PSU-Buffalo report card
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Quarterback: B+
Becht 11-of-19 for 212 and two scores. His TD-interception total is now 9-0. Surpassed 10,000 career yards, including his Iowa State days, obviously. Manske was 3-for-6 for 46 and hit Finn on nice wheel route for 31.
Running backs: B+
Much improved with three backs -- Martin (10-100), Wallace (8-77) and Peoples (8-59) outshining the starter, Hansen (5-37). Team's longest run at Temple was 13. Nits had nine runs longer than 10+ vs. Bulls.
Offensive line: B
Jury still out as better competition is needed to assess. Pass protection good. Edges were blocked well on TD runs. Riker (center) missed most of game. Replaced by Vaea Ikakoula, who drew praise. Hollidaysburg's Hunter Albright saw late snaps.
Receivers/Tight Ends: C
Howard won day with 135 yards of total offense. Otherwise too many drops (counted team total of four). Rapplyea (3-24-1TD) busy early but then hurt his shoulder and didn't return. Three TE drops.
Offensive coaching: B
Hey, they put up 55 so can't quibble ... too much. They're freeing receivers in space and Howard reverse well done. But check third-down chart. Just 2-10 and 0-1 on fourth.
Defensive line: B+
Pushed around some at Temple but controlled play vs. Buffalo. Bacon (forced fumble) and Kemajou (two QB hurries) quite active. McPherson (33) had two solos and a hurry. Taupaki hands-to-face flag.
Linebacker: B+
Ebel led with five tackles (all solo) and Tastch followed with four. Each had a TFL. Brezina (9) made presence known with three stops. Rojas had shot at early interception.
Secondary: B
It took Buffalo 25 attempts to gain 60 yards passing so credit here. That said, Bulls QBs didn't have time. Joseph and Tracy hit with interference penalties; Collins and Toure dropped picks. Donte Nastasi with late tackle.
Defensive coaching: B-
One (very) late TD allowed and unit stiffened to allow two short field goals in first half. Four penalties on this side of the ball too many.
Special teams: B-
Three penalties. Robinson looks like real deal as punt returner (8-109). Considering they scored 55, it's surprising Nits punted four times. Tiyce averaged 40.5. Rosa kicked nine of 10 into end zone. Barker 2-2 in FGs.
The other guys: D
Hopefully for Buffalo, it was worth the reported payday (by On3) of $1.4 million. Twelve possessions of three plays. Stumpf averaged 48.4 on 10 punts with two of 50-plus. Bulls put the ball on the ground four times.
Overall grade: B
Number of penalties and drops (both sides of ball) prevents higher grade. Buffalo was physically overmatched and was fortunate Penn State didn't score 70.