The Penn State Nittany Lions (0-1) will open a five-game home series against the Buffalo Bulls (1-0) on Saturday at 12 p.m. ESPN2 will provide live coverage of the game.
After the Lions fell 27-10 and allowed Temple to snap a 74-year losing streak last week, head coach James Franklin is eager to get his team back home in front of friendly crowds.
“We are looking forward to being back at home in front of our friends and family and our supporters,” he said. “I think it’s going to be really, really important for our team to be in this environment, and I ask for people to be positive, I ask for people to be patient and good things are coming.”
Penn State has only clashed with Buffalo twice in more than 100 years; the records are tied at one apiece. Buffalo won the first game between the two in 1900, while Penn State took the most recent meeting in 2007 by a score of 45-24.
What to Look For
Despite the dismal opening performance, Penn State’s defense racked up 15.0 tackles for loss, ranking them second in the nation.
However, on the offensive side of the ball, Christian Hackenberg, who is on target to break Zack Mills’ school record of 7,212 passing yards before he graduates, completed only 11-for-25 for 103 yards. Hackenberg’s saving grace was junior running back Akeel Lynch, who scored the only touchdown for the Nittany Lions and picked up 78 yards on 10 receptions.
Where Hackenberg’s inconsistencies have hurt the Lions’ offense, Buffalo quarterback has thrown a touchdown pass in 27 of the 29 games he has played for the Bulls, and will likely commandeer the school’s career passing record.
Licata pairs nicely with Anthone Taylor, the Bulls’ star running back, who nabbed two touchdowns and 104 rushing yards in Buffalo’s season opener last week. Taylor pushed for more than 1400 yards last season for the Bulls.
This game marks 56 years since Beaver Stadium opened as the home field for the Lions. The Lions hold a 265-71-0 record on the stadium’s hallowed grounds.
Honoring Hometown Heroes
Following the nation’s celebration of Patriot Day in memory of those who died in the line of duty during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Penn State will honor local heroes during the game. Police, fire, EMT, and other first responders were offered a special ticket package in thanks for their service.
Penn State will also raise awareness for youth football, cheer, and dance activities during Saturday’s game.
The Nittany News Network
Here’s what’s been happening around Happy Valley this week.
• The nation’s number-one ranked women’s volleyball team will travel to South Bend, Indiana for the Golden Dome Invitational, hosted by Notre Dame. The games will be available free of charge at WatchND.tv. The Lady Lions are still undefeated in their 2015 campaign.
• Former women’s basketball star Dara Taylor accepted an assistant coaching position at Wagner College. Taylor was the 2014 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and played alongside current WNBA members Alex Bentley and Maggie Lucas before a short professional career in Poland.
• The cross country teams opened their season on Friday with the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational. The event is held in honor of longtime cross-country coach Harry Groves, who retired in 2006 after a colorful career with the Nittany Lions that included an assistant coach position during the 1992 Olympics.
• The men’s soccer team will raise money for the Mack Brady Scholarship Fund during their first match against a ranked opponent this season. The Mack Brady fund was established after its namesake, a Penn State soccer fan and aspiring US National Team goalkeeper, passed away from a rare blood disease in 2012.
• The men’s baseball team will travel to Cuba over Thanksgiving break to participate in a few exhibition games and educational experiences. NCAA regulations permit one international trip every four years.
Photo Credit: GoPSUSports.com
