Predicted by absolutely no one in the Patriot League pre-season media day, the bottom two teams in the August poll battle for rights to the top of the conference heading into October. Among two schools that have combined for one winning season in the last ten, Georgetown and Bucknell share a closely held series that usually comes down to the late plays of the game. Such was the case last year, when Bucknell won on a fourth quarter interception, 24-21.

Like Georgetown, Bucknell is building from the ground up. The Bison's only win last season was against Georgetown, but this season's efforts have seen the Bison leverage its defense for three wins and a remarkable +11 in turnover margin. Its offense, scoring 24 or more points in all four games, will be a tough test for a "bend but don't break" Georgetown defense that ranks last in the PL in total defense.

Sophomore QB Brandon Wesley passed for 122 yards in last season's game but has shown steady progress in 2011, with a season high 267 yards against Cornell and 214 total yards in last win's win over Princeton. Wesley may need to carry the load in the backfield, as leading rusher Jeremiah Young (70-263-1) will back up junior Tyler Smith (39-111-2) for the start. Bucknell's 153 yards rushing against Princeton was a season high, but they face a Georgetown defense allowing just 70 a game.

Bucknell's passing game has been a strong addition in 2011. Seniors Frank DeNick (17-197-1) and Gabe Skwara (10-129-1) lead the Bison attack, with Tyler Smith as a third option out of the backfield. The Bison have only managed three passing touchdowns but figure to test the Georgetown secondary.

A year of adjustment has given Bucknell a more consistent defensive effort to date, and has forced 13 turnovers in four games this season. Senior DT Josh Eden forced a safety, a fumble, and returned a second turnover for a touchdown last week, and its line will have to have another strong game giving up size to the improved Georgetown offensive line. Its secondary has been stung only once this season, a 332 yard effort by Cornell, but has held its other three opponents under 200 yards passing.

The impressive Princeton win was a byproduct of turnovers, but Saturday's game will test Bucknell on its ability to control time of possession. Averaging 34:24 per game, that statistic has allowed the Bison to pull away late in games. A stronger effort by Georgetown to keep the Bison offense off the the field may be among Coach Joe Susan's key points of emphasis for his young but growing offense.

Some keys to the game:

1. Interceptions: Bucknell has picked up eight in four games, Georgetown six. The Bison picked up only one interception in last year's game but it was the difference maker.

2. Georgetown's Rushing Effort: Bucknell has also played tough on opposing defensive teams, but the Hoyas need to assert its stronger offensive line to open up holes off the line of scrimmage. The Hoyas held the ball just 21 minutes last season vs. the Bison and a more consistent run effort improves that number directly.

3. Andrew Schaetzke: Schaetzke has not played a dominating game this season but a strong game could neutralize Wesley and Smith off the strong side Bucknell attack.

Georgetown's three wins versus Bucknell since 2001 are the most of any PL opponent in this era, but it also has lost three straight by a combined 11 points. The team that plays its best and avoids turnovers can and will win this game, and with it gain something both teams haven't seen in a long time in PL circles: respect.