Penn State is gearing up for the final non-conference game on the 2026 schedule in Week 3, with a home game against the Buffalo Bulls. Penn State is a heavy favorite at home going into the weekend, which is to be expected, so it should come as no surprise that the staff of Nittany Lions Wire is feeling pretty confident in Penn State's outcome this week.
Here are our final score and player of the game predictions for Penn State's Week 3 game against Buffalo, along with some brief thoughts on the matchup.
Kevin McGuire, Lead Writer
I think there has been a lot of flak given to the Penn State running game this past week after what many perceive to be a slow start on the ground by the Nittany Lions. So, like many of you, I would love to see Penn State really get things going
with the running game this week. As a result, I think Penn State will focus on that as the main key this week, and that could be good news for Carson Hansen and the running backs. I expect to see a cleaner start on offense after a rough first quarter last week, leaving scoring opportunities unfulfilled. But I do not think Penn State will run away with this one the way most expect on the final scoreline. Regardless, this is a nice opportunity for a pretty stress-free game before jumping into Big Ten play next week.
Final score prediction: Penn State 33, Buffalo 9
Player of the game pick: Carson Hansen, running back
Paul White, Contributor
There were some key miscues last week against Temple, so I expect Matt Campbell and his guys to come out and set the tempo early. I think they’ll be a little ticked off at how they look last week and try to establish a culture where just being good enough isn’t good enough.
Final score prediction: Penn State 42, Buffalo 7
Player of the game pick: Tony Rojas, linebacker
Christopher Sheppard, Contributor
This is the last test for Penn State before they head into Big Ten play, and while it should be another comfortable win, there are some things I would like to see. In order for the blue and white to compete in the Big Ten, they must establish the run game. That might mean heavier personnel and more wide zone schemes for Carson Hansen and Co. But sometimes, those heavier looks could also produce explosive downfield plays for tight ends such as Benjamin Brahmer, who had a breakout game last week. Look for him to try and replicate that performance against a highly talented linebacking corps for the Bulls.
Final score prediction: Penn State 38, Buffalo 20
Player of the game pick: Ben Brahmer, tight end
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Final score predictions for Penn State's Week 3 game vs. Buffalo
