Penn State gets one more non-conference tune-up Saturday at Beaver Stadium, and the matchup with Buffalo comes with a simple question attached: can the Nittany Lions clean up the run game, keep Rocco Becht humming and head into next week at 3-0?
Penn State is coming off a 27-9 win over Temple, a game that started slowly before the offense settled in and scored on five of its final six drives. Becht has been sharp through two games, completing 75.6 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and no turnovers, and Penn State has shown a willingness to distribute the ball. Nine players caught a pass against Marshall, and seven did against Temple.
The running game, though, remains a work in progress. Head coach Matt Campbell and Taylor Mouser have made it clear they know it needs work.
Campbell has said the issues are “just a hair off” and pointed out that Carson Hansen hasn’t had any negative runs. Hansen finished with 84 yards last week, and Buffalo gives Penn State a chance to finally get a 100-yard rusher.
Buffalo, meanwhile, brings a dangerous target in Chance Morrow. The wideout has 18 catches for 221 yards and five touchdowns in just two games, making him the Bulls’ clear offensive engine. Penn State opens as a 38.5-point favorite, but slowing Morrow is the headliner on the defensive side.
Jake Aferiat said the defensive ends are in the spotlight with Max Granville injured, which changes the rotation and puts more on Yvan Kemajou, Ike Ezeogu and Alex McPherson. Caleb Bacon, who moved from linebacker to defensive end, has adjusted seamlessly and could have another big day.
Bob Flounders pointed to the cornerbacks, with Audavion Collins, Daryus Dixson and Zion Tracy needing to be sharp against Morrow. He also thinks Penn State could top 400 passing yards, noting that Buffalo’s pass defense is vulnerable and that the Lions have too much talent at receiver and tight end for the Bulls to handle. That could set up another four-touchdown day for Becht.
Joe Hermitt focused on the backfield and said Penn State finally got the run game moving late against a tired Temple defense, though it still hasn’t looked impressive. Carson Hansen ran hard, James Peoples flashed, and Quinton Martin Jr. didn’t get a snap. Hermitt also singled out the matchup between the 6-foot-4 Morrow and Penn State’s secondary, calling it the most interesting battle of the day.
All three took the same basic view: Penn State should control the game if the passing attack gets going early. A fast start, better consistency and a chance to sort out the ground game before Big Ten play are all on the table Saturday.
In Other News...
Penn State May Have Found A Bigger Weapon Than Fans Realized
Penn State has spent the first two weeks seeing Zay Robinson in a little bit of everything, and the early returns suggest the redshirt freshman transfer from Iowa State may be carving out a bigger role than many expected. In the 45-0 win over Marshall, Robinson broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown, adding another flash point to an opening stretch in which he has already made an impact as a receiver and on special teams.
Robinson has handled punts and kickoffs, caught several passes and lined up at multiple receiver spots, giving the Nittany Lions a versatile option who can change field position and help the offense in different ways. His growing role has drawn praise from teammates and coach Matt Campbell, and Penn State will keep watching to see just how far his expanded workload can go as the season develops. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Still Has One Big Problem To Sort Out Before Wisconsin
Penn State has opened the season 2-0 and gets Buffalo before the schedule stiffens and Big Ten play begins, but the next step is as much about answers as it is about another win. The staff still has some sorting to do on the back end with its safety rotation, and there are fresh faces up front trying to settle into a run defense that will be tested more seriously once league play arrives.
The bigger issue, though, may be on offense, where the rushing game has not yet given the Nittany Lions the kind of reliable edge they want heading toward Wisconsin. Buffalo offers a useful checkpoint to see what works, what needs tweaking and how quickly Penn State can get its ground attack pointed in the right direction before the games start carrying more weight. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State May Watch Ohio State Steal Another Early Recruiting Win
Jordan Halls recruitment has quickly become one to watch for Penn State, which was the first Power Four program to offer the Ohio running back after his decommitment from Miami (OH). The three-star prospect has drawn attention from both Penn State and Ohio State, giving the Nittany Lions an early opening in a class-building race that matters as much for the future of the backfield as it does for bragging rights.
Ohio State is now hosting Hall for a visit, and that has put Penn State in the familiar position of trying to hold off a regional power with deep ties in the state. For both programs, the interest goes beyond one player, since each is looking to secure running back help in its 2027 class, but the current momentum appears to favor the Buckeyes unless Penn State can change the conversation soon. [Read more 🡒]