Penn State fans shocked by Beau Pribula’s heroic second-half in win over Wisconsin

Penn State always plans to work backup quarterback Beau Pribula into the gameplan, but against Wisconsin in Week 9, it’s hard to imagine that head coach James Franklin or offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki ever expected to play him for the entire second half. However, that’s exactly what they had to do after starting QB Drew Allar left the game with an injured knee and was unable to return after halftime. 

Allar was playing well before his knee was injured on a sack just before halftime with 14 completions on 18 attempts for 148 yards and a touchdown. However, the No. 3Nittany Lions trailed 10-7 with their undefeated record on the line just a week before a top-5 meeting with No. 4 Ohio State. Then, Pribula saved the day in the second half leading the Nittany Lions on two touchdown drives in the 28-?? Win on the road at Camp Randall Stadium. 

Kotelnicki often brings the redshirt sophomore onto the field for a change of pace from Allar, using his legs as a threat, however, on Saturday night Penn State fans got a good look at his arm for the first time since he arrived in Happy Valley as the other QB recruit in Allar’s 2022 class. Pribula finished 11/13 for 98 yards and a score with six carries for 28 yards, and the Penn State offense was helped out by a Jaylen Reed pick-six in the third quarter. 

Allar’s status is unknown heading into the biggest game of the season, but for now, Penn State fans are taking a moment to celebrate Pribula’s heroic effort in Madison. 

Many fans have argued that Pribula should be the starting QB, and this win could fuel that fire. Now, it’s not just Pribula’s jersey number that reminds Nittany Lions fans of Trace McSorley, who led the program to its last Big Ten title back in 2016. 

Others, the Drew Allar believers, tired of hearing from the “Beau-hive” were certainly happy to eat their words after this win kept conference championship hopes alive. 

Though, with any backup quarterback, it’s never easy on the nerves, and this win certainly wasn’t either. 

Penn State will still hope to have Allar back next week against the Buckeyes.