In a crucial showdown at Joe Moglia Stadium, the Fordham Rams clashed with the Bucknell University (BU) Bison on Nov. 4 in a game that pit maroon and white against orange and blue on an overcast, chilly autumn Saturday afternoon. Fordham’s final home game featured a series of electrifying plays and a dramatic victory, 27-21, that influenced the Rams’ fate for the remainder of the Patriot League championship.
The game commenced to the tune of PinkPantheress and Ice Spice’s “Boy’s a liar.” Bucknell took an early 3-0 lead after Matt Schearer, BU ’26, kicked a 29-yard field goal. The Rams responded quickly, tying the score at 3-3 after kicker Brandon Peskin, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’25, landed on a 23-yard field goal of his own.
In between the first and second quarter, Fordham welcomed their football alumni from the past six decades to relive their glory days on the gridiron and to celebrate their enduring contributions to the sport and the university. It was a heartfelt recognition of the rich football history and tradition at Fordham.
Eight seconds into the second quarter, Rams quarterback CJ Montes, FCRH ’26, connected with MJ Wright, FCRH ’24, on a spectacular 64-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Rams to a 10-3 lead over the Bison. The play sent the crowd into a frenzy and demonstrated Montes’ remarkable ability to find his receivers downfield.
The fourth quarter unfolded with both teams giving their all, and the Bison began to claw their way back into the contest.
Bucknell drew even with the Rams at 10-10 following a 20-yard touchdown pass. As halftime approached, the Rams reclaimed the lead with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Montes to Mekai Felton, FCRH ’24. The extra point sent the team into the locker room leading 17-10.
During the halftime break, Fordham honored its veterans in a tribute titled a Salute to Service.
The second half of the game began with a bang, as Montes completed a pass to wide reciever Garrett Cody, FCRH ’23, who streaked down the field for an astonishing 91-yard touchdown. Peskin, again, secured the extra point for the Rams, extending Fordham’s lead to 24-10. Montes’ pinpoint accuracy and Cody’s breakaway speed left the Bisons’ defense grasping at open air.
Against a soundtrack that featured the Law and Order Special Victims Unit title sequence, Bucknell answered with a 28-yard field goal from Schearer, inching closer and cutting the deficit to 11 points. The Bison displayed their determination to stay in the game, ensuring the fight would remain a fierce battle down the stretch.
The fourth quarter unfolded with both teams giving their all, and the Bison began to claw their way back into the contest. As the clock ticked down, Bucknell put together a remarkable drive, culminating in a touchdown. Damien Harris, BU ’24, hauled in a 16-yard pass from quarterback Ralph Rucker, BU ’24, to make the score 24-21.
However, fate was not on the side of the Bison, and the Rams’ defense held firm in the final moments, denying their opponents any further scoring opportunities. Fordham’s win was all but ensured after Peskin nailed a 44-yard field goal with 1:50 remaining, increasing the Rams’ lead to six.
The Rams unfortunately were unable to end the season victorious in their last two games, as the Leopards and the Raiders defeated the Rams 16-24 on Nov. 11 and 14-21 on Nov. 18 respectively.
The crowd roared in anticipation of a thrilling conclusion. Bucknell pushed down the field in pursuit of the game-winning score, but Fordham’s defense held strong and prevented the visitors’ last-second effort. The final whistle blew, and the Rams emerged victorious with a final score of 27-21.
Blue and orange surrendered to the impassive maroon and white. With impressive yard passes, solid defensive strategies and clutch field goals, both teams left everything on the field.
For the Rams, this hard-fought victory for Fordham’s final home game of the season will serve as a source of pride and motivation as they continue their season. Fordham will likely need to win both of the season’s remaining games against the Lafayette Leopards and the Colgate Raiders to have a chance at postseason play.
After the game, head coach Joe Conlin shared his reflections on the showdown.
“I thought the defense stepped up the second half pretty well,” Conlin said. “We put them in a tough spot but they stood tall, we’ve got to do a better job on the third down offensively and defensively, and have to be much better on fourth down on offense.”
Looking at the weeks ahead, Conlin hoped to maintain the winning momentum. The Rams unfortunately were unable to end the season victorious in their last two games, as the Leopards and the Raiders defeated the Rams 16-24 on Nov. 11 and 14-21 on Nov. 18 respectively.
Despite these losses, the Rams will head into the offseason motivated by the support they have received from their fellow Rams cheering for them along the sidelines.
