Penn State Coach Gives Major QB Injury Update Before Ohio State Matchup

Penn State head coach James Franklin gave a major update on the status of his star quarterback before matchup against the Buckeyes

Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

As the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a tough Week 10 matchup, the status of Penn State's star quarterback remains to be questionable before the highly-anticipated contest.

Penn State head coach James Franklin told reporters on Monday that starting quarterback Drew Allar could be a game-time decision for Saturday's contest.

James Franklin on QB Drew Allar injury evaluation and availability: "It's too early to tell at this point... but he's played enough football that I think that decision will go all the way up to game time."

"The reality is, we're going to have to have both (quarterbacks) ready."

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) October 28, 2024

Franklin would then go on to claim that the team will prepare both Allar and backup quarterback Beau Pribula for Saturday's contest.

The Nittany Lions' recent quarterback dilemma stems from Allar suffering a left knee injury during the second quarter of Penn State's Week 9 contest against Wisconsin. Sophomore Beau Pribula stepped in for the injured Allar and led his squad to a huge 28-13 victory on the road. Despite having little experience, the young quarterback completed 11-of-13 throws for 98 yards and one touchdown against the Badgers.

If Allar were to miss the big game against the Buckeyes, Penn State would lose out on a key piece of the team's offense. The former five-star and Ohio native has thrown for 1,640 yards while completing 71.3 percent of his attempts, along with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2024.

Ohio State's defense has faired well against the young gunslinger. In Allar's first season as the starting quarterback, the Buckeyes held him to a staggering 42.9 completion percentage and 191 passing yards in 2023. However, Allar has seen plenty of growth from last season, so the Buckeyes could seen a completely different quarterback from years prior if he is healthy.