Penn State got through its 55-13 Week 3 win over Buffalo with a few bumps along the way, but the postgame mood around the injuries to Brock Riker and Andrew Rappleyea sounded far more reassuring than alarming.
The Nittany Lions lost both offensive starters in the first half on Saturday. Riker, the starting center, exited early in the first quarter and was replaced by Vaea Ikakoula.
Rappleyea, the tight end, came out in the second quarter after making his third catch of the day. Neither player returned to the field.
After the game, Matt Campbell made it sound like both could have gone back in if Penn State had truly needed them. As Tyler Donohue reported, Campbell said Riker and Rappleyea are “dinged up” and didn’t sound concerned about anything serious going forward.
Campbell didn’t get into the specifics of either injury. The nature of Riker’s issue wasn’t made clear, though he is a young Texas State transfer. Rappleyea, meanwhile, appeared to hurt his right shoulder.
That matters because Penn State is about to move from tune-up mode into conference play. The first three games - Marshall, Temple and Buffalo - essentially served as a preseason run before Week 4 brings Wisconsin to town for the Big Ten opener. Saturday was the last soft landing before the schedule stiffens.
Penn State has already faced plenty of chatter about whether this roster can hold up in the Big Ten, especially with so many players coming from the Big 12 or lower, including Riker. The outside noise has centered on whether a team built largely from an 8-4 Big 12 squad last season can really be a contender. Through three games, that question hasn’t been answered one way or the other, and Week 4 is the first real chance to start doing so.
And if there’s one place Penn State can’t afford to be short-handed, it’s in spots where the depth chart already has a clear pecking order. Ikakoula looked good at center against Buffalo, but Campbell said Riker was Penn State’s highest-graded player in Week 1.
At tight end, the Nittany Lions have options. Benjamin Brahmer, the Iowa State transfer, gives them a red zone threat and a dangerous pass-catching piece.
Gabe Burkle brings the best blocking ability in the room. But Rappleyea is the most complete player of the group, the one who lets the other two settle into more defined roles.
If Rappleyea is out, Brahmer may be asked to do more blocking and Burkle could take on a bigger role in the passing game. Both can handle it, but Rappleyea gives Penn State more balance because he’s a better blocker than Brahmer and a more explosive weapon than Burkle.
So while Campbell’s update was brief, it was also about as encouraging as Penn State could have hoped for. If both players were close enough to return on Saturday, the expectation is they should be in decent shape heading into Wisconsin next week.
In Other News...
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 🡒]
Penn State Found A New Playmaker Fans Will Be Talking About
Penn States 55-13 win over Buffalo at Beaver Stadium gave the Nittany Lions plenty to like beyond the final score, and one of the biggest takeaways was the emergence of Koby Howard as a new offensive spark. Howard found the end zone in more than one way, breaking loose for a 20-yard rushing touchdown and later turning a pass into a 70-yard receiving score, the kind of all-purpose burst that tends to stick with a fan base.
The supporting cast did its part, too, as Caleb Bacon and Yvan Kemajou helped set the tone defensively with tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Zay Robinson also added value in the return game with meaningful punt return yardage, giving Penn State another layer of field-position help in a game that looked comfortable but still offered a few fresh names worth watching as the season builds. [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 🡒]