Penn State needed a big play. Whether it was offense or defense stepping up, the Nittany Lions needed a spark.

John Reid provided that boost.

Early in the 3rd quarter, with Penn State trailing Buffalo 10-7, Reid stepped in front of an ill-advised pass and raced 35 yards to the end zone for the touchdown. It was precisely what the doctor ordered for PSU, which struggled to create any momentum in the first half.

This was the second interception of the season for Reid, and his first pick-six. The score put the Nittany Lions in front 14-10.

Buffalo brought a solid squad to Happy Valley, but nobody expected the Bulls to put up this much of a fight against a Penn State team that put up 79 points on Idaho last week.

That’s why you don’t play these games on paper.