at Lehigh in Week 9. We project Bucknell 9, Lehigh 38 — Bucknell wins 3% of the time.
Projections are statistical estimates for entertainment and analysis only. They are not betting advice and nothing here guarantees any result.
Regular season
12 gamesMarket lines · Source: The Odds API, ESPN, Action Network · Updated Oct 29, 11:25 AM UTC. Shown for information; not an input to our projections.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- at
Richmond Spiders
1-0 · SOS #129
Loss 14-35
Week 1
Our number· pregame
Richmond by 8.6
Total 56
DraftKings
RICH -12.5
Total 48.5
Final Richmond by 21. Richmond beat the spread. 49 points — over the 48.5. The book was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Richmond -12.5 (open Richmond -10.5) · O/U 48.5 (open 49.5) · ML +420 / -620 · Richmond 82% no-vig · model vs market -3.9 pts, -10 pct pts (Richmond view)
ESPN+ Robins Stadium - vs
Villanova Wildcats
1-1 · SOS #103
Loss 16-17
Week 1
Our number· pregame
Villanova by 11.9
Total 56.7
DraftKings
VILL -22.5
Total 54.5
Final Villanova by 1. Bucknell beat the spread. 33 points — under the 54.5. Our number was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Villanova -22.5 (open Villanova -26.5) · O/U 54.5 (open 56.5) · ML -3700 / +1160 · Bucknell 8% no-vig · model vs market +10.6 pts, +14 pct pts (Bucknell view)
ESPN+ Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium - at
VMI Keydets
0-3 · SOS #71
Win 14-3
Week 2
Our number· pregame
VMI by 1.7
Total 53.7
DraftKings
BUCK -8.5
Total 47.5
Final Bucknell by 11. Bucknell beat the spread. 17 points — under the 47.5. The book was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Bucknell -8.5 (open Bucknell -10.5) · O/U 47.5 · ML -327 / +248 · VMI 27% no-vig · model vs market +10.2 pts, +27 pct pts (VMI view)
ESPN+ Foster StadiumPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedCoin flipCoin flip: Record 86 hits, 94 misses (48% hit rate) over 180 graded gamesCoin flip: missed - vs
Pennsylvania Quakers
1-0 · SOS #97
Loss 7-20
Week 3
Our number· pregame
Bucknell by 3.6
Total 42.2
DraftKings
PENN -3.5
Total 46.5
Final Pennsylvania by 13. Pennsylvania beat the spread. 27 points — under the 46.5. The book was closer. Our total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Pennsylvania -3.5 (open Pennsylvania -3) · O/U 46.5 (open 48.5) · ML -195 / +155 · Bucknell 37% no-vig · model vs market +7.1 pts, +22 pct pts (Bucknell view)
ESPN+ Christy Mathewson-Memorial StadiumPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedUpset alertUpset alert: Record 68 hits, 143 misses (32% hit rate) over 211 graded gamesUpset alert: missedLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesLeans low scoring: hit - at
Pittsburgh Panthers
4-0 · SOS #53
Loss 0-59
Week 4
Our number· pregame
Pittsburgh by 41.7
Total 49.5
DraftKings
PITT -54.5
Total 63.5
Final Pittsburgh by 59. Pittsburgh beat the spread. 59 points — under the 63.5. The book was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Pittsburgh -54.5 (open Pittsburgh -53.5) · O/U 63.75 (open 62.25) · model vs market -12.8 pts (Pittsburgh view)
ACCNX Acrisure StadiumPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedFavorite holdsFavorite holds: Record 227 hits, 18 misses (93% hit rate) over 245 graded gamesFavorite holds: hitBlowout brewingBlowout brewing: Record 137 hits, 30 misses (82% hit rate) over 167 graded gamesBlowout brewing: hit - at
Georgetown Hoyas
1-4 · SOS #121
Loss 14-21
Week 6
Our number· pregame
Georgetown by 1.5
Total 48.1
DraftKings
GTWN -2.5
Total 44.5
Final Georgetown by 7. Georgetown beat the spread. 35 points — under the 44.5. The book was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Georgetown -2.5 (open Georgetown -1.5) · O/U 44.5 (open 47.5) · ML +109 / -136 · Georgetown 55% no-vig · model vs market -1.0 pts, -1 pct pts (Georgetown view)
Game-time weather: Clear, 72°F, Wind 7 mph E.Observed during the game · National Weather Service (KDCA)ESPN+ Cooper FieldPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedCoin flipCoin flip: Record 86 hits, 94 misses (48% hit rate) over 180 graded gamesCoin flip: hitLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded games - vs
Lafayette Leopards
2-4 · SOS #126
Loss 7-20
Week 7
Our number· pregame
Lafayette by 1.9
Total 55.3
DraftKings
LAF -4.5
Total 52.5
Final Lafayette by 13. Lafayette beat the spread. 27 points — under the 52.5. The book was closer. The book's total was closer.
