So far, so good: James Franklin talks Penn State QB situation in final media session before Ohio State game

James Franklin stated that he had no new updates Wednesday evening regarding the status of Drew Allar when he spoke to reporters for the final time before Penn State football takes on Ohio State this weekend. But all external signs seem to indicate that the Nittany Lions quarterback is trending toward a return to the field after exiting last week’s win over Wisconsin with an injury.

“At this stage, no new information for you guys. Game-time decisions,” Franklin said following practice, reiterating comments from his Monday press conference. “But, so far, so good, and getting both Beau [Pribula] and Drew a ton of reps in practice.”

Missing the entire second half against the Badgers after going down awkwardly on a second-quarter sack, Allar was a full participant in practice during Wednesday’s media viewing session.

Drew Allar’s first four throws from our viewing session: pic.twitter.com/a4BL9wbgkR

— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) October 30, 2024

Allar returned from the locker room Saturday night in Madison with a brace on his left knee. The junior appeared to have a brace on again Wednesday, a common occurrence for Nittany Lions quarterbacks during practice.

Penn State QB Drew Allar appears to be moving without trouble through ball-security drills. pic.twitter.com/0d10vXk4q4

— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) October 30, 2024

Franklin further elaborated on the Nittany Lions’ quarterback situation when asked about true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer. On Monday, Franklin suggested that Grunkemeyer may need to prepare to back up Beau Pribula if Allar cannot play against the Buckeyes.

However, it appears that the Penn State offense hasn’t needed to explore that route yet this week.

“If Drew was not able to practice – and you guys were at practice today – if Drew was unable to practice, then Grunk’s getting reps,” said Franklin. “But if you try to get three quarterbacks ready, you get zero quarterbacks ready.

“So you guys saw Drew was able to take reps today. So the reps have gone between Drew and Beau.”

Prospective timeline for a decision from Penn State football on Drew Allar

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Big Ten requires availability reports to be submitted two hours before kickoff. So, we should know by around 10 a.m. Saturday morning if Allar will officially be ruled out against Ohio State.

If he passes that hurdle, the next comes when Penn State football announces its starting lineups, which happens approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of each game.

However, as happened with Nicholas Singleton against UCLA, the decision to hold Allar could be made at the very last minute.

“I didn’t find out until after warm-ups, Ja’Juan [Seider] and [head athletic trainer] Andy Mutnan came into the locker room and told me,” Franklin said then. “So, literally, it was a last-minute deal.”

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