Koby Howard, Penn State too much for Buffalo in 55-13 rout
The Bulls had no answer in Happy Valley as they dropped their fifth-straight game vs. FBS competition.
Last time Buffalo made the trek to Happy Valley in 2019, the Bulls led 10-7 at halftime, bringing a nervous energy to a crowd of over 100,000.
However, Buffalo ultimately lost that game 45-13. In the first meeting between the programs since, the final score looked fairly similar — but the path to get there was completely different.
Penn State wholly dominated Buffalo from the onset in a 55-6 thrashing. The new-look Nittany Lion offense under Matt Campbell flourished early, creating a 34-6 advantage at halftime. Buffalo had zero answer for rising star wide receiver Koby Howard, who racked up 135 yards of scrimmage in the first half alone.
Howard scored on a 20-yard end around in the second quarter and later created another highlight in the period, getting an extra step on his defender for a 70-yard touchdown reception. But Howard wasn't alone in his dismantling of the Bulls. Quinton Martin Jr. accounted for 100 of Penn State's 304 rushing yards, while quarterback Rocco Becht added 212 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The contrast between the offenses couldn't have been more distant as Penn State out-gained Buffalo, 573-173. Jason Wright made his starting debut for Buffalo in place of the injured Elijah Holmes. The sophomore, who led two touchdown drives last week at FIU, finished 10-of-25 with 60 passing yards against an unshakeable defense. Wide receiver Chance Morrow, who entered the contest as the FBS receiving touchdowns leader, was limited to two catches for 31 yards.
Buffalo managed its lone touchdown in garbage time with 5:01 remaining on a James McNeil Jr. run. That score allowed the Bulls to be the first FBS team to break double-digits on the Nittany Lions all year, as Marshall and Temple lost by a combined score of 72-9. McNeil was one of the bright spots in an otherwise forgettable offensive performance, managing 80 rushing yards in his greatest opportunity to date.
Penn State improved to 3-0 in the Campbell era, and the Nittany Lions weren't remotely challenged in their non-conference slate. Now riding a seven-game win streak dating back to 2025, Penn State opens Big Ten play next Saturday against Wisconsin.
Buffalo fell to 1-2 to start year three of the Pete Lembo era. The Bulls dropped their fifth consecutive matchup against FBS competition. However, that streak can't end next week. Buffalo is one of two FBS teams, along with UMass, which scheduled two FCS opponents this year. After slipping past UAlbany in Week 1, Buffalo seeks another win against Robert Morris next Saturday.
