Moore to come on defense

The Quakers suited up against Bucknell without All-American cornerback Chris Wynn, who missed his second-straight game with various leg ailments.

They were also without Wynn’s backup, junior Jon Saelinger, who was sidelined with a lower-body injury.

“We actually had three freshman corners out there,” coach Al Bagnoli said. “Makes things a little bit more exciting.”

Yet in reality, that depleted secondary prevented Saturday’s 21-3 win from ever becoming too exciting. The Quakers allowed zero first-half points. They allowed just 92 passing yards. They forced three turnovers on passing plays. And, most importantly, they gave quarterback John Hurley the breathing room that he needed to survive his first collegiate outing.

Penn is leading the Ivy League in pass defense for the second-straight season, this time with its stars on the sidelines.

“[If] we take all our unhealthy people and put them on there,” Jonathan Moore said, “this might be the best defense I think Penn has had.”

As the only non-freshman cornerback, Moore had to become a defensive leader Saturday. He got the better of his matchup with top Bison wideout Cale Cadman, who finished with one reception for six yards. Moore finished with as many catches, hauling in his team-high fourth interception of the season.

To be sure, Moore and his teammates benefitted from some luck. Cadman had Moore beat on at least two deep balls but lost his balance before he could make either grab. Shaun Pasternak, Bucknell’s best receiver from a year ago, was ineffectual in his return from a broken foot, as he and quarterback C.J. Hopson were out of sync.

Even Hopson’s presence aided the Quakers. The six-foot scrambler played because starter Marcello Trigg was unavailable, and Bucknell coach Tim Landis questioned Hopson’s decision making.

Still, Penn defensive coordinator Ray Priore’s unit shut down the Bison’s triple-option offense, forcing them to the air where they fared no better.

“Coach Priore really always defends us well,” Landis said. “Very, very frustrating offensively.”

Making his NCAA debut, freshman Justyn Williams — who was not even listed on the two-deep — stripped the ball away from A.J. Kizekai and scooped it up for his first fumble forced and recovered.

Junior Josh Powers’ fourth career interception and first of ’09 gave the Quakers great field position early in the second half, though Andrew Samson missed the ensuing 38-yard field goal wide left.

And throughout the afternoon affair, Bucknell could not burn any of Penn’s inexperienced defenders.

The Bison’s 14 offensive series featured five 3-and-outs, four turnovers and just four successful third-down conversions. Their average starting position was their own 24-yard line; the Quakers’ was around midfield.

“I put pressure on myself every day, every practice, every down to make a play,” Moore said. “It’s really no different. I just try to make sure those freshmen don’t get down on the play. I just try to be that leader, that cool head.”

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