Something has to give when the Penn defense lines up against the Bucknell offense tomorrow.
Last week, the Bison ran for 308 yards, including 268 by quarterback Dante Ross. Meanwhile, the Quakers have allowed 158 rushing yards this season -- the fewest in the nation.
That battle will go a long way in determining the winner of tomorrow's matchup at Franklin Field.
It is a rivalry that despite Penn's having the better program recently, has produced some highly entertaining games -- maybe too entertaining for a Quakers fan.
Last year, it was Penn's double-overtime win in Lewisburg, Pa., when the Quakers needed a 42-yard field goal from Evan Nolan to send the game to a second extra period.
In 2003 -- the Quakers' undefeated season -- the Bucknell game was by far the closest call of the year. Bison kicker Ryan Korn left a last-second 39-yard field goal attempt short to let the Quakers escape with a 14-13 victory in quarterback Pat McDermott's first start.
So even with Bucknell (1-3) in the midst of a down year, somehow it is always ready to play the Penn game.
"For us, Penn has such a long established history of success," Bison coach Tim Landis said. "Our players have a lot of respect for them."
While Bucknell's eagerness certainly has an impact on the game, part of what has kept the recent matchups so close revolves around the Bison's complicated offense.
Ross, who just converted to the quarterback position from his role as cornerback and special teamer, will lead the flexbone offense, using the option as the primary weapon.
After injuries to the top three quarterbacks, Ross stepped in beautifully. Last week, in a win against Marist, he set a program record for quarterbacks with his 268 rushing yards.
He also returned punts, intercepted a pass, ran for three touchdowns and even found the time to throw for one.
But passing is not a major component of the Bison offense.
Ross' 37-yard touchdown pass last week was his only completion of the game.
After preparing his defense for so many weeks to play against a more typical offense, Bagnoli really has a challenge to get his team ready for tomorrow.
"You've got three days to prepare for this flexbone triple-option," Bagnoli said. "We're going to have to play very good assignment-conscious defense."
A big part of that will fall on Penn's front seven, which stood out in last week's game at Dartmouth.
Linebacker Kory Gedin was all over the field, recording nine tackles. He and fellow linebacker Ric San Doval will have the task, along with the down lineman, of containing the Bison running game.
But the task may be a little bit easier considering the deficiency in their aerial attack.
"They don't throw quite as well, thank God," Bagnoli said. "So we're a little bit encouraged that we can more consistently get the seventh and eighth guy in the box to defend the run game without having to worry so much about the home run ball."
The Penn defense could be aided by the return of junior lineman J.J. Stanton, who left the Dartmouth game with a hyperextended knee after one play and was expected to play as of Wednesday's practice.
Offensively, Penn (2-1) is likely without Joe Sandberg, who strained his knee against Dartmouth last weekend. However, Sam Mathews is one week closer to 100 percent after missing the Villanova game with a shoulder bruise.
The Bison opened the season with consecutive three-point losses to Georgetown and Stony Brook, which they followed with a blowout loss to Cornell.
But given the recent trend of this rivalry and Bucknell's new-found weapon out of the shotgun, there is reason to believe that tomorrow's game could be closer than those results would indicate.
