Penn State’s Rocco Becht looks to stay hot in non-conference finale

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Taylor Mouser has been around Rocco Becht for more than four years and has called plays for him for more than two seasons.

Mouser, Penn State’s offensive coordinator, said Becht has raised his game to another level in the first two games.

“He’s playing with as much confidence as I’ve seen him play with,” Mouser said. “It’s only going to get harder. The windows are going to get smaller. The time to throw is going to get shorter. Can he play with the same level of confidence and conviction?”

The 14th-ranked Nittany Lions (2-0) will complete their non-conference schedule against Buffalo (1-1) Saturday at noon (TV-BTN) at Beaver Stadium.

So far, Becht has been the best part of the offense, completing 75.6% of his passes for 539 yards and seven touchdowns. He ranks fourth in the nation in pass efficiency.

Last week in a 27-9 win over Temple, he completed 21-of-27 throws for 268 yards and three TDs and had at least three passes dropped.

“I’m pleased with Rocco,” Mouser said. “He’d tell you that he didn’t have his best game and that there’s a lot of growth he can make there. He’s one of our best players, if not our best player. For us to be successful, he’s going to have to do that.

“We put a lot on that guy’s shoulders every single play, checking run to run, pass to run and run to pass.”

Becht started slowly against Temple, crossing the line of scrimmage to throw an illegal pass and missing wide-open tight end Andrew Rappleyea in the end zone. After not scoring twice inside the red zone, Penn State found itself in a tight game for most of the first half.

“When things got kind of hectic, he was the main guy telling us we were good,” wide receiver Chase Sowell said, “and that we were right there if we just cleaned up some of those things.

“The biggest thing is his ability to stay poised in the big moments. That comes with a lot of experience.”

Becht has the most starts (41) and most wins (28) by an active quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Other than looking flustered on the first two series against Temple, he’s looked very comfortable.

He has thrown deep passes well, connecting with Koby Howard for a 56-yard gain in the first quarter and fired a rope to Zay Robinson over the middle for a 22-yard completion in the fourth quarter.

“That throw he made to Zay Robinson on third down was probably the best throw I’ve seen that guy make with anticipation and confidence,” Mouser said.

Becht is expected to add to his fast start against Buffalo, which ranks 132nd nationally in passing yards allowed (295.0). Even though the Bulls are 40.5-point underdogs, Becht, according to at least one teammate, will not overlook them.

“He’s such a great leader and he’s so good at preparing,” tight end Gabe Burkle said. “When he gets out there, he knows what the defense is going to do. He’s not guessing. He’s not hoping they’re going to do something. He knows what’s going to happen before it really happens.

“That’s just a testament to how he prepares every week. He treats every week and every team the same.”

Becht’s decision to follow coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State was and is valuable. He’s on pace to set a school record for touchdown passes and passing yards.

“He’s done a great job and still can be better,” Mouser said. “I’m pleased with Rocco. I’m always grateful to go on the field with him.”

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Rich Scarcella’s pick

Penn State 40, Buffalo 7

The Nittany Lions tune up for their Big Ten opener next week against Wisconsin with a convincing victory over an overmatched Mid-American Conference opponent.

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