Bucknell Falls To Kent St. 38-17 - BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Bucknell Falls To Kent St. 38-17

Jabu Powell led the Bison attack with 110 yards rushing on 18 carries.

Jabu Powell rushed for 110 yards, including a 69-yard TD run in the second quarter.

KENT, Ohio -- David Alston scored on touchdown runs of 44 and 10 yards, and Kent State took advantage of five Bucknell turnovers in dealing the Bison a season-opening 38-17 defeat at Dix Stadium.

Bucknell moved the football efficiently all day but was doomed by three lost fumbles and two interceptions. The Bison held statistical advantages over Division I-A Kent State in first downs, rushing yards, passing yards and time of possession.

Alston staked the Golden Flashes to a 7-0 lead when he rumbled 44 yards on KSU's first play from scrimmage. Trailing 14-0 early in the second quarter, RB Jabu Powell put the Bison on the board with an electrifying 68-yard TD jaunt.

The key exchange of the game came with six minutes remaining in the first half and Bucknell trailing 21-7. FS Mike Leatherman recovered a fumbled punt return at the KSU 9-yard line. But on the very next play Powell fumbled, and Kent's Justin Baugham returned it 89 yards for a touchdown.

Bucknell outscored Kent State 10-7 after intermission, getting a 30-yard field goal from PK Chris Lundberg and a 7-yard touchdown pass from QB Todd Wenrich to RB Jess Brinson.

KSU freshman quarterback Joshua Cribbs was stellar in a reserve role, passing for 145 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 90 yards on 18 carries.