Drew Allar evaluated for arm injury vs. Illinois

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was evaluated on the sideline for a right arm injury. As the Nittany Lions quarterback threw a pass intended for Theo Johnson, his arm hit the helmet of Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton.

Allar grimaced in pain and got checked on the sideline after reaching for his throwing arm. After the incomplete pass, Penn State’s field goal attempt was blocked by Newton and the lead remained 13-0 in the second quarter.

To that point, Allar was eight-of-15 passing for 101 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. However, Illinois’ Reggie Love capped the ensuing drive with a touchdown, cutting the lead 13-7.

Running back Kaytron Allen scored the lone touchdown for Penn State halfway through the second quarter.

Following the Illinois touchdown, Allar reentered the game with 1:58 remaining in the second quarter.

James Franklin confident in Drew Allar ahead of first road start

Coach James Franklin did everything he could to get Allar ready for a Big Ten road start. Still, there’s always a little bit of an unknown the first time you attack an away game.

“All these things are firsts and it’s hard for me to sit here and say what he will be like and what we will be like in these situations until we’ve been through them,” Franklin said. “So for us it’s to do everything we possibly can to prepare as a team and specifically for Drew, as well, to get him as prepared as we possibly can for what it will be like for him to be on the road.”

Allar was remarkably sharp through the team’s first two games. He was 43-of-55 passing for 529 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for a score.

Allar didn’t necessarily have to be that sharp against Illinois, but it was important that he maintained good control of the offense.

“Like I keep saying with Drew, he’s doing all the right things and taking all the necessary steps,” Franklin said. “We expect it to be a challenging road environment, but we didn’t wait until this week to prepare for that. Whether it’s crowd noise or whatever it may be, we’ve done that all training camp. Obviously we’ll major in it this week as well.

“But again, he’s doing all the right things in terms of preparation, in terms of watching film, in terms of nutrition, hydration, sleep, getting more and more comfortable and confident in his leadership role on the team.”