Preview: Merrimack looking for first win at Bucknell on Saturday

Merrimack will play its third straight road game to open the 2024 season on Saturday when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Bucknell.

Apologies for the late preview. Been sick most of the week (perfect timing), so I just finished this on Saturday morning. Kickoff today for the Warriors is 6 p.m.

Merrimack will play its third straight road game to open the 2024 season on Saturday when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Bucknell.

The Bison will be Merrimack’s first FCS opponent of the season after the Warriors started the year 0-2 against FBS teams (UConn, and Air Force).

Bucknell is 1-1 after losing to Navy and a win over VMI.

Merrimack vs. Bucknell

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+
Venue: Christy Mathewson Stadium (cap. 13,100)
Location: Lewisburg, Pa.

History: This will be the first meeting between the programs.

Know the Foe: Bucknell

The Bison have been one of the best passing teams in FCS through two games. Bucknell is No. 13 in the FCS in passing offense (273.0 yards per game) with starting quarterback Ralph Rucker. TJ Cadden (184 yards receiving) has been Rucker’s favorite target through two games.

After a Week 1 loss to FBS Navy, Bucknell rebounded with a win over VMI last week. The Bison scored 21 unanswered points in a 35-28 win. Rucker was 28 of 37 for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

"Great job by our football team coming out in the second half and playing the best football of the year so far. Offense, defense and special teams all came together, and we had a stretch of about 15 minutes where we played some championship-level football," said head coach Dave Cecchini.

Bucknell returned a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter last week. Cadden broke free on a 40-yard return for the Bison’s first score of the game.

Three Things to Watch with the Warriors

1) The Warriors need to find a way to get Donovan Wadley going

Donovan Wadley is one of Merrimack’s biggest offensive weapons. Through the first two games, it looked like teams were keyed on him and tried to take him out of the offense. Wadley has four catches for 20 yards. Air Force and UConn not only tried to keep the ball out of his hands, but they tried to make sure they didn’t allow him to beat the defense for big plays.

Bucknell will undoubtedly try to do the same. But he could find more space against a the Bison.

We’ll also have to watch to see who gets most of the QB reps. Malakai Anthony started last week against the Huskies and Ayden Pereira got series in the second half. Merrimack’s most effective QB last week was Justin Lewis, although it was in garbage time against most of UConn’s backups.

Still, it’s something to watch because the Warriors don’t feel solid at that position. Those reps could go to anyone right now.

2) Is today a big day for Jermaine Corbett?

The Stonehill transfer has been terrific through two weeks. He had eight carries for 59 yards against Air Force and ran for 103 yards on 14 carriers last week with a touchdown.

Bucknell’s defense has been awful against the run through two weeks. The Bison have allowed 238.0 yards per game and six rushing touchdowns.

Navy runs the ball a lot, just like Air Force. The midshipmen diced up the Bison for 273 yards on 53 carries. But even last week against VMI, the Bison allowed 219 yards on 28 carries against VMI.

The Warriors haven’t been very effective through the air — yes, the strength of the opponent might have something to do with that — but they have been very good on the ground, led by Corbett, and today presents a promising matchup for him.

3) Let’s see some pressure!

Merrimack hasn’t recorded a sack in its first two games. That needs to change today. UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano torched the Warriors last week, and I thought a lot of that had to do with how comfortably he was able to operate in the pocket.

Now, the Warriors have only had quarterbacks drop back 40 times through two games. But zero sacks still stand out. Merrimack has allowed five sacks in 55 dropbacks (1 sack per 11.0 dropbacks).