Dominant Run Game Ignites Penn State to Blowout Win Over Buffalo

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Dominant Run Game Ignites Penn State to Blowout Win Over Buffalo originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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Penn State has started the Matt Campbell era off on a high note, as the team used a 55-13 win over Buffalo to secure a 3-0 record.

The Nittany Lions' running backs carried the load on Saturday with a dominant rushing performance, totaling over 300 yards on the ground. It was by far Penn State's best rushing game of the season so far and a good sign for the team entering conference play.

While Penn State was heavily favored against Buffalo, the Nittany Lions made sure they didn't have to sweat a major upset in the second half. So far this season, Penn State has outscored its opponents 127-22 without much friction.

Here's how Penn State blew out Buffalo on Saturday. 

Penn State defeats Buffalo

Penn State had no trouble taking down Buffalo thanks to a strong running game. Eleven Nittany Lions combined to produce 304 rushing yards, with Quinton Martin topping the group with 100 yards on 10 carries.

However, Martin didn't collect any of Penn State's five rushing touchdowns on the afternoon. James Peoples have two scores, along with his 59 rushing yards, while Cam Wallace, Carson Hansen and Koby Howard each scored one touchdown a piece.

Making it look easy 🤷‍♂️

LIVE on @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/WNNHrxz7hF

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 19, 2026

As a result, quarterback Rocco Becht didn't have to do much in this one, completion just 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 212 yards, but he still threw for two scores. Koby Howard was dynamic as both a runner and a receiver, producing 115 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown to go along with his rushing score.

Overall, Penn State's offense had 573 yards of offense while protecting the ball with no turnovers.

Rocco Becht 🎯 Koby Howard

LIVE on @BigTenNetworkpic.twitter.com/ZlYRoCoc8T

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 19, 2026

On defense, the Nittany Lions held Buffalo to under 200 yards of offense, and the unit forced two turnovers, both of which were fumbles. Buffalo only had one third-down conversion all game and threw for just 60 passing yards despite being down the entire game.

Penn State schedule

Here's a look at Penn State's remaining schedule:

The Nittany Lions open Big Ten play next week when they welcome Wisconsin to State College. Penn State has the luck of the draw this year, as none of Ohio State, Indiana or Oregon are on the team's Big Ten schedule.

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