LEWISBURG, Pa. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Bucknell Bison host the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash in a non-conference matchup at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

Bucknell (2-2) looks to rebound after a 41-24 home loss to Lehigh last Saturday. Quarterback Ralph Rucker IV was a bright spot in the defeat, passing for 291 yards and two touchdowns while adding 35 yards on the ground. The Bison have shown offensive firepower in their wins, scoring 35 and 34 points against Virginia Military Institute and Marist, respectively.

Saint Francis (PA) enters the contest seeking its first win of the season. The Red Flash (0-4) are coming off a 39-10 loss to Delaware State. Despite the team’s struggles, quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. put together a solid performance, completing 25 of 35 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 22 yards. Saint Francis has been outscored 144-23 this season, with its lone touchdown in the last three games coming in the fourth quarter against Delaware State.

Despite the disparity in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a close contest, favoring Saint Francis (PA) 30-27.

The game kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. Bucknell opens Patriot League play next week against Richmond, while Saint Francis (PA) has a bye before facing Duquesne on Oct. 11.