Penn State’s non-conference slate over the last two seasons has served as a preseason for the Nittany Lions. And in Week 2, they looked like they needed it. Matt Campbell’s team was not sharp early and, if not for an expertly executed two-minute drive before the half, would have gone into the break tied with the Temple Owls.
In the days since, Campbell and his staff have preached the importance of facing that adversity, and if it was truly that important, it’s probably good that Temple provided it, because Vegas doesn’t expect Buffalo to put up much of a fight at all in Week 3.
The Bulls are off to a rough start in Pete Lembo’s third year, 1-1 after a loss to FIU, and their lone win was a near-upset loss to FCS UAlbany. That’s not great. That’s certainly not a team that Penn State can afford to lose to, but it’s hard to imagine that it will.
Buffalo vs. Penn State odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Buffalo +8000
- Penn State N/A
Spread
- Buffalo +40.5 (-105)
- Penn State -24.5 (-115)
Total
- 49.5 (over -105/under -115)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Matt Campbell may want to shut it down early in Week 3
In a Week 1 blowout of Marshall, Campbell kept his foot on the gas, with redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Manske getting reps with some of the starters in the third quarter. Manske is the likely heir apparent at the position, so allowing him, coming off his open-heart surgery this offseason, to play in a wide-open offense was critical.
Manske acquitted himself well in that one and saw some work in Week 2 as well. If the game goes to plan, he’ll be in for garbage time this week as well, but likely not with as many of the No. 1s as he was last time at Beaver Stadium, and probably with a little less to prove.
The priority for Penn State, rather than ironing out any remaining kinks, should be to build an early lead and get the starters on the sidelines. This team has already lost young pass-rusher Max Granville to a season-ending injury in practice, and it doesn’t need to suffer any other major attrition before ever playing a power conference opponent. Wisconsin is on deck, and while the Nittany Lions will be favored, that is a major swing game for both programs and a team that Penn State will need to be close to 100% to beat, even at home.
There probably isn’t much that Buffalo can do to move the ball on Penn State’s defense. Chance Morrow is a stud receiver, but without any other options, he’ll be easy enough for D’Anton Lynn to take away. So, realistically, the final margin will be decided more by how badly Campbell wants to pour it on Buffalo, which he has little motivation to do, and how early he calls off the dogs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google