21+ only where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Market lines: Lafayette -4.5 · O/U 52.5 · ML -184 / +146 · Bucknell 39% no-vig · model vs market +2.6 pts, +7 pct pts (Bucknell view)
Game-time weather: Clear, 52°F, Wind 9 mph NNW.Observed during the game · National Weather Service (KSEG)ESPN+ Christy Mathewson-Memorial StadiumPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedCoin flipCoin flip: Record 86 hits, 94 misses (48% hit rate) over 180 graded gamesCoin flip: missedUpset alertUpset alert: Record 68 hits, 143 misses (32% hit rate) over 211 graded gamesUpset alert: missedLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded gamesLow Scoring Alert: hitBounce-back dog vs weak-offense fav underStudy · Moderate Under: Favorite implied 24–31, weak favorite offense, underdog missed the spread last game: Record 273 hits, 188 misses (59% hit rate) over 461 graded gamesFavorite implied 24–31, weak favorite offense, underdog missed the spread last game: hit (n=461) · Favorite implied 24–31, weak favorite offense, underdog missed the spread last gameBounce-back home dogStudy · Moderate Underdog covers: Home underdog vs a road favorite that lost and missed the spread last game: Record 284 hits, 203 misses (58% hit rate) over 487 graded gamesHome underdog vs a road favorite that lost and missed the spread last game: missed (n=487) · Home underdog vs a road favorite that lost and missed the spread last game - at
Holy Cross Crusaders
3-5 · SOS #69
Loss 3-34
Week 8
Our number· pregame
Holy Cross by 14
Total 47.6
Book line
Not posted
Final Holy Cross by 31. 37 points. No book line was saved for this game.
Game-time weather: Clear, 61°F, Wind 6 mph W.Observed during the game · National Weather Service (KORH)ESPN+ Fitton FieldPregame calls · how each did
ExpectedLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded games - at
Lehigh Mountain Hawks
6-2 · SOS #131
Sat, Oct 31, 4:00 PM
Week 9
Proj 9-38 · 3%
Our number
Lehigh by 29
Total 47
Book line
Not posted
No book line posted yet.
Kickoff forecast: Mostly sunny, 56°F, Wind 5 mph N, 0% rain.Kickoff forecast · National Weather Service, updated Oct 29, 2:38 AM EDTESPN+ Goodman StadiumExpectedFavorite holdsFavorite holds: Record 227 hits, 18 misses (93% hit rate) over 245 graded gamesBlowout brewingBlowout brewing: Record 137 hits, 30 misses (82% hit rate) over 167 graded gamesLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesBlowout AlertBlowout Alert: Record 62 hits, 47 misses, 1 push (57% hit rate) over 109 graded games - vs
Fordham Rams
2-7 · SOS #48
Sat, Nov 7, 6:00 PM
Week 10
Proj 23-23 · 49%
Our number
dead even
Total 46
Book line
Not posted
No book line posted yet.
ESPN+ Christy Mathewson-Memorial StadiumExpectedCoin flipCoin flip: Record 86 hits, 94 misses (48% hit rate) over 180 graded gamesLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded games - at
William & Mary Tribe
3-5 · SOS #78
Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 PM
Week 11
Proj 23-28 · 37%
Our number
William & Mary by 5
Total 51
Book line
Not posted
No book line posted yet.
ESPN+ Walter J. Zable StadiumExpectedUpset alertUpset alert: Record 68 hits, 143 misses (32% hit rate) over 211 graded gamesLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded games - vs
Colgate Raiders
4-4 · SOS #84
Sat, Nov 21, 6:00 PM
Week 12
Proj 14-29 · 17%
Our number
Colgate by 15
Total 43
Book line
Not posted
No book line posted yet.
