Penn State’s dreams of maintaining an undefeated record and a top-five ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll will rest on a backup quarterback.
Trailing Wisconsin 10-7 at Camp Randall Stadium, Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar was on the bench during his team’s opening drive in the third quarter.
Here’s what you need to know about Allar and why he is out of the game:
Drew Allar injury update
Allar was not on the field for coach James Franklin and No. 3 Penn State at the start of the third quarter, with backup Beau Pribula under center.
Allar twisted awkwardly when he was sacked by Wisconsin linebacker Jake Chaney with 1:18 remaining in the second quarter.
After the Nittany Lions’ drive ended two plays later, Allar walked directly to the Penn State locker room. Along the way, he appeared to have a confrontation with Wisconsin fans along the sideline. According to a report from Joel Haas of the Daily Collegian, Penn State’s student newspaper was seen talking to James Franklin coming out of halftime.
With Pribula leading the way, Penn State went 36 yards in seven plays before punting on its opening possession. On their ensuing drive, the Nittany Lions went three-and-out. On those two possessions, Pribula completed 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards while adding 9 yards on three rushing attempts.
After an inconsistent, risk-averse first season as a starter in 2023, Allar has looked more comfortable and effective under first-year Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.
The 6-foot-5 Allar, a five-star recruit in the 2022 class, threw for 1,492 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in the Nittany Lions’ first six games. During that stretch, he completed 70.5% of his passes and averaged 10.2 yards per attempt. Last season, he completed only 59.9% of his passes and averaged 6.8 yards per attempt.
Allar completed 14 of 18 passes in the first half for 148 yards and a touchdown.
Even with Penn State’s offensive struggles without Allar, the Nittany Lions were able to regain the lead. On Wisconsin’s second drive of the second half, Jaylen Reed intercepted a Braedyn Locke pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to put Penn State up 14-10 midway through the third quarter.
