Penn State didn’t have to wait long to find Quinton Martin, Jr. on Saturday.
After a week in which the redshirt sophomore running back logged zero snaps at Temple, Martin showed up in a big way late in the first quarter at University Park, Pa. On his first drive of the game, he ripped off a 61-yard run that helped set up a Penn State field goal.
Martin finished the drive with 70 yards on the ground, but the play that stood out just as much came behind him. Quarterback Rocco Becht sprinted downfield with Martin, looking for someone to block, a burst of effort that underscored the kind of leadership Penn State values from its quarterback.
That run also put fresh attention on Martin’s case to be the featured back moving forward, especially after he was held out entirely the week before.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser addressed Martin’s absence from the Temple game and said the decision was tied to broader offensive evaluation.
“Quinton had a great camp and is good enough to help our football team,” Mouser said, “and everything is being evaluated to help our pass game better and run game better. Quinton has earned the right to get touches in the offense.“
Mouser also made clear the benching was not about a lack of confidence in the running back.
“It wasn’t a reflection of our lack of trust in Quinton or where he’s at. He’s good enough to help our football team, and we’re going to need that guy to make big plays in big moments this year. His time’scoming, and I have all the trust in him to go out there and play.“
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 🡒]
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 🡒]