Bulldogs host Bucknell Saturday (1p)

FULL GAME NOTES

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After enjoying its first bye week of the season, the Bryant University football returns to Bulldog Stadium to host unbeaten Bucknell on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

GAME INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Listen: WOON 1240 (onworldwide.com)
Watch: NECFrontRow
Stats: Live Stats 

SCOUTING THE BISON
Bucknell comes to Smithfield as one of the hottest teams in the country and one of only nine remaining unbeaten teams. The Bison have won six-straight and nine-of-10 dating back to Oct. 19 of last season. They wrapped up 2013 winning five of their final six and have not lost yet this season. They defeated fellow NEC member Sacred Heart, 36-20, two weeks ago.

Bucknell has found success this season with a balanced offense and a stifling defense. The Bison are averaging over 400 yards of offense per game, with 240 of it coming through the air. QB R.J. Nitti has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 931 yards, 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions. On the ground, C.J. Williams is 10th in the country with 140.5 yards per game. He's averaging over 6.53 yards per carry and has scored five touchdowns.

On the other side of the ball, the Bison have prided themsevles on being a stout defensive team every year. Through four games this year, that defense has been terrific, holding opponents to just 16.3 points per game, a number that ranks 12th in the country. They have also held opponents to just 85 yards on the ground, sixth in the FCS. Clayton Ewell leads the team with three interceptions, while Evan Byers has a team-high 52 tackles.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Bryant and Bucknell will be meeting for the second time in programhistory this afternoon. The Bulldogs and Bison met for the first time in the season finale in 2012. Bucknell was able to pull out a 24-21 victory, snapping Bryant's four-game winning streak. The teams were tied at the half before Bucknell grabbed a 10-point lead. The Bulldogs responded with a touchdown and appeared to set up a potential game-winning drive with a blocked punt, but were called for roughing the kicker instead. Bucknell held the Black and Gold to just 252 yards of total offense and only 11 first downs.

SCHEDULE GETS TOUGHER
Bryant's schedule continues to become one of the toughest in the country. Of their first four games, two were ranked, two were reigning conference champs and two were CAA members. It gets tougher this weekend as they host a Bucknell team that has the potential to be the Patriot League champion this season.

BYE BYE BYE
The Bulldogs enter today's game having enjoyed their first bye week of the season last weekend. Following today's game, the Black and Gold will have another bye week before opening NEC play at Saint Francis U. on Oct. 18.

BULLDOGS BOAST NATION'S BEST KICK RETURN
Bryant has enjoyed an outstanding season on special teams and that is showing in the national rankings. The Bulldogs currently lead the nation with an average of 32 yards per kick return.