Penn State didn’t waste much time making the gap look exactly like it felt on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
The 14th-ranked Nittany Lions had the size, speed and depth Buffalo couldn’t match, and that showed up early in a 55-13 nonconference win over the Bulls. Penn State was already in control by halftime, taking a 34-6 lead into the break.
The key stretch came in the second quarter, when Koby Howard turned the game fully lopsided. His 20-yard reverse for a touchdown pushed Penn State ahead 27-3 with 10:47 left before halftime after Ryan Barker’s extra point. Howard wasn’t finished there.
He came back later in the quarter and hauled in a 70-yard touchdown pass from Rocco Becht with 2:31 remaining in the second. Howard ended the afternoon with three catches for 115 yards and the rushing score, giving him the standout offensive performance in the rout.
Penn State’s defense also kept Buffalo quarterback Jason Wright under constant pressure. Caleb Bacon and Yvan Kemajou earned the defensive game balls for their work off the edge.
Bacon recorded four solo tackles, including a tackle for loss that forced a fumble. Ike Ezeogu pounced on that loose ball at the Buffalo 20, and Penn State punched in a touchdown four plays later.
Kemajou added a sack and two quarterback hurries.
There was more impact from the return game, too. Zay Robinson kept flashing as a punt returner, continuing his strong start after averaging 12.6 yards per return through the first two games. Against Buffalo, he brought back eight punts for 109 yards and broke one for 38.
In Other News...
Penn State Has A New Injury Worry Before Wisconsin
Penn State came out of its Week 3 win over Buffalo with a couple of fresh concerns, even if the immediate outlook sounds relatively manageable. Starting center Brock Riker and tight end Andrew Rappleyea both went down in the first half, briefly thinning out two spots the Nittany Lions would rather keep stable as the schedule tightens.
Head coach Matt Campbell called both players dinged up and said neither injury appears serious, adding that either one likely could have returned if the game had demanded it. Still, with Wisconsin next on the Big Ten slate, Penn State will be watching closely to make sure both are ready, because the margin for error gets a lot smaller once conference play starts to bite. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Suddenly Has A Tight End Concern Fans Know Too Well
Penn States passing game took a hit in Week 3 when Andrew Rappleyea left the Buffalo game in the first half with a right shoulder injury and did not return. The tight end room has been a point of emphasis in the offense, and losing a player in that spot can ripple through both the run game and the short passing game, especially early in the season when roles are still settling.
The good news for the Nittany Lions is that there is no shortage of options waiting behind him. Gabe Burkle, Benjamin Brahmer and Finn Furmanek are all available to absorb snaps and keep the position group moving, even as the team waits for more clarity on Rappleyeas status. Penn State could also be monitoring the health of starting center Brock Riker, who left the game earlier and did not return, though it is still unclear whether his exit was injury-related. [Read more 🡒]
Quinton Martin Just Made Penn States Backfield Battle A Lot Harder
A week after sitting out the Temple game, Quinton Martin, Jr. reminded Penn State why his role is worth watching with a 61-yard burst that set up a field goal. The run was the kind of explosive touch that can tilt a backfield competition, and it gave the Nittany Lions another glimpse of the speed and playmaking they have available when Martin is involved.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser made it clear afterward that Martin has earned opportunities and is expected to be part of the offense moving forward. Quarterback Rocco Becht also showed support during the play, a small but telling sign that Martin is gaining trust inside the huddle as Penn State sorts out how to distribute carries. [Read more 🡒]