Drew Allar injury update: James Franklin shares news on Penn State QB's availability for Ohio State game
Drew Allar's play at quarterback for the No. 3-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions has been one of the driving forces behind the program's relatively complete season. His presence on the field is critical to their success.
In last week's 28-13 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, Allar left the game prematurely due to an apparent leg injury. Any questioning of Allar's availability comes at a bad time as head coach James Franklin as the Nittany Lions prepare to take on the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
From what Franklin has noted, there is nothing sustained in Allar's leg that should indicate a long-term medical issue. But his status for this weekend is currently up in the air and the team is preparing for both scenarios.
“I do think from a practice perspective, no matter where we’re at on Tuesday, we’re going to have to get both of those guys reps, Tuesday and Wednesday," Franklin said, via On3. "We’re going to have to have both guys ready. And, you could make the argument all three guys ready, which is challenging to do in a game week."
Drew Allar's absence comes at worst possible time
If there was one game that Allar had to be 100% and more for, it would be this week's game against the Buckeyes.
Beau Pribula would likely be the one to step in at quarterback should Allar sit. Pribula, a sophomore, has 200 passing yards on the season with three touchdowns and one interception.
The third guy that Franklin mentioned in his statement – only going in should Pribula somehow suffer an injury – would be true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer. He is yet to see the field this season. Ohio State, in a top 3 matchup, would be a brutal introduction to the world of college football for him.
Ohio State is quarterbacked by senior Will Howard, who has 1,795 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns and four interceptions on the season. He had 221 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the Buckeyes' most recent victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Allar would, at the bare minimum, make quarterback play a wash between the two teams. But if Pribula or Grunkemeyer were to step out there, it would be a strong mismatch in favor of Ohio State and their Will Howard-led passing attack.