Penn State Hosts Buffalo Before Big Ten Play
Penn State Hosts Buffalo Before Big Ten Play
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Key Points
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Buffalo is 1-13 all time against Big Ten opponents, with its only victory coming against Rutgers in 2018.
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Rocco Becht has thrown seven touchdown passes through two games, matching Penn State’s highest total by a quarterback at this stage since Tony Sacca did so in 1991.
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Penn State has yet to produce a run of at least 20 yards this season; Cam Wallace’s 16-yard carry is the team’s longest rushing play so far.
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The matchup continues a one-sided series history: Penn State is 2-0 against Buffalo, including a 45-13 victory in the teams’ most recent meeting in 2019, when Sean Clifford threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns.
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Matt Campbell said Penn State’s response to adversity against Temple showed “no panic,” highlighting the team’s ability to correct goal-line mistakes and breakdowns on several big runs rather than lose its composure.
Penn State hosts Buffalo on Saturday in its final nonconference game before Big Ten play begins. The Nittany Lions are 2-0 after defeating Temple 27-9 and face a 40.5-point favorite situation against a Bulls team that is 1-13 all-time against Big Ten opponents SI. Coach Matt Campbell said Penn State's response to mistakes against Temple showed "no panic," a sign the team is ready for a tougher schedule ahead.
Penn State's defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing just 4.5 points per game and forcing opponents to convert just 21.7 percent of third downs Onward State. But the Nittany Lions have struggled to run the ball consistently — their longest rushing play is only 16 yards so far. Buffalo's offense features dynamic wide receiver Chance Morrow, who has 18 catches, 218 yards and five touchdowns through two games.
Penn State's Passing Game Heating Up
Quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown seven touchdown passes through two games, matching the record set by Tony Sacca in 1991 at this stage of the season Onward State. Becht's early success gives Penn State confidence heading into Wisconsin next week. The passing attack will likely continue to carry the offense against Buffalo's defense, which allows 295 yards per game through the air.
Running Game Still Searching for Traction
Penn State has yet to produce a single rushing play of 20 yards or more this season SI. Cam Wallace's 16-yard carry remains the team's longest rushing attempt. Backs Carson Hansen and James Peoples will need to find more consistency against Buffalo's defense to balance the offense before Big Ten competition intensifies.
Buffalo's Historical Struggles Against Big Ten
Buffalo enters the game with a 1-13 record against Big Ten opponents, with its only victory coming against Rutgers in 2018 SI. Penn State is 2-0 in the series, including a dominant 45-13 win in 2019 when Sean Clifford threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns. The historical matchup heavily favors the Nittany Lions as they prepare for Wisconsin and other conference rivals.
Defensive Depth Tested After Granville Loss
Penn State's dominant defense will rely heavily on defensive end Dani Dennis Bacon following the season-ending injury to Max Granville SI. The unit has been the team's strength so far, but replacing Granville's production will be crucial as Penn State faces tougher Big Ten offenses like Wisconsin, Northwestern, USC and Michigan in the coming weeks.
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