ESPN+ Christy Mathewson-Memorial StadiumExpectedLeans low scoringLeans low scoring: Record 83 hits, 105 misses (44% hit rate) over 188 graded gamesLow Scoring AlertLow Scoring Alert: Record 82 hits, 72 misses (53% hit rate) over 154 graded games
Times shown in your local time
Bucknell Bison stats: basic, advanced and situational
Power rating
-37.8
Adj. offense
5.2
pts vs avg defense
Adj. defense
43.0
pts allowed vs avg offense
Basic stats
Box-score numbers per game.
| Stat | 2026 | FBS rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points per gameEvery point scored, every game. | 9.4 | — |
| Points allowed per gameEvery point conceded, every game. | 26.1 | — |
| Yards per playScrimmage yards divided by scrimmage plays (sacks count as pass plays). | 4.45 | — |
| Yards per play allowedThe same measure for opponents. | 6.09 | — |
| Rushing yards per gameDesigned runs and scrambles. | 81.1 | — |
| Net passing yards per gamePassing yards minus sack yardage. | 164.9 | — |
| Rushing yards allowed per gameOpponents' rushing yards. | 187.6 | — |
| Net passing yards allowed per gameOpponents' net passing yards. | 227.5 | — |
| Turnovers per gameInterceptions thrown and fumbles lost. | 1.00 | — |
| Takeaways per gameInterceptions and fumble recoveries. | 0.63 | — |
| Sacks per gameSacks by this defense. | 1.38 | — |
| Sacks allowed per gameSacks taken by this offense. | 1.75 | — |
Advanced stats
Efficiency from play-by-play, garbage time removed: expected points added (EPA), success rate, explosiveness, havoc, finishing drives, field position and pace.
| Stat | 2026 | FBS rank |
|---|---|---|
| EPA per playExpected points added per snap, garbage time removed. Zero is average; +0.10 is very good. | -0.14 | — |
| EPA per play allowedExpected points the defense gives up per snap. Lower is better. | +0.12 | — |
| Success rateShare of plays that stay on schedule: 50% of the distance on 1st down, 70% on 2nd, all of it on 3rd and 4th. | 33.7% | — |
| Success rate allowedOpponents' success rate. | 44.4% | — |
| Explosive play rateRuns of 12+ yards and passes of 16+ yards, as a share of plays. | 8.6% | — |
| Explosive plays allowedThe same rate for opponents. | 13.7% | — |
| Havoc rateShare of snaps with a tackle for loss, sack, forced fumble, interception or pass break-up. | 10.8% | — |
| Havoc allowedHow often this offense suffers a havoc play. | 14.5% | — |
| Points per scoring opportunityFinishing drives: points per possession that reaches the opponent's 40. | 2.58 | — |
| Points per opportunity allowedHow well the defense holds once opponents cross its 40. | 3.93 | — |
| Average starting field positionWhere this offense's drives begin, on average. | opp 10 | — |
| Opponents' starting field positionWhere opponents' drives begin. | opp 10 | — |
| Offensive plays per game (pace)Scrimmage snaps per game; a tempo measure. | 55.3 | — |
Situational stats
Run vs pass splits, passing downs, third downs and the red zone.
| Stat | 2026 | FBS rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing EPA per playExpected points added on runs. | -0.13 | — |
| Passing EPA per playExpected points added on dropbacks, sacks included. | -0.16 | — |
| Rushing EPA allowedRun defense, per play. | +0.06 | — |
| Passing EPA allowedPass defense, per dropback. | +0.19 | — |
| Rushing success rateShare of runs that stay on schedule. | 35.1% | — |
| Passing success rateShare of dropbacks that stay on schedule. | 32.4% | — |
| Run stuff rateRuns stopped at or behind the line. | 21.2% | — |
| Passing-down success rateSuccess on 2nd-and-8+ and 3rd/4th-and-5+. | 20.8% | — |
| Passing-down success allowedHow often opponents escape long-yardage downs. | 34.6% | — |
| Third-down conversion rateThird downs converted by the play itself. | 25.7% | — |
| Third-down rate allowedOpponents' third-down conversions. | 42.6% | — |
| Red-zone touchdown rateDrives reaching the 20 that end in a touchdown. | 44.5% | — |
| Red-zone TD rate allowedOpponents' red-zone touchdown rate. | 66.0% | — |
Power rating = projected margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field, from our opponent-adjusted efficiency model. How it works and how accurate it has been.
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