# Penn State defeats Buffalo 55-13 to end non-conference

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/penn-state-football-preparations-for-buffalo-matchup
> Updated: 2026-09-19T10:49:37.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

The No. 14 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions concluded their non-conference schedule with a 55-13 victory over the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium, moving to a 3-0 record ahead of Big Ten play.

Quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, earning his 29th career win. The rushing attack proved highly effective with 304 total yards. Quinton Martin led the ground game with 100 yards on 10 carries, while Cam Wallace contributed 77 yards. Koby Howard also recorded 135 all-purpose yards, including a 70-yard touchdown reception and a 20-yard touchdown run on a reverse. James Peoples also contributed to the ground game with two rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, Penn State dominated the Bulls, holding them to 173 total yards and forcing ten punts and two turnovers. Buffalo’s scoring was limited to two field goals by Oliver Hautanen and a late touchdown rush by James McNeil Jr.

Following the win, the Nittany Lions rose to No. 13 in the latest AP Top 25 rankings. Despite the victory, head coach Matt Campbell expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the performance, noting that the team was ‘not where we need to be’ due to disappointing penalties. While the victory marks a successful start, the team faces potential roster concerns following a shoulder injury to player Andrew Rappleyea during the game. Penn State is scheduled to open conference action next week against Wisconsin.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Penn State defeats Buffalo 55-13 to rise to No. 13 in AP Poll

No. 14 Penn State defeated Buffalo 55-13 to finish their non-conference schedule 3-0, moving up to No. 13 in the AP Top 25 rankings.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/penn-state-football-hosts-buffalo-to-end-non-conference-schedule

### 2026-09-16: Penn State football prepares for Buffalo matchup

Penn State football prepares for Buffalo as receiver Zay Robinson makes an early impact with 167 all-purpose yards.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/penn-state-football-prepares-for-buffalo-matchup-1

### 2026-09-15: Penn State prepares to host Buffalo to conclude non-conference schedule

No. 14 Penn State hosts Buffalo at Beaver Stadium to finish the non-conference season, aiming to improve their rushing attack and defensive consistency before entering Big Ten play.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/penn-state-football-prepares-for-buffalo-matchup

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Cite as: Penn State defeats Buffalo 55-13 to end non-conference. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/penn-state-football-preparations-for-buffalo-matchup