Trouble struck Happy Valley on Saturday as Penn State’s star quarterback Drew Allar left the game against Wisconsin late in the second quarter with a concerning left knee injury. The Heisman hopeful, who came into the weekend ranked sixth nationally in QBR, was seen limping gingerly to the sideline after an awkward tackle.
Before heading to the locker room for further evaluation, Allar reportedly exchanged heated words with a Wisconsin fan on the sideline, underlining the frustration and gravity of the moment. When the Nittany Lions emerged for the second half, Allar was sporting a brace on his knee and attempted to play through the pain.
However, after a few warm-up throws, the young quarterback walked over to the Penn State coaches shaking his head, unable to continue. The third-ranked Nittany Lions, sitting at a perfect 6-0 on the season, were forced to turn to unproven backup Beau Pribula, who entered the game with just 31 career passing attempts to his name.
A Season in Jeopardy
The extent and severity of Allar’s injury remains unknown at this time, but any extended absence would be a tremendous blow to Penn State’s championship aspirations. The sophomore signal-caller has been the driving force behind the Nittany Lions’ explosive offense, showcasing both his elite arm talent and poise under pressure.
Drew is the heart and soul of this team. Seeing him go down like that, it’s gut-wrenching. We’re all praying it’s nothing serious and that he’ll be back leading us soon.
A Penn State teammate, who requested to remain anonymous
The timing could not be worse for Penn State, as they face a massive showdown with fourth-ranked Big Ten rival Ohio State next weekend in Happy Valley. A win would put the Nittany Lions in the driver’s seat for a College Football Playoff berth, but the task becomes exponentially more challenging without their star quarterback at the helm.
Next Man Up
For now, the Penn State faithful will rally behind Pribula, a former four-star recruit who has patiently waited for his opportunity. The young quarterback showed flashes of promise in limited action last season but will now be thrust into the brightest of spotlights against a fierce Buckeyes defense.
- Pribula appeared in 4 games in 2023, completing 18 of 31 passes for 175 yards and 1 touchdown
- He was ranked as the No. 12 dual-threat quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class
While the Nittany Lions’ season hangs in the balance, head coach James Franklin remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s resiliency and “next man up” mentality. Penn State has weathered adversity before, but overcoming the loss of a generational talent like Allar will require a herculean effort from all involved.
A Somber Mood in Happy Valley
As the sun set on Madison, the mood among the Penn State contingent was one of anxiety and concern. Allar’s status will undoubtedly be the dominant storyline in the coming days, with fans, media, and NFL scouts alike eagerly awaiting updates on his condition.
For a program that entered the season with such promise and lofty expectations, the uncertainty surrounding their star quarterback has cast a palpable shadow. The coming weeks will test the mettle and resolve of this Penn State squad as they navigate the treacherous waters of Big Ten football without their offensive captain.
The road ahead is daunting, but if the Nittany Lions can rally together and rise to the occasion, they may yet find a way to keep their championship dreams alive. For now, all eyes will be on the training room, where the fate of Penn State’s season may very well hang in the balance.
