Neil Rudel’s PSU-Buffalo Highs & Lows
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UNIVERSITY PARK -- Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State's 55-13 victory over Buffalo on Saturday at Beaver Stadium:
Play of the game: The game was probably already over at 10-0, but Caleb Bacon forced a fumble from Buffalo quarterback Jason Wright, and Ikenna Ezeogu recovered at the 20, setting up the Lions' 17-0 lead three plays later.
Offensive player of the game: Koby Howard made three receptions for 115 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. He also scored on a 20-yard reverse.
Defensive player of the game: Lion safety Marcus Neal forced two fumbles and recovered one. He also made two tackles.
Most telling statistic: Penn State outgained Buffalo 573-173.
Most deceiving statistic: Buffalo ran just four fewer plays (67-63).
Hidden statistic: The Lion defense limited the Bulls to 1-for-15 on third downs
Best run: Quinton Martin busted a 61-yard run on his first carry.
Best pass: Never mind that it was wiped out by a holding penalty. Rocco Becht's 13-yard completion across the field to a diving Zay Robinson stood out.
Best catch: Howard snagged a 31-yarder over the middle in the first quarter.
Catch it, will ya: Not a good day for the PSU receivers. Martin, Gabe Burkle, Ben Brahmer and Peyton Falzone dropped passes.
Hold it, won't ya: James Peoples fumbled in the second quarter but review showed his knee was down. (He still fumbled). Becht also bobbled a snap.
Best block: Redshirt freshman tackle Malachi Goodman sealed the edge for Carson Hansen's 12-yard touchdown run and a 41-6 lead in the third quarter.
Best tackle: Nit linebacker Kooper Ebel broke through to deck Wright and force a grounding penalty in the second quarter.
Best hit: Buffalo safety Ronnell Davis stoned Peoples after a 6-yard gain in the first quarter.
Best kick: Since he missed his first attempt last week (from 33), let's go with Ryan Barker opening the scoring with a 48-yard field goal.
Worst kick: Anything Buffalo punted anywhere near Robinson.
Worst penalty: Matt Campbell was upset with a late-game unsportsmanlike penalty on the Lions' John Klosterman.
Best call: On first-and-10 from the Buffalo 20, the Lions sprung a reverse to Howard, who ran 20 yards for a TD and a 27-3 lead with 10:47 left in the half.
Worst call: The online community thought it was Anthony Donkoh's holding penalty.
Best effort: Defensive end Yvan Kemajou was credited with a tackle for loss and two QB hurries.
Best moment: The 1986 national championship team was introduced at halftime. Shane Conlan, John Shaffer and D.J. Dozier got the loudest cheers.
Unsung hero: Robinson returned eight punts for 109 yards, including a 38-yarder on his first one, and a kickoff for 17.