Players of the game for Penn State's Week 3 win over Buffalo

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Players of the game for Penn State's Week 3 win over Buffalo

Christopher Sheppard, Nittany Lions Wire · Nittany Lions Wire

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 ·

2 min read

Offensive Player of the Game: Koby Howard

Sep 19, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard (6) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

I could have given this award to the entire running back room after a much improved performance. Instead, I yet again find myself describing the Penn State star who was hiding in plain sight. Koby Howard has been more than a revelation this season for the Nittany Lions . He has sometimes been their entire offense. So that's why even with help in the run game, his performance was even more impressive. On just 3 catches, he went for 115 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown that showcased his elite YAC ability. He also had a rush on a trick play that went for another touchdown, showcasing his underrated speed. As the season progresses, we could run out of superlatives to describe Koby Howard's emergence for the blue and white.

Defensive Player of the Game: Kooper Ebel

Sep 19, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kooper Ebel (8) attempts to block a field goal kicked by Buffalo Bulls kicker Oliver Hautanen (31) during the first quarter of the game at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Not much gets said about Kooper Ebel in this defense, but after this week, Nittany Lions fans should become more familiar with their new middle linebacker. Being entrusted to call plays for a defense that has Tony Rojas in it is a big deal, especially for a transfer. However, Ebel has fit in seamlessly with a deep linebacker room and showcased his leadership abilities this week. He led the team in tackles and recorded his first sack as a Nittany Lion as well. If he continues to prove that he can handle a heavier workload as well as hold up in Big Ten play, we could be seeing Ebel's name a lot more in these posts.

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Best photos from Penn State's Week 3 game vs. Buffalo

Sep 19, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bulls running back James McNeil Jr. (24) carries the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jamison Patton (3) and defensive end Alexander McPherson (33) attempt a tackle during the first quarter of the game at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

(Matthew O'Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)