DODGING DAVIDSON – Although VMI jumped in front 6-0, Davidson would go ahead 7-6 in the third and hold the lead until the last minute of the game, when
VJ Johnson took a 25-yard reception to the house for the go-ahead score.
Alex Oliver would seal the game on an ensuing possession with a leaping interception to give him six for his career. The Keydet defense as a unit shined, holding one of 2022's top offenses to just 184 total yards, as the lone Wildcats score came on a penalty-aided drive.
SCOUTING THE BISON – Bucknell was 3-8 overall last season, with one of its losses (24-14) coming at the hands of the Keydets. Bucknell ended the 2022 season on a high note, however, winning three of its last five, including its last two. The 2022 team averaged just 12.8 points while allowing 28.18. The Bison had two representatives on the preseason All-Patriot team, as defensive lineman Tyler Alston and kicker Matt Schearer earned the nod. The Bison had a tough opener in week one, visiting former FCS power James Madison (loss, 38-3), with the Dukes tacking on 14 points in the fourth. Ralph Rucker (a transfer from Oklahoma where he was a walk-on) threw for 140 yards with Damian Harris totaling 61 yards on three catches.
THE SERIES – The series is an even 3-3 all-time, with five of the six matchups occurring since 2013. VMI has won two in a row, snapping a three-game skid in the series back in 2016, when the Keydets prevailed in triple overtime. Last season in Lexington, VMI jumped in front 21-0 and would hold off the charging Bison 24-14.
Hunter Rice had a career day, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown, while
Rashad Raymond had his first score of the season.
Evan Eller and
Alex Oliver each had 9.0 tackles, while
Josh Knapp's two picks helped secure the win.
A VMI Win over Bucknell would ...
--Give VMI its third straight win against Bucknell
--Snap a five-game losing streak on the road
--Give VMI its first 2-0 start since the Covid spring season
GRANT IS GREAT – After scoring in the season-opener at Wake Forest last year,
Grant Swinehart wasted no time making an impact in 2023, taking in a 14-yard run in the second quarter against Davidson. Prior to the season, Swinehart was awarded the number 0 which is a new tradition started by Coach Rocco at VMI. Each year, number zero will be given to the captain of the special teams - someone who embodies what it means to be a cadet-athlete: hard work, dedication, sacrifice and selflessness.
ALL-STAR ALEX – Helping clinch the game with an interception,
Alex Oliver was named the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. In the opener against Davidson, Oliver had 6.0 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and the pick. Earning All-SoCon First Team in 2022, Oliver ranks second among active FCS players with 27 career passes defended, and 23
rd in all of NCAA Football in that career category. Last year, Oliver lead the Keydets in passes defended (13), pass break ups (10) and interceptions (3).
DOMINANT DEFENSE – Led by
Eric Rankin (14.0 tackles) and
Evan Eller (11.0 tackles), the VMI defense proved to be dominant against Davidson, holding one of 2022's top offenses to just 184 total yards.
Christian Dunn totaled 8.0 tackles, two quarterback hurries and a pass break up, while
Noel Innocent had 2.0 tackles and a break up.
VICTORIOUS VALERIAN – VJ Johnson had just one catch against Davidson, but it proved to be the biggest one of the game, as the redshirt junior took a 25-yard reception to the house to give VMI its game-winning score.
