Let's Go State! 10-26-24 at Wisconsin
Let's Go State! 10-26-24 at Wisconsin
Penn State’s resilience faces a high-stakes test against Ohio State amid playoff hopes, Allar’s injury uncertainty, and a politically charged atmosphere in Happy Valley.
The college football (and political) world will be tuned into Happy Valley this Saturday for Penn State’s Big Noon kick against Ohio State. Penn State kept its momentum strong on Saturday night in Madison, where it took down Wisconsin 28-13.
It was another gritty comeback for a team that’s making resilience a core part of their identity. No, needing to dig out of a halftime deficit in nearly half their games isn't ideal, but the way they’ve responded to adversity should give them confidence heading into the showdown with the Buckeyes.
Saturday’s game had a bit of everything: some sloppy offense and defense, jaw-dropping one-handed tuddies, a punishing ground game that wore down the Badger defense, and Drew Allar showing flashes of his 5-star potential. We even saw Allar limp off before halftime, leaving Beau Pribula to step up and overcome some early nerves to settle in. Jaylen Reed’s pick-six, Tyler Warren getting action from the shotgun, and the Penn State defense dominating late — it was all there.
Whew. That was straight off the dome. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.
For now, let’s focus on the game before getting into Allar’s injury.
Nick Singleton told reporters postgame he’s dealing with an undisclosed injury. As I told my buddy in our Penn State group chat, this team guards injury news better than the mob guards secrets. So, we will never get details on Singleton’s condition — or Allar’s, for that matter. But to see Singleton make that insane one-handed touchdown grab, fresh off another huge touchdown versus USC, just shows how multidimensional he is, even when he’s not 100 percent.
I was also impressed with Beau Pribula. We all know he can run, but some of his passes into tight windows were clutch. It’s not as pretty as Allar’s throws, but if Pribula can make smart reads, it keeps defenses from focusing on just one part of the offense and lets the team stay dynamic.
I liked how Penn State stuck to its style, even after Allar went down and they had to punt through a rough 5-6 series stretch. Sure, they could’ve tried for a big play, but they ran their usual game plan, and it eventually paid off.
When Reed took his interception to the house in the third, I was clapping like crazy in my living room. It was a massive boost, and Franklin said postgame that it was the turning point, shifting momentum completely to Penn State.
Now for Allar’s injury: we won’t get full details, period. Franklin will get asked about it at his Monday presser, on Wednesday after open practice, and again on Thursday’s radio show. It’s the media’s job to ask, but unless they’re positive he’s good to go, Franklin will dodge the question.
Can Penn State beat a vulnerable Ohio State without Allar? Maybe. But having Allar healthy feels key for that win. He’ll be doing everything he can this week — treatment, rest, mental reps — to get ready for Saturday.
That’s my take, but Allar’s health will ultimately decide what Penn State’s QB can and can’t do.
As for game logistics, brace yourself. It’s going to be wild if you’re heading to Beaver Stadium. With the noon kickoff, fans are already pressed for time. And FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff and ESPN’s College Gameday will both be on campus.
And here’s the twist: a private citizen invited former president Donald Trump, and the university is working with the Secret Service on safety protocols. With the General Election three days away, Trump wants to make a statement in Pennsylvania, a state he needs.
Honestly? I hate it. This isn’t about politics — it’s that Trump is unfit for office because he’s a terrible person and has declining mental health. Yet, we’ll see his supporters cheering for this spectacle, especially if Penn State wins. And, of course, Trump will likely take credit.
It’s gross. I’ll get over it, but I don’t have to like it.
If you’re going to the game, get there early — like, seriously early. You don’t want to miss kickoff because you’re stuck in line.
It’s shaping up to be a great day in Pennsylvania. And while a loss might not erase all playoff hopes, I believe a win is crucial. If Penn State wants to be seen as a top-tier program, they need to change the narrative. I’m done waiting. Let’s get this win on Saturday and control our destiny.
We Are!