Penn State Football: Franklin Expects Allar Back for Michigan State Clash

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is expected to be healthy enough to play on Friday when the Nittany Lions take on Michigan State at Ford Field in Detroit, coach James Franklin said on Monday afternoon.

Allar left the field this past Saturday early in the second half against Rutgers with an apparent right shoulder or arm injury. The first year starter did not return to the field of play and was replaced by backup quarterback Beau Pribula, who completed one pass but led the Nittany Lions to an eventual 27-6 final with Penn State scoring 17 second-half points.

“Yeah we expect Drew to be good to go,” Franklin said on Monday. “[And] just like we planned on last week I still think both of those guys will have roles and I think both will be ready to go. Beau 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.”

Pribula made the most of his legs on Saturday, a 39-yard scamper early in his playing time the highlight of what the hyper-mobile quarterback can do. His game-high 71 yards rushing marked a season best for Pribula, who has shown flashes all year long but has been used sparingly — if at all — during the season’s biggest moments. Previously, Pribula had been credited with 59 yards on six carries against UMass.

While Penn State is optimistic about Allar’s return and seemingly missed significant injury, Franklin did note that the team [as of noon on Monday] had not yet practiced since Saturday’s game, so some evaluation of Allar is still in the cards. That said, Franklin remained positive about Allar’s health and timely return. Allar was not made available to the media following Penn State’s win over Rutgers.

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