Historic Pennsylvania programs Bucknell and Penn square off for the 38th time on Saturday. The Quakers dominate the series holding a 32-5 edge on the Bison in a series dating back to 1895. However, the Bison could notch a rare win over the Quakers after a solid 3-2 start to the season. Bucknell's wins over Penn are so rare that each one deserves revisiting.
1966
It took 71 years and 14 games for Bucknell to defeat Penn. For perspective on how lopsided the series was, the Bison did not score a point until the fifth meeting and only scored 42 in the first 13 meetings. The Bison ran for 333 yards and overcame a 13-7 halftime deficit to win 28-21. Future Colts running back and Super Bowl champion Sam Havrilak led the Bison with 99 yards on the ground.
1967
Bucknell's luck continued the following year after its first win against Penn in arguably the most exciting game in series history. The Bison overcame a 27-13 deficit and scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes. A successful Bucknell onside kick set up the final score, a touchdown with 13 seconds left to give the Bison a 28-27 win.
Sam Havrilak again had an outstanding game against the Quakers, running for 94 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 134 passing yards.
1987
Due to losses in 1968 and 1969 and a hiatus in the series after the 1969 game, Bucknell did not beat Penn for another two decades. Bucknell raced to a 25-0 halftime lead and survived a late Penn rally to win 32-24. The Bison outgained Penn 232 to 57 in the first half before the Quakers began their comeback.
1997
Penn continued its dominance over Bucknell with five straight series wins from 1988 to 1996. In 1997, the greatest Bucknell team since the 1935 Orange Bowl team cemented its legacy with a win over Penn.
The Bison received several lucky breaks in a 20-16 win. An illegal motion penalty wiped out a 21-yard touchdown pass that would have given Penn the lead in the fourth quarter, and the Quakers missed two field goals. As in 1987, the Bison used an excellent first half to cruise to victory, entering halftime with a 20-3 lead.
Despite finishing 10-1, Bucknell did not make the FCS Playoffs after losing a winner-take-all game to Colgate in the final week. 1997 was the closest they were to an FCS Playoff appearance until a 2020 appearance in the Patriot League Championship Game as South Division champions.
1999
The 1999 game is the last series win for Bucknell. Three turnovers and a blocked kick allowed Bucknell to defeat Penn 23-16.The Bison once agai had to thwart a Penn comeback. The Quakers scored a touchdown and a field goal in the last four minutes and were driving for a late Hail Mary attempt after a failed onside kick. However, a sack by John Papadakis with 18 seconds left stalled the Quakers' final drive.
