Drew Allar to decide between Penn State and Ohio State before game | News, Sports, Jobs

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws the ball during the second half of the NCAA college football game against Southern California on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Franklin says decision on Drew Allar’s status likely to be made “Until the end of the match” and backup Beau Pribula will need to split reps in practice “Wherever we are.”

Allar injured his (left) knee late in the first half of Saturday’s win over Wisconsin and did not return.

Pribula outscored the Lions 10-7 and completed 11 of 13 passes in the second half and ran efficiently, leading State to a 28-13 victory.

“It’s too early to tell at this point … but the reality is that both guys are going to have to be ready and you could argue that all three guys are.” Franklin said.

Third tackle is freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who like Allar is an Ohio native and is mentored by QB coach/guru Brad Maendler.

Franklin credits Grunkemeyer’s growth “dramatic,” adding, “A nice mix of Drew and Beau.”

“I’m a huge fan of Grunk and we have a lot of respect for him on our show.” Franklin said. “He has a special future.”

Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki called “extraordinary” Franklin said the game at Wisconsin was a match for Pribula’s offensive prowess.

He noted OC’s flexibility but also said: “This has been a bit of a problem in the past.” something that could only be taken as a shot at Mike Yurcich.

Sutton update

Dani Dennis-Sutton, one of the Lions’ top pass rushers, also left the Wisconsin game in the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury.

Sutton tried to come back in the third quarter, but it took one play.

Franklin said Sutton’s experience puts him in the same category as Allar and reiterated it was a game-time decision.

Offensive tackle Anthony Rucci spelled Anthony Donkoh, who was also injured at Camp Randall, and Franklin said both will be needed this week if Donkoh can go.

“All hands on deck”

Franklin deflected a question about whether he sees a pattern in the Buckeyes over the last 10 years that he can use positively as they try to overcome a difficult hurdle.

He’s 1-9 against Ohio State, but he said: “We don’t want to change anything” He was interested in the Lions’ preparation process and preferred to discuss only today.

“We’re focused on this year’s Ohio State team and this year’s Penn State team.” he said.

The Buckeyes’ only loss was 32-31 at No. 1 Oregon on Oct. 12. OSU was idle on Oct. 19 and had to come from behind to beat Nebraska 21-17 last week.

Chip Kelly, the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator, is known for his spread offense, but Franklin said Kelly is equally committed to the run, and OSU back TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are two of the best in the country.

Judkins played in the Peach Bowl (for Ole Miss) against PSU before transferring.

“They are a really good team and we have to play really clean.” he said.

He said being at home would be beneficial.

“We’re going to need a massive environment, and we need this place to shake.” he said, adding that he hoped the fans would stand up and scream loudly, especially on third down.

He called it a “All hands-on deck play.”

praiseworthy

• Franklin opened the press conference by saying Jaylen Reed felt safe and tackled defensive tackle Zane Durant. “I deserve to be in conversations across the country.” To be recognized for being both. “We lead our defense verbally and in production.”

• Backup defensive lineman Smith Vilbert and Amin Vanover played well at Wisconsin in Sutton’s absence.

• Wrestling coach Cael Sanderson texted Franklin about the Lions’ injuries and mentioned some of the treatments wrestlers have successfully used. Franklin said the move is emblematic of the PSU athletic staff “brotherhood.”

IMPORTANT

• Receiver Julian Fleming transferred from Ohio State, and Franklin knows this game was especially special for him. “It’s a big game for Julian and his family, but I also want him to approach this game the same way as everyone else.”

• Franklin is a “I voted” sticker at the press conference.

• Penn State’s delay of game penalty at Wisconsin was its first of the season.

• The Lions were also penalized for having 12 men on the field defensively. Franklin saw it but said he couldn’t call a break because he used all three to stop the first half.

• According to the announcement made on Monday, the start time of the home game against Washington, which PSU designated as White Out, on November 9 will be at 15:30 or 20:00. Television has not yet been determined.