James Franklin, Penn State expect Drew Allar to play against Michigan State

Drew Allar left during the third quarter of Penn State’s 21-point win over Rutgers this past weekend with an injury. However, James Franklin expects that, come this Saturday in the season-finale at Michigan State, he should be back as their starter.

Franklin shared that thought during his press conference on Monday. Similar to weeks prior, the plan for the Nittany Lions is for them to have Allar as their QB1 in East Lansing.

“We expect Drew to go – just like we planned on last week,” said Franklin.

Even so, that doesn’t mean that Beau Pribula won’t have an opportunity against the Spartans. After all, he did play well in the 27-6 win over the Scarlet Knights. In his snaps in the second half, he completed one-of-ones passes for nine yards but rushed eight times for a team-high of 71 yards along with a touchdowns.

During Franklin’s answer, he gave credit to Pribula for his play in a reserve role following Allar’s exit.

“I still think both of those guys will have roles,” said Franklin.

“I think Beau will be ready to go,” Franklin added. “He did a great job, he didn’t flinch. The staff didn’t flinch, the players didn’t flinch. He went in and made plays like we expected him to make.”

In his first season as Penn State’s starter, Allar has thrown for just over 2,000 yards, 21 touchdowns, and only one interception on a 61% completion rate. He has also rushed in for four more scores in his sophomore campaign.

There is still a chance that, over this week, Franklin could change his mind regarding Allar’s status. For now, though, the team expects him to be a full-go in the final game of the regular season.

“It’s too early for me to say. We have not practiced yet since the game,” said Franklin. “But all indications? I would think that we’ll be back to normal.”

Franklin didn’t believe Allar injury was ‘significant’ postgame

Drew Allar left the team’s win over Rutgers with an injury.

After the game, James Franklin explained that he didn’t believe the injury is significant.

“As you guys know – I guess you have to ask, at least that’s what you guys tell me – but I’m not going to get into the medical stuff,” Franklin said. “First of all, that wouldn’t be appropriate for Drew and that wouldn’t be appropriate for his family. But I don’t see this being significant. But we will see.”

“It’s very hard for me to answer that question even if I wanted to a couple hours after it happened,” said Franklin.

Allar was running with the ball when he chose not to slide. He took a shot to the right side of his body and quickly got up. On the next play, he airmailed a ball on a receiver screen. He then took himself out of the game and did not return.