Penn State vs. Buffalo Game Grades

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.  Akeel Lynch got the start again and carried the ball 19 times for 54 yards.

The story of the game, however, was Saquon Barkley.  The true freshman woke up the offense in the second half, finishing with 115 yards on only 12 carries and a 9-yard touchdown.  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.  He needs to be part of the rotation weekly.

It was great to see the running game help out and take pressure off Hackenberg.  Yes it was Buffalo, but the trio of Lynch, Barkley and Mark Allen could really help this offense down the line.

Grade: B+

Next: Receivers