Drew Allar will be a game-time decision for Penn State vs. Ohio State
Franklin said the decision on Drew Allar’s status likely will go “all the way up to the game,” and that backup Beau Pribula will have to split repetitions in practice “no matter where we’re at.”
Allar suffered a (left) knee injury late in the first half on Saturday in a win over Wisconsin and did not return.
Pribula came in with the Lions trailing 10-7 and led State to a 28-13 win by completing 11-of-13 passes in the second half and running effectively.
“It’s too early to tell at this point … but the reality is we’re going to have to have both guys ready, and you can argue all three guys ready,” Franklin said.
The third-teamer is freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who, like Allar, is an Ohio native and mentored by QB coach/guru Brad Maendler.
Franklin said Grunkemeyer’s growth has been “dramatic,” adding, “he’s a nice blend of Drew and Beau.”
“I’m a huge fan of Grunk, and there’s a ton of respect in our program for him,” Franklin said. “He’s got a special future.”
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki called a “phenomenal” game at Wisconsin, Franklin said, adjusting to Pribula’s strength of running the spread offense.
He noted the OC’s flexibility but also said, “That was a little bit of a problem in the past,” in what could only be perceived as a shot at Mike Yurcich.
Sutton update
Dani Dennis-Sutton, one of the Lions’ top pass rushers, also went out of the Wisconsin game in the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury.
Sutton attempted to return in the third quarter, but that lasted one play.
Franklin said Sutton’s experience puts him in the same category as Allar, and reiterated him as a game-time decision.
Offensive tackle Anthony Rucci spelled Anthony Donkoh, who was also hurt at Camp Randall, and Franklin said both would be needed this week if Donkoh can go.
“All hands on deck”
Franklin deflected a question on whether he’s seen a pattern over the last 10 years with the Buckeyes that he can use positively in trying to clear what’s been a difficult hurdle.
He’s 1-9 against Ohio State but said, “We don’t want to change anything,” relative to the Lions’ preparation process and preferred to discuss just the present.
“We’re focused on the Ohio State team of this year and the Penn State team of this year,” he said.
The Buckeyes’ only loss came Oct. 12 at No. 1 Oregon, 32-31. OSU was idle Oct. 19 and were forced to come from behind last week to beat visiting Nebraska, 21-17.
Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is known for a spread offense, but Franklin said Kelly is equally committed to the run, and OSU backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are two of the nation’s best.
Judkins played against PSU in the Peach Bowl (for Ole Miss) before transferring.
“They’re a really good team, and we have to play really clean,” he said.
He said being at home should help.
“We’re going to need a tremendous environment, and we need this place rocking,” he said, adding he hopes the fans will stand and scream especially loudly on third down.
He called it an “all hands on deck game.”
Praiseworthy
• Franklin opened his press conference by saying he feels safety Jaylen Reed and defensive tackle Zane Durant “deserve to be in conversations nationally” for recognition as both are “leading 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 on the Lions’ injuries and mentioned some treatment the wrestlers have successfully used. Franklin said the gesture was symbolic of the PSU athletic staff “brotherhood.”
NOTABLE
• Receiver Julian Fleming transferred from Ohio State, and Franklin knows the game is particularly special for him. “It’s a big game for Julian and his family, but I also want him to treat this game the same as every other one.”
• Franklin wore an “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 couldn’t call timeout because he had used all three trying to stop the first-half clock, he said.
• Kickoff for the Nov. 9 home game vs. Washington, PSU’s designated White Out, will either be at 3:30 or 8 p.m., it was announced Monday. TV has not yet been determined.