Defense, special teams power Bucknell in 38-35 2OT win over Lehigh

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Gavin Willis recovered a fumble in the second overtime period, Bucknell scored on a kickoff return and an interception return, and the Bison defeated Lehigh 38-35 in a Patriotic League opener on Saturday.

After the teams traded touchdowns in overtime, Matt Schearer hit a 42-yard field goal to give Bucknell a 38-35 lead in the second series. Bucknell's Brad Jamison forced a fumble by Luke Yoder and Willis recovered to give the Bison the win. It was Yoder's second lost fumble of the game.

Bucknell's TJ Cadden, who had a 73-yard punt return in the Bison's previous game, returned a kickoff 100 yards for the touchdown that got them on the board. The return was after Lehigh had taken a 14-0 lead on two touchdown passes to Geoffrey Jamiel from different quarterbacks.

Aaron Davis' 79-yard interception return gave Bucknell (3-2) its only lead of regulation, 28-21 with about 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter before a short touchdown run by Yoder tied it at 28 with 1:30 remaining.

Ralph Rucker IV threw for 150 yards for Bucknell. He had two touchdown passes and ran for one more.

Hayden Johnson threw for 200 yards for Lehigh and Yoder added 137 yards rushing with three touchdowns. The Mountain Hawks (3-2) led in total yards 470-243 in regulation.

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The Associated Press