The Calm Before The Storm

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 19: James Peoples #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium on September 19, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Im

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What is the story about?

The final tuneup before things get real is out of the way. Penn State had a performance resembling the one of two weeks ago, with the biggest difference ever being the running backs actually performing well on the ground. There isn’t much to learn from this game, so let’s get right into it.

Penn State came out fast, controlling the first quarter. Ryan Barker opened the scoring with a 48-yard field goal, then James Peoples ran for a 16-yard touchdown. Rocco Becht then found Andrew Rappleyea for a short

touchdown pass. Just like the game against Marshall, the Nittany Lions raced to a 17-0 start. Buffalo answered with an Oliver Hautanen field goal, though, and Penn State led 17-3 after one quarter.

The second quarter brought more Penn State scoring. Barker added a 25-yard field goal, then Koby Howard ran for a 20-yard touchdown. Becht later connected with Howard again, this time for a 70-yard touchdown pass. Buffalo closed the half with another Hautanen field goal. Penn State led 34-6 at halftime.

Penn State dominated the third quarter and Buffalo did not score. Carson Hansen ran for a 12-yard touchdown, and Peoples added his second rushing touchdown of the day, this one from 11 yards out. Penn State led 48-6 heading into the fourth.

The fourth quarter opened with Cam Wallace breaking off a 59-yard touchdown run, extending Penn State’s lead to 55-6. Buffalo got on the board late when James McNeil Jr. scored on a short touchdown run, making the final score 55-13.

This game fulfilled the purpose it was scheduled for. It was a tuneup, against a team that had no chance, and played out exactly like this. Now, the Lions need to take all the lessons from the past three contests and get ready for conference play. Wisconsin suddenly looks better than we all thought coming in.