Buffalo at Penn State: Nittany Lions must bounce back

Share

Penn State faces Buffalo in its home opener on Saturday. Here’s a closer look:

Penn State vs. Buffalo
Beaver Stadium, State College
Saturday, noon, ESPN2

Scouting Penn State
Other than losing to a team that hadn’t defeated them since 1941, allowing 10 sacks and losing one of their best defenders for the season to a knee injury, the Nittany Lions’ opener against Temple was a rousing success. Coach James Franklin has promised to be more involved in the sideline operation this week, and also said that while the starting offensive line likely won’t change, other linemen will be in the mix. No telling what Franklin might do to replace middle linebacker Nyeem Wartman-White, a Philadelphia native, who’s done for the year. Might start his backup, Gary Wooten. Might move Jason Cabinda from the outside.

Scouting Buffalo
The Bulls beat Albany 51-14 last week, spotting the Great Danes a 7-0 lead and then reeling off 38 unanswered points. Quarterback Joe Licata went 20 for 26 for 246 yards and two touchdowns, and Anthone Taylor ran 17 times for 104 yards and two TDs. Buffalo, playing its first game under former Wisconsin-Whitewater coach Lance Leipold, scored its most points ever in a season opener. Its defense allowed Albany to drive 82 yards for a touchdown the first time the Danes had the ball, then limited them to 82 yards on their next seven possessions. Linebacker Okezie Alozie led the Bulls with seven tackles, and linebacker Nick Gilbo and cornerback Boise Ross had interceptions.

History
PSU leads 2-0, with victories in 1900 and 2007, the latter by a 45-24 score.

Storyline to watch
Stop if you’ve heard this before, but the Lions will be trying to fix their offensive line. Franklin said tackle Chance Sorrell and center/guard Wendy Laurent could see more time this week.

What’s at stake?
The Lions, a three-touchdown favorite, not only need to win, but do so impressively. The natives are already growing restless.

Contact Us