Penn State Hints Again at Deploying Beau Pribula

Drew Allar is off to an electric start, but James Franklin warns defenses to scout the backup QB, too.

Penn State turns toward the Big Ten calendar after roughing up two non-conference opponents by a combined total of 79 points. Before the Lions head to Illinois, a few thoughts on the Lions, particularly their offense, after two games.

Is the Beau Pribula package for real?

Quarterback Drew Allar has begun his career as Penn State's starter with clinical efficiency. He ranks sixth nationally in completion percentage (78.2 percent), has a touchdown/interception ratio of 4/0 and carded just four incompletions against Delaware, with one drop and one throwaway. He also demonstrated his defensive recognition against the Blue Hens, running five times (once for a touchdown) into coverage looks. Allar hasn't attacked anyone vertically yet (he attempted one pass of 15+ air yards Saturday), which is the next step in his evolution. And yet, coach James Franklin continues teasing future defenses about the Beau Pribula package.

Pribula played 28 snaps at quarterback against Delaware, according to Pro Football Focus, a competitive number for the backup. He ran and threw for touchdowns, looked lively in his limited passing attempts, and conducted an offense with a different identity than Allar's. There's a reason Franklin compares Pribula to McSorley. So once again, Franklin just threw the concept into the ether: Hey defensive coordinators, we have this Pribula package for you to study. Good luck!

"You know defensively, people are watching that and saying that we've got to prepare for this guy because ... Beau has shown what he can do," Franklin said. "Now you start to mix Beau in, in a drive or for a couple of series in a game, and you've got to spend a ton of time on preparing for that. So that's exciting for us as well."

Is Illinois really spending "a ton of time" preparing for a potential Pribula package? Illinois coach Bret Bielema rightly is far more concerned with the quarterback who has thrown for 529 yards in two games. Further, Franklin and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich are unlikely to remove their prodigy for a theme series. Pribula has taken advantage of his first two opportunities, but this offense belongs to Allar. Franklin knows that. Still, it's a cheeky bit of coaching strategic communications.

Kaytron Allen running 'angry'

Though Kaytron Allen ran for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, Franklin felt the sophomore back was being overlooked, or at least underappreciated. He said as much twice before the Delaware game. "I hope, from our fan base and our media, that he’s appreciated externally the way he is internally by his teammates and his coaching staff," Franklin said last Wednesday. Three days later, Allen made his fourth career start and had his third 100-yard game. Afterward, he smiled wide describing why he plays "angry."

"I still feel like I've got a lot to prove to myself," Allen said.

Teammates recognize Allen's value. He rebuilt his body this past offseason, gaining some of the weight he lost as a freshman to build a chiseled 220-pound frame. Allen ran with power last year, though he weighed 10-15 pounds less. Now, he has even more leg drive to match his determination.

Player retention being a year-round task these days, Franklin's praise of Allen made sense. Allen is a valuable offensive player, and the Lions want him engaged. And, yes, angry.

Fresh legs for Singleton

Meanwhile, fellow back Nicholas Singleton begins Big Ten play without much wear. He has 25 carries in two games and has played just 61 snaps. With four rushing touchdowns, Singleton is averaging one score for every 15 snaps. That's lethal. And now, Penn State can turn Singleton loose on the conference.

Two notable freshmen who didn't play

Penn State played 12 true freshmen, including three offensive linemen, against Delaware, offering them a gentle runway into college football. None burned a redshirt, since players can participate in four regular-season games and retain it. But two true freshmen who didn't play were running backs London Montgomery and Cam Wallace, further evidence that they're projected to redshirt. Penn State is more likely to go slow with Montgomery, who didn't play as a high school senior because of a knee injury.

Noteworthy

Running back Trey Potts, who transferred from Minnesota, demonstrated some quickness in averaging 8.4 yards on seven carries in the second half. He took advantage of some nice holes opened by his line.

Penn State's defensive snap counts were favorable, since Delaware ran only 41 plays and the Lions substituted freely. Only three players reached 20, according to Pro Football Focus: linebackers Abdul Carter (23) and Curtis Jacobs (20) and cornerback Cam Miller (21). Everyone should be fresh for Illinois.

Allar recorded a rushing and passing touchdown for the first time in his career.

Penn State rushed for 316 yards against Delaware, its highest total since going for 396 against Memphis in the 2019 Cotton Bowl.

Penn State's No. 1 defense has allowed two touchdowns in eight quarters, both of which included big plays against defensive miscues. Something for coordinator Manny Diaz to show in film study.

After committing just one penalty vs. West Virginia in the opener, Penn State committed seven against Delaware. Three belonged to the starters in the first half.

Up Next

Penn State visits Illinois for a noon ET kick at Memorial Stadium. FOX has the broadcast but changed its mind about bringing the Big Noon Kickoff pregame show to Illinois.

More on Penn State

Penn State Football on SI.com

The Penn State-Delaware report card: Efficiency rules

What we learned from Penn State's 63-7 win over Delaware

FOX taking Big Noon Kickoff pregame show to Colorado instead of Penn State-Illinois

Penn State introduces its freshman class against Delaware

James Franklin open to playing more regional rivals, like Pitt

James Franklin 'comfortable' with Penn State scoring late TD vs. West Virginia

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.