Penn State Hosts Buffalo
No. 14 Penn State Hosts Buffalo in Final Nonconference Matchup Saturday
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Key Points
1
The game will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network, with kickoff scheduled for noon Eastern on Sept. 19 at Beaver Stadium.
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Buffalo may be unsettled at quarterback: transfer Elijah Holmes has thrown for fewer than 200 yards through two games and was replaced by Jason Wright at halftime against Florida International, potentially making Wright the new starter.
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Penn State’s recent win over Temple featured a strong performance from quarterback Drew Becht, who completed 21 of 27 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Benjamin Brahmer added 79 receiving yards and two scores.
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The series has been heavily one-sided in the modern era: Buffalo has lost by double digits in every matchup with Penn State this century, while its only victory in the four-game series came 126 years ago.
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Despite its overall struggles, Buffalo has been perfect in the red zone so far, scoring on all of its opportunities; Penn State, by contrast, has allowed scores on 100% of opponents’ red-zone trips.
No. 14 Penn State enters Saturday's game against Buffalo as a heavy favorite, with the Nittany Lions seeking their third straight win in their final nonconference matchup. The Sports Animal reports Penn State has dominated its first two opponents, beating Marshall 45-0 and Temple 27-9 to improve to 2-0. The spread sits near 40 points, reflecting Buffalo's offensive struggles and the team's recent 33-20 loss to Florida International.
Penn State's defense has been stifling early in the season, allowing just 9 points combined across two games. Buffalo faces uncertainty at quarterback after Elijah Holmes threw for fewer than 200 yards through two contests and was benched at halftime against Florida International, with Jason Wright potentially taking over as starter for Saturday's noon kickoff at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State's Dominant Start Sets Tone for Saturday
The Nittany Lions have shown no mercy in their opening games this season. 1075 The Game reports Penn State defeated Marshall 45-0 and Temple 27-9, outscoring opponents 72-9 through two weeks. Quarterback Drew Becht led the Temple win with 21 of 27 completions for 268 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Benjamin Brahmer caught 79 yards and two scores.
Coach Matt Campbell's team has been nearly perfect in the red zone, allowing scores on 100% of opponents' opportunities. This stat worries Penn State as it prepares to face a Buffalo offense that has been equally efficient inside the 20-yard line, scoring on all of its red-zone attempts so far.
Buffalo's Quarterback Shake-Up Clouds the Visit to State College
Buffalo's offensive troubles have created a critical decision point at quarterback. Transfer Elijah Holmes has struggled through two games, unable to reach 200 passing yards in either contest. KMJ Now notes Holmes was replaced at halftime during Florida International's 33-20 victory, signaling Jason Wright may be the answer moving forward into Saturday's matchup.
The uncertainty at quarterback compounds Buffalo's existing offensive challenges. Despite strong red-zone performance, the team has not generated consistent yardage or execution through two games. Wright's potential debut against Penn State's dominant defense presents a significant test for the struggling Bulls.
Penn State's Defense Eyes Receiver Chance Morrow
Penn State's cornerbacks will face a key assignment containing Buffalo receiver Chance Morrow, one of the Bulls' few bright spots on offense. The Nittany Lions' secondary has been suffocating through two games, part of a dominant defensive effort that has limited opponents to just 9 total points. Shutting down Morrow will be critical to maintaining Penn State's defensive momentum.
On the offensive side, Penn State's running back Carson Hansen and freshman receiver Zay Robinson could provide sparks for the Lions. Robinson has also impressed as a returner, giving Penn State multiple weapons to attack Buffalo's struggling defense throughout Saturday's game at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State Seeking Continued Dominance in Lopsided Series
The historical matchup strongly favors Penn State. 640 WXSM reports the Nittany Lions lead the series 3-1 and won the last meeting 45-13 in 2019. Buffalo's sole victory came 126 years ago, making this one of college football's most lopsided modern rivalries.
Buffalo has lost by double digits in every matchup with Penn State this century, a trend the Bulls will struggle to reverse Saturday. With Penn State favored by 40 points and the Nittany Lions showing no signs of slowing down, another dominant victory appears likely for Matt Campbell's team.
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