No. 14 Penn State handled Buffalo 55 to 13 with the kind of complete performance expected from a ranked team at home. The Nittany Lions scored 34 points before halftime and never allowed the Bulls to make the game competitive.
Becht stays in command
Rocco Becht completed 11 of 19 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He did not need a huge number of attempts because Penn State kept creating chunk plays and favorable field position. Koby Howard was the most dangerous target on the field, catching three passes for 115 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on a reverse.
Quinton Martin Jr. supplied the balance with 100 rushing yards on only 10 carries. His ability to turn a crease into a major gain kept Buffalo from loading up against the passing game.
The defense set the tone
Buffalo quarterback Jason Wright finished with only 60 passing yards on 10 completions. James McNeil Jr. ran for 80 yards and a touchdown, but most of that production arrived after Penn State had already built a commanding lead.
The result matters less for the margin than for the shape of the performance. Penn State played fast, found explosive offense without forcing throws, and prevented Buffalo from sustaining drives. That is the formula the Nittany Lions will want to carry into the more demanding part of the schedule.
Penn State leaves the afternoon with its offense in rhythm and its defense having controlled the game from the opening quarter. Buffalo leaves with a clear look at how little room a top opponent gives away.