Penn State starting quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag]’s status for Saturday’s matchup against No. 4 Ohio State remains uncertain.
[autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] met with the media Monday morning at his weekly press conference. He suggested his star quarterback, who did not play the second half in Penn State’s win against Wisconsin due to a knee injury, will be a game-time decision.
“(Allar’s) played enough football for us that the timeline will go up to the game,” Franklin said. “No matter where we’re at on Tuesday, get both of those guys (Allar and backup [autotag]Beau Pribula[/autotag]) reps Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Allar tried to play the second half, warming up before the third quarter with a knee brace, but Franklin said after the game that the coaching staff did not feel Allar was mobile enough to run the offense.
Pribula filled in admirably in the second half, completing 11 of his 13 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs to gain 28 yards on the ground.
An experienced backup is a huge advantage for Penn State this week, especially with Allar’s injury not considered serious. Franklin and the coaching staff can play the gamesmanship card and say they will prepare both quarterbacks to start and keep Ohio State guessing. Even if Allar is healthy enough to start post-practice on Wednesday, Franklin will likely wait until the latest possible moment to announce who starts Saturday’s game.
We will monitor this week’s practices to see if Drew Allar is on the practice field ahead of a massive meeting with the Buckeyes this weekend.