Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Buffalo

The Nittany Lions had a comprehensive 55-13 victory over the Buffalo Bulls to close out their non-conference schedule. However, there were some things the Nittany Lions could improve on as they head into their Big Ten opener. Here is what the postgame report card looks like for the Nittany Lions ' win against Buffalo.

While there was nothing truly bad about Rocco Becht 's performance this week, it definitely didn't feel the same as the past two weeks when he was firing on all cylinders. While he still threw for two touchdowns and was 11-for-19 with 212 yards, he had some miscues and overthrows. In fact, if it weren't for some spectacular catches made by his receivers, Becht may not have had as decent a stat line. Both Alex Manske and Connor Barry did come into the game for mop-up duty, but for the first time, it didn't feel like it was because of Becht, but because of the team's collective performance as well.

This was much more like it from the Penn State running backs. The Nittany Lions RBs combined for 295 yards after there were growing concerns around the run game from the first two games of the season. James Peoples contributed 59 yards and two touchdowns, and Carson Hansen and Cam Wallace got in the scoring action as well. However, the revelation of the day was Quinton Martin Jr. , who was the leading rusher with exactly 100 yards, including a 61-yard run in the first half. Matt Campbell will be delighted that the running game has come to life before Big Ten play.

The only player elevating this group is, of course, Koby Howard . The breakout star for the Nittany Lions continues to shine in this offense, scoring both on a 70-yard run and a 16-yard end around trick play. Other than that, there was really nothing to write home about in the pass game. Chase Sowell did have a highly impressive catch, and Andrew Rappleyea caught a touchdown pass, but this was all about the run game for the Nittany Lions today. Still, this may be something that the Nittany Lions will want to look into ahead of next week.

This unit truly can do no wrong at the start of the season. They still have not yet allowed a passing touchdown, and while they gave up a late touchdown today, that's only the second one they've given up all year long. The fact they were flying all over the field and forcing two fumbles showcases the true potential of what this unit can be. Kooper Ebel especially impressed in the middle of the park today, leading the team in tackles and recording his first sack as a Nittany Lion. Overall, the defense should be mighty pleased with itself.

When the kickers do their job in a blowout, you have to commend them. Ryan Barker made two field goals and all six of his extra points, while Nathan Tiyce averaged 40.5 yards per punt with a long of 45. However, the star was Zay Robinson , who had 8 returns for 109 yards and really flashed potential in that role

The fact that Matt Campbell continues to get the most out of this team even in the early portion of their schedule is great. But now comes the hard part. In fact, the real grade will come with how he reacts to this win as he transitions to Big Ten play. He will be unsatisfied with several small details and will surely look to fix them, but for now, he has passed every test that has been thrown at him so far.

Penn State fans will be happy with yet another runaway victory for the blue and white, especially with an improved rushing attack and a high-flying defense. Now comes the real test of this Nittany Lion team's mettle. Can they truly compete with the best the Big Ten has to offer? Or will they, like previous iterations, become paper tigers when it matters most?

Penn State will be back in action next Saturday, September 26 when they start their Big Ten schedule against the Wisconsin Badgers at home. Kickoff is set for 5:00 ET on Peacock .