Penn State is heading into their final non-conference game of the 2026 season this Thursday, September 17, at home against the Buffalo Bulls, and yeah, they are heavy favorites. Like, *really* heavy favorites. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all smooth sailing. There’s chatter, real talk, about the Nittany Lions’ running game, and how they looked a little slow out of the gate. This isn’t just another game; it’s the last tune-up before diving headfirst into Big Ten play, and some serious questions are hanging in the air about what this team needs to fix.
The Ground Game Under the Microscope
Kevin McGuire, over at Nittany Lions Wire, isn’t holding back. He thinks the running game has been catching “a lot of flak” for what many are calling a “slow start.” And honestly, who can blame him? We all wanna see this squad pound the rock. McGuire is banking on Penn State making that a main key this week, and that’s gotta be good news for running backs like Carson Hansen. After a “rough first quarter” last week, where scoring opportunities just slipped away, a cleaner offensive start is crucial. But here’s the kicker from McGuire: he doesn’t think Penn State will “run away with this one the way most expect on the final scoreline.” His prediction? A 33-9 win for Penn State, with Hansen taking home Player of the Game honors. It’s not a blowout in his book, which is kinda wild given the heavy favorite status. What’s the deal there? Are the miscues bigger than we thought?
Ticked Off and Ready to Set the Tempo
Paul White, another voice from the Wire, is also focused on last week’s “key miscues against Temple.” You just know that had the team “ticked off.” He expects “Matt Campbell and his guys to come out and set the tempo early,” adding “they’ll be a little ticked off at how they look last week and try to establish a culture where just being good enough isn’t good enough.” That fire is exactly what you want to see before the Big Ten grind starts. White’s even more optimistic on the scoreboard than McGuire, predicting a dominant 42-7 victory for Penn State. And his Player of the Game pick? Linebacker Tony Rojas. That’s a strong statement, pointing to the defense making a massive impact and dictating the flow of the game, shutting down the Bulls completely. If Rojas steps up like that, the entire team gets a jolt of confidence.
Big Ten Prep and Breakout Potential
Christopher Sheppard, contributor, frames this Buffalo game as “the last test for Penn State before they head into Big Ten play.” And he’s right to highlight the run game as essential for Big Ten competition. We’re talking “heavier personnel and more wide zone schemes for Carson Hansen and Co.” That’s the kind of gritty football that wins you tough conference matchups. But here’s where it gets interesting: Sheppard also hints that those “heavier looks could also produce explosive downfield plays for tight ends such as Benjamin Brahmer.” Brahmer had a “breakout game last week,” and Sheppard expects him to “try and replicate that performance against a highly talented linebacking corps for the Bulls.” So, while the run sets up, the tight ends could feast. His score? Penn State 38, Buffalo 20, with Brahmer as his Player of the Game.
This Week 3 clash isn’t just about getting a win; it’s about making a statement before the real tests begin. Will the running game finally get unleashed, setting the tone for Hansen and the offensive line? Can the defense, led by guys like Rojas, put on a show and absolutely dominate? Or will Brahmer light up the scoreboard again, proving the passing game has another dynamic weapon? When the whistle blows, Penn State needs to answer these questions and show everyone they’re ready for the Big Ten.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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