The Penn State Nittany Lions have a date with destiny in 2024. That is, of course, if they can get past the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 10. Their fans, however, watched in horror as starting QB Drew Allar left their Week 9 matchup with Wisconsin only to return to the sidelines with a brace on his knee.
However, following a positive update this week, it appears Allar may be more prepared to play than expected.
What Happened to Drew Allar?
Though not clearly shown, it was evident when the Nittany Lions emerged from the halftime break that something was wrong with Allar. Cautious fans quickly pointed out a knee brace that Allar had put on his left knee, but few even knew he was hurt.
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The ESPN broadcast didn’t make any mention of it during the first half, only showed this clip of him warming up with the team before speaking with head coach James Franklin and ultimately exiting the field.
Drew Allar did not start the 2nd Half due to an apparent injury
Beau Pribula is handling QB duties with Penn State down 10-7
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 27, 2024
Allar was diagnosed with a left knee injury and it was said it happened ‘late in the first half,’ per the broadcast. And until midweek, that’s about all we had to work off of.
However, following Friday’s media availability and sources close to the program, it’s clear that Allar is tracking to play against OSU on Saturday.
Though media was unable to see live practice reps, it was noted that Allar was seen jogging and doing basic throwing during the live-viewing periods on campus this week. Even head coach James Franklin indicated the good news on Wednesday.
“Game-time decision,” Franklin said to the media on Wednesday. “But so far, so good, and getting both Beau and Drew a ton of reps in practice.”
On3’s Pete Nakos indicated on Friday, though, that the game-time decision is now a moniker of the past and Allar is slated to start.
“Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is expected to play on Saturday against Ohio State,” Nakos stated.
If Allar cannot go or appears limited, it will be Beau Pribula in the action once again.
Who Is Beau Pribula?
Sophomore QB Beau Pribula replaced Allar at the start of the third quarter against Wisconsin and the Nittany Lions were held scoreless on offense during that frame. He led two fourth-quarter scoring drives and was aided by a defensive pick-six in the third to hold on to the victory over Wisconsin.
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So far this season, Pribula has completed 18-of-23 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns against one interception.
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