Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after he scored a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Buffalo 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren- USA TODAY Sports
Running Backs:
It was good to see that the coaches committed to running the ball given the field conditions, and it paid off finally in the fourth quarter. Â Akeel Lynch got the start again and carried the ball 19 times for 54 yards.
The story of the game, however, was Saquon Barkley. Â The true freshman woke up the offense in the second half, finishing with 115 yards on only 12 carries and a 9-yard touchdown. Â His hurdle over a Buffalo defender was a thing of beauty and he might have earned himself Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors with that performance. Â He needs to be part of the rotation weekly.
It was great to see the running game help out and take pressure off Hackenberg. Â Yes it was Buffalo, but the trio of Lynch, Barkley and Mark Allen could really help this offense down the line.
Grade:Â B+
Next: Receivers